III'MMMM BBBAAACCCKKK! Anyone miss me? For those that did, a story and kisses! For those that didn't, mah, you can still read the story.
This is the continuation of Fix Me:Gently. If you haven't read it I think that's fine, it just might be a lot more fun if you have.
This story proudly holds all the WARNINGS my other stories do: a deliciously hot Iruka as well as swearing and other words your mother (and mine) told us not to use, drinking and YAOI. Don't like? Get out before I sick my bunnys and Tsume's dog's on you.
Oh, I realize after writing 15 pages that if I was following the time line like I wanted to Asuma would have been dead, but at this point I was too lazy to go back and fix it soooo…. *Throws her arms in the air and summons up a lightning storm with her bunnys doing a war dance around her* Live Asuma-san! LLLIIIIIVVVVVEEEEE!
I DO NOT OWN NARUTO. A very sad thing I know, I'm sure all of us fangirls (and boys) could tell him a thing or two about how to write his characters better.
This story is dedicated to Pink domo and theshadowvisor. Hope you guys like it!
XoX
Take a chance & never let go
Risk everything…lost nothing.
Don't worry about anything anymore.
Cry in the rain and speak up loud.
Say what you want and love who you want.
Be yourself and not what other people want to see.
Never blame anyone if you get hurt.
Because you took the risk and you decided,
Who was worth the while.
XoX
You can do this! You can do this
Iruka hunched his shoulders and hugged his arms tight around his body
Come on you coward, you're talking about walking past the guy not going up and kissing him or something, it shouldn't be this hard!
Biting his lower lip Iruka moved his gaze back to the person standing across the park. The tall, muscled body was held with relaxed grace, long legs crossed in front of the powerful form that was braced against the wall by broad shoulders, he was wearing casual cloths since it was a holiday and the toned body stood out incredibly in the army green tank top and tight black jeans, the mask was still there but a patch had replaced the hitai-ate.
Ok, so he had a crush on Hatake Kakashi, who the hell didn't?
Ya – who the hell didn't.
Iruka glanced down at himself and inwardly moaned in hopelessness. Sure it was a holiday, but of course he was still working, sure he wasn't wearing his normal uniform but he also wasn't wearing his own cloths ether.
Dark beige cargo pants that he guessed were Genma's since they stayed on his hips better than Raidou's would, the shirt –which was an off blue in colour – was defiantly Rai's, he was certain of it since the fabric bagged around his slender form and he kept having to push the shoulders back up from where they wanted to slid down to on his arms.
I must look like I borrowed my big brothers cloths, which technically I did but I had no choice!
Feeling quite miserable Iruka ducked to the side and hid his small form behind a tree. Taking a deep breath he snuck another look at the man who had been his crush for the last 15 years.
They were in Konoha's central park, it was the city's birthday and it was gorgeous out so everyone had headed outdoors – picnic baskets in hand – to celebrate the special day.
Kakashi was currently standing beside one of the gazibos, beer in hand, talking to Asuma, Aoba and two other male Jounin he knew only by sight. Kurenai, Tsume and two other Kounichi were standing by the picnic table they had dragged over to one of the park Bar-B-Q pits, which was now emitting a good solid column of smoke.
And he – he was playing 'trusty Iruka'…again.
Ha had been planning to spend the day on his balcony, just having time to himself, catch up on some non-work related reading, maybe watch a movie he hadn't seen in a while. That had been the plan until Suzume had shown up and pleaded to him to help her with the children games for the celebration some of the parents had asked her to set up. She had done so only to find out the day of that all her helpers had gone and made other plans leaving her with 50 something kids to deal with on her own.
She had looked so ready to cry when he'd opened the door of course he had said yes.
Now it was just past 5 and after 4 and a half hours of games and races all the kids had gone back to their families and cooking suppers while the exhausted Suzume had headed home, after giving the small brunette a very big grateful hug and kiss.
So Iruka – now very tired, bruised and sore – was heading home too, with every intention of collapsing once he got there. Only one problem; his house was on the other side of the park now full of people who knew him and would want him to stop and visit.
Oh, and walking past Kakashi was a problem too, don't ask why it was a problem, it just was.
His stomach growled, reminding him that he had used way more calories that he'd had to spare that afternoon and that whatever Tsume was roasting in the pit smelt very good. Damn, he just wanted to go home.
With hopeful need for food and rest in mind Iruka squared his shoulders and slipped out from behind the tree.
But, as predicted, not two steps away from his cover he heard voices calling his name, Asuma's deep brass and Kurenai's soft chime were distinctive and recognizable. Releasing a sigh Iruka made his way over to the group of Jounin, managing not to limp when he put his weight on his left leg.
Hopefully he could just say hi and chat for a few then escape for home, he was friends with Kurenai and Tsume and liked Asuma but he didn't really know the others, oh, and then there was Kakashi, but he wasn't going there.
"Hello Asuma-san, how are you?" Iruka smiled as he looked up at the big man, trying to ignore the curious and appraising looks the other 4 males were giving him.
"How am I?" Asuma laughed and reached out to pull him the last few feet he had deliberately not taken as they placed him in the middle of the powerful group.
"How are you sensei?" Kakashi's dark eye glittered as it swept over the smaller man's frame.
"Cause frankly ya look like shit" the Jounin laughed at Aoba's brass comment while Iruka grinned sheepishly, not sure how to respond, if he was with his own gang of friends he would have shot back with a jib but he didn't know Aoba very well or where the boundaries with this group were.
"Run over by a hoard of wild beasts more like" the cocky cant came from behind him just before an arm draped over his shoulder and pulled him back against a solid but curved body. Tsume; an incredibly strange woman who always treated him like they knew each other better than they really did – granted, he had taught her son to read, liked and was liked by her dogs and his mother had been her best friend. So really he guessed she thought of him as a sort of son, which was either very honoring or very scary.
Luckily – thanks to Anko – he was used to being casually touched, so he didn't start out of Tsume's hold when the older woman pressed his back flush up against her body. Instead he forced him muscles to relax and tilted his head back carefully until he could see the woman's face, her pointed teeth drawn back in a broad smile.
"Hello Tsume-san. What wild beasts would you be talking bout?"
Tsume's deep barking laugh echoed through the park "Tsume-san' he says, Ruka love you're too polite to an old bitch like me" a hand smoothed through his hair and he felt his hair tie give the moment before the long dark locks came tumbling free.
Oh, wonderful, now am I not only wearing big brothers cloths I actually look like a teenager
He felt a blush start to rise at Aoba's teasing whistle while Tsume's fingers continued to comb through his hair
"I – umm, Ts-Tsume-san could you not do th- ow"
His plea was cut short when the clawed fingers found a knot and pulled his head back under the force of their tug, causing the back of his head to hit the side of her shoulder and the 5 watching Jounin to wince.
"Oop, sorry" Tsume soothed a hand over the spot then moved it down to rest on his hip "The wild beasts being those ungrateful little brats you and what's her name were chasing around all afternoon. Kury and me saw you"
Iruka looked over the see 'Kury' and the other two females had come over and were now standing with the males, he also saw that even if Tsume hadn't had one arm draped across his chest and the other placed firmly on his hip he would now be surrounded and very trapped by the group of 9 Jounin.
"Little brats?" one of the females he didn't know with short curly blond hair and dark blue eyes tilted her head toward him "You were running the children's games?"
"And then some!" Kurenai smiled at him form her spot beside Asuma "There must have been 50 of them at least, your leg ok Ruka? That one boy practically body slammed you into the rocks."
"Ya, its fine" least I think so. He hadn't had any time to check it after he got 'body slammed' by the very solid 12 year old who must have been related to Chouji. It stung a bit so he guessed minor bruising was the case.
Looking up he saw most of the Jounin frowning, Kakahsi's eye was narrowed and Asuma seemed to be checking him for signs of injury. Kakashi flicked a hand toward his left leg, the words 'there, you can see the stain' were muttered quietly at the other 4 males. Iruka held up his hands, the reassurance of "I'm fine really" were almost out of his mouth when all in a moment Aoba was kneeling on the ground in fount of him, pushing his pant leg up.
The bulky man let out a low whistle "How long you been walking on this Sensei?"
Iruka opened his mouth to snap that he was fine and didn't need help with a banged up knee when he looked down, saw what Aoba was talking about and swallowed the sharp words instantly.
Somehow he had managed to skin the enter left side of his knee and split a long gash down the length of his calf, stopping at the top of solid leather boot that seemed to have protected the rest of his leg and his foot from the scar worthy cut.
One problem; they weren't his boots.
Hopefully they wouldn't notice that.
He gave a yelp of protest when he felt himself being picked up and moved to the wooden picnic table where he was set down and set upon before he could say anything. Tsume was in front of him now and was carefully removing the boot while Kurenai and the other female with long dark purple hair stood behind her as they unwrapped a length of bandage from the purple haired woman's arm.
The other Jounin had moved too and were now standing nearby, watching and still surrounding him.
Don't Jounin have anything better to do then this?
A sharp shock of pain made him gasp and turn his attention back to Tsume who was running her fingers over the wound
"Well, the good news is since the fabric didn't break there's no rocks or anything in the wound, bad news is it's a damn good cut and he'll be limping a week at least. Kashi, you want to bind it? You've always been better at it than me"
Iruka felt his face heat when the silver crown nodded and the tall man moved forward to kneel in front of him.
"I-I can do that Kakashi-san"
The protest had sounded stronger in his mind, as it was Kakashi only smiled and shook his head as took the white cloth from Kurenai.
"It's fine sensei, I have no objections" as if to prove his point the long pale fingers skillfully streaked up his leg playfully, making Iruka fight the urge to hunch his shoulders and moan.
Legs, sides and hair; three very sensitive places on his body that would have him turned to putty if played with for too long.
Now he really didn't want a group of Jounin who all seemed to have no qualms about touching him to know that.
Kakashi repeated the movement and he couldn't stop the shudder in time, the copy nin paused for a moment, a curious light in the dark grey eye that slowly turned smug when the genius mind realized what had caused the reaction.
Iruka ducked his head forward, glad at least that his hair would hide his blushing face. He was surrounded by Jounin who insisted on touching him, had discovered his ninja skills were so low he'd gotten his leg split open by a 12 year old and he was wearing girl's boots.
Someone kill him please?
"Maa, sensei" Kakashi's voice and a soft tug of linen on his leg made him look back up at the grey orb
"Y-yes Kakashi-san?"
The orb curved up into an U as the copy nin tilted his head to the side "Not the insult your fashion sense but may I ask whose cloths your wearing?"
The blush was back, hotter than before, Aoba half teasing comment of "They your boyfriends?" didn't help much ether. Tsume plunked herself down on the wood beside him and threw an arm around his shoulders, pulling him back up against her "What's this now? Who managed to snatch you up and not tell anyone?"
"N-no one" Iruka struggled to breath normally as Kakashi – now done with his task of binding the wound – had gone back to running his fingers up and down the small, toned lag, dark eye never leaving the scarred face while he waited for the sensei to answer.
"I don- don't have a boyfriend, there Rai's, and Genma's. I don't own very many cloths anymore cause everyone 'borrows' things, indefinitely, so I have to wear the stuff they leave at my place. Kakashi-san would you please stop doing that?"
Kakashi grinned but complied to his request. Standing he picked up the black leather boot and examined it.
"They take your shoes too?"
"Yup"
"So, whose are these?"
"Anko's" he was probably wearing her underwear too, but they didn't need to know that.
One of the Jounin snorted "So, either Anko's got big feet or you've got girls legs"
Iruka felt his temper bubble and whipped around to send a jib back at the other man, when he remembered he didn't know the guy and everyone there outranked him. He snapped his mouth shut and looked back down at his lap.
When he thought about it now most of the gang he usually hung out with outranked him too. Rai, Gen and Anko were all Tokubetsu Jounin, Naruto, who was almost 20 now and well on his way to being Hokage and Ibiki, who had surprisingly joined the group after his breakdown in the chuunins house a few months earlier. Kotetsu and Izumo were the only ones the same rank and they didn't come that often and when they did, they never left his side, confirming his suspicion they were only there to be with him.
So honestly, he was used to being forward with those outside of his rank, hell, he'd probably yelled at ANBU in the mission room on occasion, but something about this group was setting him on edge.
Well, you're tired, sore, hungry, getting teased and Kakashi was touching you, wonder why your outta depth here.
Mmm, Kami bless his sarcastic mind.
Asuma seemed to have noticed his reaction and knew him well enough through his wife to know it was out of character. Iruka saw the bearded man open his mouth –probably to rebuke his friend – when the stubborn side of him kicked in to gear.
He would NOT let these Jounin push him around.
"I may have girls legs Jounin-sama but I wouldn't go around saying stuff about Anko's body if I were you, it's proven to have violent, painful and traumatizing consequences"
There was a stunned silence, broken by Tsume's howl of laughter "You tell him Ruka love, than again none of us would really miss Genyu, he's got a mouth on him and your much prettier" Tsume gulfed while Genyu flushed in good measured shame.
Glancing a look at Kurenai Iruka saw that the red eyed woman was positively beaming at him, like she was proud her little chuunin friend had edged his way into her powerful group. Maybe she was, but that didn't really make much sense to Iruka, she was probably just thinking of something happy and happened to be looking his way.
As he was still trapped with Tsume at his side and Kakashi towering above him he decided to try and escape the strange protective circle he had somehow walked into by talking to the one person he actually knew about something he was good with.
"Kurenai, where's Harzin-chan? I would think if he's anything like his dad he'd love a Bar-B-Q"
Asuma scowled in fun at Iruka's playful reminder of all the Bar-B-Q he had treated his team too. The rest of the Jounin laughed while Kurenai's smile grew wider.
"He's with Shikamaru, they went over to Chouji's so Asuma and I could have a little break."
"Shikamaru has enough of an attention span to watch Harzin?" Iruka tilted his head to the side, his brown eyes big and serious "Wow, impressive, especially since last time I saw him your little chibi was approaching Naruto level in pure hyper energy"
Kurenai blushed beautifully while Asuma let out a chuckle "You've got a point there but Shika will be fine – to an extent – he's got the entire Akimichi household helping him so we're not too worried"
Iruka paused to envision a –most likely – exhausted Shikamaru chasing his sensei's red eyed four and a half year old around the Akimichi clan garden while the food loving family tried to 'fatten him up' every time he stopped moving.
"Oh poor Shikamaru"
Asuma burst out laughing while his wife grinned evilly "What?" the genjisu user fringed innocence "It will be good for him and besides he offered to do it`
"Doubt he'll make that mistake again" the curly blond was refilling her wine glass from one of the 6 open bottles on the table "Toast to the poor kids fate?"
Aoba nodded and pulled a new beer from the ice box "Wonderful suggestion Ali, Sensei, want an amber?"
Oh shit, they were offering him drinks; did that mean they were expecting him to stay the evening with them? More pressing problem, how to explain to the big man he didn't really drink.
"Umm, I have to say no thank you to the alcohol Aoba-san"
"Why, you a lightweight?"
He could see himself strangling Genyu, or at least hanging the man by his toes from the big oak he'd found last week, maybe spray painting his house hot pink – the non-wash off kind of course.
Kurenai must have seen the crazed light rising in the brown eyes and came to the other man's rescue "Ruka is in no way a lightweight, he's beat Raidou in shot games before, he just doesn't care for the taste and so sees no reason to drink"
Iruka smiled at Kurenai and grudgingly forgot his plans to draw scroll summons for piranhas in the man's bathtub. It really was creative though, he'd have to save it for someone special.
Thankfully the Jounin seemed to have taken it graciously as Aoba shrugged, popped the cap off the beer and swigged it himself before going back to digging in the cooler, while Tsume finally removed her arm from around him and went to check on the Bar-B-Q pit, Genyu and Ali had started talking to the other male and Kakashi had slipped into Tsume's old spot while the purple haired female joined Kurenai and Asuma closer to him.
Iruka stiffen as soon as Kakashi had sat down and moved casually into his space, he saw Kurenai open her mouth to speak when the purple haired woman stepped forward and gave him an awkward bow, stating "Ùzuki Yugao, nice to meet you"
Yugao, why did that sound – ah yes, a Jounin who had only recently started taking A and B ranks from the mission room, meaning she was an ANBU who had only just gotten out of the black op world. No wonder she was still awkward and shaky around other people.
Well, he would do what he could.
"Yugao-san" Iruka nodded his head respectfully to the woman – he couldn't get up to bow, Kakashi's legs were blocking his "Nice to meet you finally, I've seen you in the mission room but never had the chance to ask your name"
She looked shocked for a moment, like it had never occurred to her that he might recognize her from anywhere, she seemed to take a little while to decide of it was ok or not but then she smiled – it was still awkward but there seemed to be less effort behind it – nodded her head and then walked over to the other three, satisfied with her new socializing for the day.
"Here! I knew I had brought some! Damn my hands are cold now."
Iruka turned to look over at Aoba who was beaming, a light green bottle held in one dripping wet hand.
"I threw it in case someone wanted a shandy "
He strode over and proudly showed off the bottle of sprite he must have spent the last few minutes digging through the ice for. Iruka saw Kurenai roll her eyes while Asuma furrowed his brows in what looked like confusion, Iruka joined him there, though he didn't really know Aoba he'd heard about the man from others and everyone was clear on the fact that, though he was not lazy, he rarely went out of the way for someone unless they were a best bud or he expected to get something from them.
He certainly didn't count in the 'best bud' category so that meant Aoba wanted something from him, not a very comforting thought to say the least.
More confusing was how Kakashi had gone ridged beside him; he glanced over to see the dark eye masked in warning that was directed at the other Jounin. That was weird, so, Kakashi knew what Aoba wanted and didn't approve? Even more then less than comforting.
Aoba had noticed Kakashi's glare by now and nervously shifted on his feet a moment before brightening again "I'll just leave it here then" was said cheerily as the glass bottle was set down on the wood table just as Tsume called "Grubs Up!" to the group.
Seeing the chance to politely escape Iruka straightened and tried to force his legs out from where they were trapped behind Kakashi's sprawled ones.
"I'll head off then and let you have your supper, Kakashi-san if I could have my boot back-"
"WHAT?" Tsume's exclamation cut him off "Leave just cause chows ready?" she stomped over and gave him a glare that made him finally understand why Kiba had always talked about his mother in feared reverence.
"You've been chasing pups around all afternoon and I've got more than enough food, it's not like you eat as much as pork chop here" one clawed fist moved and socked an unsuspecting Aoba in the gut "Or chimney" a clawed finger pointed at Asuma who looked like he was fighting the instinct to block "You're staying" was said with so much force and command that Iruka's training kicked in and the response "Yes ma'am" came out meekly before he could stop it.
The surrounding Jounin all looked a little surprised at the response until they realized what had caused it, Kakashi chuckled and saluted Tsume with two fingers while the spiky haired woman growled at him before grinning at the chuunin, sharp canines flashing slightly in the light.
"Good, Kury help me with the chow, Genyu move the drinks off the table and make room, Kakashi, unless you plan of eating it or wearing it give Ruka Anko-chan's boot back"
The gathered Jounin laughed as they moved to do as the ninkin captain had ordered, Kakashi's eye gave that funny curved smile while still gleaming with a seductive side.
"Maa, I was hoping if I hid it he'd have to let one of us carry him home"
Iruka was sure his heart stopped for a moment. Had Kakashi really just-?
"I sincerely hoped it would have been me"
He nearly jumped out of his skin when the cloth covered lips brushed again his ear, his heart was now defiantly skipping every other beat. He was, he really was. Kakashi was hitting on him.
This is what he had hoped for, for years. Honestly, he'd started liking the white haired man when they were teens, him 13 and hopelessly crushing on the handsome 16 year old, already more powerful than he ever dreamed of becoming.
15 years later he still had the hopeless crush, but had never dared to think – to hope – that Kakashi would notice him like that.
It seemed now he really was so – what the hell was he supposed to do?
Tsume saved him for the time being by charging in and dropping a whole roast turkey down in the middle of the table, it was followed by about 2 pound of roast potatoes, a bucket of veggies and dip, 3 loaves of garlic bread wrapped in foil, a plate of rare stakes and 4 blackberry pies.
Ok, so she hadn't been kidding when she'd said there'd be enough food.
"Tsume this looks amazing!"
Iruka was pleasantly surprised when the tough woman tinged a pale pink at Kurenai's compliment.
"Well, it's not what they'll be serving at the Akimichi's but it will have to do"
It was said with a bit of a hotty air and Iruka couldn't resist grinning at the clan leader, she was right, it was in no way the fancy spread Choji's mother was no doubt serving, it was the simple, wholesome spread of an Inuzuka and he had to say he preferred it.
He told the woman so when she moved close enough to him so he could whisper in her ear. Apparently her cooking skills were a hidden weak spot because he'd never seen the spiky haired Jounin blush like that.
Everyone just stepped up to fill their plates – with the exception of him, he was handed a heaping plate full by the beaming chef herself – and stood back to talk – again with the exemption of him as he was still stuck sitting on the bench, Tsume on his right, one leg casually draped over his and Yugao on his left, not touching him but apparently she decided he was fine and wouldn't attack her at a moment's notice. He had offered his seat to Kurenai but Tsume had growled when he'd tried to move, causing the red eyed Kounichi and her husband to give him sympathetic but amused looks.
Kakashi had filled his plate and disappeared into the shadow of the gazibo to eat in peace. It must have been a normal thing for the group as they mostly just ignored him and let him have his space.
Iruka was mildly glad, now he had more time to sort through the panic that was Kakashi hitting on him.
Was the Jounin just teasing? Or was he serious? If so was the man going for a date or a one night stand? His heart skipped a beat at the thought of a date but ached the next at the prospect of a one night fling. Would he be able to bare something like that? To finally have his crush with him – and know it meant absolutely nothing to the other man.
He speared another potato on his fork and glanced back over at the man in the shadows.
Would the pain be worth finally knowing what it was like?
Iruka turned his gaze back to his still half full plate, there was no way he could eat any more of it but he didn't want to upset Tsume by giving it back. He really should have just filled his own plate with an amount he could have finished but everything had happen so damn fast!
"You done with that?'
Apparently they were playing musical chairs with him as center, he glanced up to see Aoba now slouching in the seat to his right, he looked around for Tsume and spotted her tearing into the turkey remains in true Inuzuka style.
Looking back at Aoba he noticed the man staring at his plate hopefully, he laughed, relived and thankful, and handed it over to the big man.
"If you want it help yourself, I really can't eat anymore"
The Jounin happily accepted the plate and began to devour the remaining contents as soon as it left the sensei's hands. After a moment he slowed and glanced over at the younger male out of the corner of his eye.
Iruka, aware he was under scrutiny, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Looking around he realized most of the Jounin had separated back into groups of male and female with the exception of Tsume who was now demolishing the stakes, Yugao who was still sitting on his left side but seemed to have zoned out, happily humming into her half eaten piece of pie, Kakashi who was still just watching from his shaded spot and of course Aoba who was now almost done finished cleaning the plate and seemed to be the only person now paying attention to him.
Well, it always could have been Genyu.
"Yes Aoba-san?"
It was an abrupt question but brought to light that he knew the other man was staring at him. The big shoulders shrugged and the Jounin leaned closer so Iruka could smell the beer in his breath.
"I was just wondering – two things actually"
He braced himself for whatever strange creepy questions the Jounin might ask and told himself to be nice and try to answer-
"Are you a shemale?"
And not scream 'WHAT?' at the top of his lungs.
A crazed look must have flashed across his face because Aoba seemed to realize he'd hit a nerve and tried to backpedal.
"Sorry, is that word offensive? I can't pronounce the fancy medical one"
Iruka sighed and ran a hand through his hair, fighting the urge to slam his head against the picnic table. Glancing over he saw Yugao still humming softly, her eyes slightly closed and misty, he wasn't going to be getting any help from her. Sighing again he looked back over at Aoba, he shouldn't get mad, it was an honest question – sort of.
I can't believe I'm really doing this, only a Jounin would ask something like that.
"I really wouldn't know Aoba-san, my parents died when I was 9 so if I am they never told me. Why? Does it matter?"
Did it? He always had known he had a more feminine figure with his smaller, slender body and more compact muscles, he knew very well his back and hips were more curved and his eyes just big enough to make his whole face look softer but that was just physical appearance, the fact he could do things like cook and sew were due to his mother and having to make all his own meals from the age of 10, it was just part of who he was, just like Genma not being able to make instant ramen without setting something or himself on fire or Anko not being able to look at the colour pink without gagging was fine – a bit strange but fine. It was a matter of personality, Tsume was in no way a 'normal' woman in the sense of the word but she was a still a very fun and interesting person.
He stopped his musing and went back to the real world when Aoba started talking again, a slightly panicked tone in the deep voice.
"No! No of course it doesn't matter! I was just curious that's all"
Who just asks stuff like that out of curiosity? Oh right, I'm talking to a Jounin.
Iruka brushed aside the thought and waved his hand in dismissal at the man's shameful tone
"That's fine; it's just not what I was expecting you to ask. You said there were two things? What's the second?"
Aoba squinted at him a moment before leaning back in.
"How old are you?"
Now that was easily answered "28"
Aoba's eyes widened to the extent Iruka was worried they'd fall out
"Holy shit! 28? Really? Your shitting me, you've got to be!"
"Why? What must Iruka-san be doing Aoba-san?" Yugao had finished her pie and snapped out of her day dream in time to hear the last part of the big man's exclamation.
Aoba was unfazed by the woman's strange way of speaking and instead placed his big hands on Iruka's slender shoulders and turned the smaller male toward the ANBU.
"Here Yugao, going just by sight, how old do you think the sensei is?"
Yugao blinked owlishly for a moment before deciding she would play the silly game. Reaching out a delicate hand she hooked her fingers under the mocha toned chin and raised the small head slightly so she could see better.
"Just by looks? Mmm – 19"
"SEE?" Aoba shook him "See? What's the secret sensei, to looking 9 years younger?"
Iruka was blushing furiously and was once again unsure how to reply, also Yugao still had him in her grip and was showing no signs of letting go "I-I don't know. Umm, Tsume-san took my hair tie?"
Well that was the biggest problem; he always looked younger with his hair down. He gasped when Yugao let go of his chin in favor of running her painted fingers through his hair.
He bit his lip to stop a moan.
First my legs now their playing with my hair! Someone! Help me!
The dainty hands gathered the chocolate locks and bundled them up for a moment before letting them fall back into place around his face.
"Mmm, he's right, having the hair down makes him look younger" Yugao frowned thoughtfully before smiling again "He has really soft hair" was stated happily while the dainty fingers continued to comb lazily through the dark strands.
Gah! No! Stop! Now! I need you to stop now!
Despite his best efforts to resist he found himself leaning forward slightly in response to the touch. His eyes were closed so he couldn't see Aoba's look of glee at the discovered weak spot and Yugao's happy surprise at having another human being respond positively to her touch.
"More pie!"
Tsume's call pulled Iruka out of his trance while Yugao hands retreated in shock and Aoba jumped up at the prospect of more food.
Glancing around Iruka noticed it had started to get dark and many of the families had begun to pack up, mothers, fathers and older siblings sharing the tasks of carrying empty picnic baskets and sleeping little ones. He spotted a few of the 'pups' from the afternoon, completely spent from the day of fun, a few of the mothers saw him and smiled, no doubt grateful for the quiet evening ahead.
There was no longer anyone pinning his legs in place so he hopped up, wincing slightly when he put weight on his left leg, a firm but gentle hand on his lower back made him gasp and whip around.
"Shh, just me sensei"
Kakashi's curved eye smiled down at him, the jounin slowly removed his hand but didn't step away, deciding to just let the man be weird Iruka turned and limped his way over to Kurenai. From the sound of it she and Asuma were saying goodbye too.
"Going to save Shikamaru?"
Kurenai grinned at him "If you mean by 'save' relieve him of Hrazin yes, but we're not getting him out of the Akimichi's, I've had to talk my way out of one their dinners before and am not eager to repeat the experience. You heading home now too?"
There, that was what he had needed to hear. Kurenai was a wonderful person but she was still a jounin and so worked in her own strange system, he had discovered years ago that things went better when he waited for her permission and her question hadn't been so much a question – she knew very well that he would have left a while ago if they had let him – but a statement that she appreciated him staying the evening but since she was leaving he was free to also.
He nodded, smiling as he answered. Ok, the day hadn't gone anything like he'd planned but he still had enjoyed it very much. "Ya, if that's ok. Tsume's wonderful food and all the games are starting to take effect. I'm afraid I might pass out on the table soon here, but thank you for letting me stay"
There were chuckles and Kurenai's eyes glowed happily.
"Ah! No trouble at all sensei!" Tsume beamed at him from across the table where she and Aoba were fighting over the last pie "Would you like someone to accompany you back?"
Aoba snapped out of argument mode and turned to look at him "Company? You're heading off? Ah! Hang on I'll-"
"I'll walk him home"
Kakashi's voice was firm and clear, causing Aoba to shut his mouth quickly. Iruka felt him face growing hot, not really caring that it was the copy nin he was talking to shot back.
"I can walk home myself thank you Kakashi-san, I'm not an invalid and I don't need a babysitter"
Kakashi looked surprised for a moment then switched to being pleased that Iruka was fighting him.
"I'm not saying or suggesting you do, I'm simply planning on walking back with you, we live in the same area so there's no reason not to go back together" there was a smug look in the dark eye and Iruka could practically hear the older man's thoughts.
You can't fight that reasoning and you can't fight me, not here, not surrounded by a group of my friends, so just give it up and let me win.
Damn bastard liked it when he fought cause he liked winning, Iruka sighed "Fine, have it your way" he bowed to the group and thanked Tsume again (he noticed she had his hair tie around her wrist but decided it was more trouble than it was worth to get it back) and started off across the now night filled park, not waiting for Kakashi as he did. Crush or not the man was being annoying and besides, he was the legendary copy nin, he could defiantly catch up to a limping school teacher.
"I wasn't saying you weak if that's what you thought"
Iruka rolled his eyes "Of course not. You, the Sharingan Kakashi whom has only ever known and interacted with me on a 'professional' level offers to walk the academy sensei who got taken out by a 12 year old home, why would anyone think your complying I'm weak?"
He knew sarcasm was fine when talking to Kakashi, they'd argued in the mission room enough for the older man to understand that Iruka wasn't being malicious or anything but sarcasm and personal jibs were just a part of who he was. Iruka always suspected the jounin liked it.
"In case you didn't notice no one else was brave enough to take on the kids games and I got injured trying to keep tabs on three 12 year olds, hand me 50 of the things and someone would die. You're not weak and I just wanted to walk with you"
Iruka bit his lip and looked up at the jounin. He was being respectful and not trying to help him walk, which he was thankful for as it would have hurt his pride more than he cared to admit. Instead the tall man just kept a slow and easy stride, letting Iruka walk the speed he could comfortably.
He shook his head "Fine, you just wanted to walk across the dark park at a limping pace with a sarcastic chuunin. Oh, and I wasn't the only person willing to help with the games, I was just the only one with no other plans but thank you for the moral support"
He heard Kakashi snort and grinned. So he had no chance with man, but he could make him laugh and was good enough for him.
They were nearing the end of the park were brightly lit houses replaced the dim lanterns. Iruka figured they'd say goodbye there as his apartment was down the street and to the left while Kakashi's house was closer to the edge of town.
He stopped on the street corner and turned to the other man, intending to bow and part ways when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"It's a nice night and I said I'd walk you home"
He looked up at the grey eye and found it calm and serious but with a spark of something he couldn't place playing just out of reach.
"What do you want?"
The words had left his mouth before he could think about them or what they meant but he watched – a shivering feeling tingling up his spine – as the grey eye took on a predatory gleam and the tall man leaned closer.
"Take me home and find out"
A shudder ran through his body and his brain shut down. The strong hands moved lower and the masked lips brushed against his skin.
"Iruka, let me take you home"
His brain finally snapped back into gear, decided the other male was standing way to close and made him try to jump away from him, 'try' being the key word as Kakashi had a very firm hold with his arms around the slender waist, so not only did Iruka not go anywhere but the action caused him bounce and slam back against the taller body.
Kakashi chuckled and maneuvered him until he was pinned against a light post. Once there and sure the chuunin couldn't escape the copy nin reached up a hand, pulled down his mask, tangled his other hand in the chocolate coloured hair, tilted the small face upwards and proceeded to kiss the younger man senseless.
Iruka's muffled moans were swallowed by the hungry lips that continued to assault his for what seemed like hours, strong teeth nibbled and bit at his lips, a hot tongue lapped and licked until every inch of his mouth had been sensitized and caressed while the hand in his hair used its grip to turn his head and give the talented mouth better access to his.
They were breathing heavily when Kakashi finally stopped, Iruka was pretty sure he was seeing stars, the fact the famous, handsome face was unmasked didn't quite register when the warm bare lips whispered next to his ear, sending shivers down his spine.
"Iruka, what's your house number?"
He froze what should he do? Tell? Let the copy nin have his way? Or stop it now while he still-
"No.16 Ridge Apartments"
Of course his mouth betraying everything before he could decide worked too.
If he had been able to see the jounin's face he would have seen the man's satisfied, smug grin and lust tinged eye, he felt the taller body pressed against his shudder while the pale hands left his hair to form seals.
A dizzying sensation and a puff of smoke found him pinned against the door of his apartment with Kakashi's lips happily exploring his jaw and neck. He moaned and rolled one shoulder back, not realizing until too late that this action would cause Raidou's shirt to slip back down his arm.
Kakashi's eye gleamed at the sight of more coffee toned skin to explore; like he wanted the younger inside and in privet so he could expose it all.
Hands ran down his body, searching, while Kakashi panted against his neck.
"Keys- Iruka, where are – your keys?"
"N-no keys, chukra seal. Let go?"
Iruka tugged at his arm Kakashi had in his hold, the jounin moaned in what seemed to be protest but he stepped back and let the chuunin turn to draw the symbols needed on the door.
What the hell are you doing?
Some – most likely – more sensible part of his mind screamed at him while he unlocked the door and he had to admit, he had no clue, he rarely did this sort of thing and even when he did he knew very clearly how the other person regarded him. He wanted Kakashi, he'd wanted Kakashi for years and from the way the other male was running hot kisses across the back of his neck it was safe to say the jounin wanted him too.
At the moment.
There was no chance the other man wanted him in the same emotional level. There was one outcome to this and Iruka knew he was going to get hurt. He shuddered and bit his bottom lip, his hand frozen in the last sign.
Kakashi paused when his body tensed, the questioning whisper of "Iruka?" had him closing his eyes before finishing the sign and opening the door, reaching back and turning he found Kakashi's lips with his and slowly began leading the older man into his small apartment.
He was tired of being sensible Iruka and sick of watching, Kakashi was here and this was real, he would pick up the pieces of his heart later.
The door was kicked shut and as soon as its wood frame slammed back into place Kakashi's attitude changed in the instant. They were alone now with no one to see, giving the jounin his chance to take what he wanted, which in simplicity was everything.
He had Iruka shirtless and against the wall before the younger male could breathe.
Iruka wasn't a slut – he didn't sleep with very many people and never with a complete stranger – but he wasn't a prude ether, he'd had enough experience to honestly say that no one had ever treated him like Kakashi. The other man's mouth was everywhere, licking, biting, tasting every inch of dark skin it could find, his body was racked with shudders and he was having trouble drawing in enough air.
Finally when the jounin paused to moved back up the smaller body Iruka managed to clear his head. Kakashi was there but the older man did not get to have all the fun, Iruka grinned as his mischievous side began to rise.
When he has been younger all the mischief had gone to pranks, but when he got older and was told to 'grow up' the sly little imp had been shut away, only to be seen by close friends and – those that got intimate with the brown eyed chuunin.
Reaching up he wrapped his arms around Kakashi's neck and drew himself up against the tall body. Kakashi's husky "what are-?" turned quickly into a surprised moan when the full lips brushed the pale skin before strong teeth bit down on the sensitive juncture between the neck and shoulder.
He bit hard enough for pleasure but not enough to mark, licking the area soothingly after he moved his hands down and slid them easily under the light green tank, fingers playing up taunt abs while he continued to gently lick and nibble at the pale neck and shoulders.
Iruka was fairly good at gauging people and because of it often – unwittingly – ended up treating people in the way they never knew they wanted. He was almost overly polite to Tsume when everyone else treated her like the tough bitch she always acted like, he was gentle with Anko when everybody else was rough, and he lectured Genma when others just rolled their eyes. Many times the main thing was to treat the other with a respect they themselves didn't know they wanted.
He's discovered years ago that the same rules applied in a physical relation. When he'd slept with Ibiki the big man had become confused and unbalanced when the control had shifted, as with his stature and reputation most people would have just let the scarred jounin have his way and be too scared to touch back.
Applying this thinking to Kakashi he guessed many of the people the Jounin slept with just assumed the man liked things rough and couldn't be bothered to think other ways.
He was pleased when Kakashi began to respond to his gentle, almost teasing touches. The sliver head rolled back while the pale hands braced against the wall, entrapping the clever little chuunin between the steel taunt arms.
Iruka didn't mind, he just pushed the tank top up farther until he was tugging on it, realizing what was wanted Kakashi slowly lifted his arms and let the little sensei remove it completely before the grey eye rolled back as the hot little mouth moved to his bared chest to continue to play.
Staying with the soft touches Iruka trailed his hands down the tall body, going tortuously slow and finding all the presser points they could, ones that made the jounin wince, shudder and moan were all used in some way while he continued to gently kiss and lick every inch of skin his mouth found.
As he'd learned with Ibiki there would most likely be a limit to how long the strange treatment could be tolerated before Kakashi would snap back and once again demand control. In a way it was a breaking point but a good one that showed something rather than taking.
A very wolfish growl followed by long fingers tangling through his hair were the signals his play was over. Kakashi emphasized this by slamming him back against the wall and tugging down hard on his hair before claiming his lips aggressively, the speed and force that Kakashi took had him helpless to do anything but dig his nails into the jounin's shoulder and bicep and surrender to the sensations, filling the room with the sound of moans and labored breath as Kakashi happily kissed the younger to oblivion.
"Iruka" Kakashi's own shallow breathing whispered against his cheek "Iruka bed now damn it or I'll take you right here"
Iruka moaned and tugged on the older man's left arm, turning the grey eye to see the open doorway on the other side of the room. He couldn't remember how they'd gotten across his living room but there'd been lots of stumbling he was sure (he assumed this from the state of the place in the morning)
Upon reaching the bed Kakashi pushed him down and eagerly crawled over top of him, bringing the thin lips back down to the mocha toned abs, the tall body shuddered at Iruka's moan. He felt the long fingers pull almost desperately at the waist band of his pants, raising his hips to help Iruka gasped as the jounin all but ripped them off his body, the sound of something more solid being thrown was heard and he nearly laughed, he'd still been wearing Anko's boots.
All mirth left however when he felt hot breath brush over his now bare crotch. He felt Kakashi's hands on his legs as the older man spread them to make room for his own body. He looked down to meet with the sight of Kakashi's lust filled eye, the grey had darkened to almost black and the gaze he was receiving had his mouth growing dry.
"You're beautiful"
Iruka's eyes widened at the words Kakashi didn't seem to realize he'd said out loud. A calloused hand ran smoothly up his right leg while the sharp nose nuzzled the inside of his thigh, causing a needy moan to escape through his lips. A low lust filled growl answered him as he reached down and hooked a finger through one of the belt loops on the jounin's black jeans, tugging on it to show what he wanted.
Kakashi quite willingly moved back up and quickly stripped off the jeans and his underwear and tossed both over the side of the bed.
Braced with his forarms on either side of the chuunin's neck Kakashi leaned down to claim the kiss bruised lips for a third time, he went slower this time, as if he was savoring the taste.
The slow pace however disappeared entirely when Iruka's imp rose again. Kakashi's surprised, husky and oh so needy groan was very satisfying in the imps opinion and the action that had caused it well worth repeating.
Dark fingers ran back down the underside of the jounins cock, then changing the position of his hand he pumped the hard length in a way he knew would send shocks of pleasure up the older man's spine.
"Fuck"
Kakashi swore and bit down on the mocha shoulder, hard. Iruka cried out on shock- shit that's gonna leave a mark- and got back by repeating his previous movement.
"Damn you!"
Kakashi grabbed his hand and pinned it by his head before leaning in to whisper "You will not make me come from a hand job Iruka. I will make you scream for more before I'm done with you"
Iruka chuckled "Is that a promise?"
Kakashi's wolfish grin was his reply as the Jounin reached over him for the drawer of his bed side table, realizing what he was looking for Iruka blushed, he did have lube there however-
"Don't do this often Sensei?" Kakashi grinned down at him, sealed tube in his hand. The blush grew hotter and he opened his mouth to snap at the older man but he never got a chance as in fluid and blinding speed Kakashi ripped the top off the plastic tube and squeezed a good amount on his hand.
All thought of speech left Iruka when he felt the first finger enter him, he squirmed, uncomfortable with the sensation for a moment until Kakashi hissed in annoyance and shifted his hand, searching for the right spot. Iruka's loud keen signaled he'd found it and the thin lips smirked happily, jabbing the spot once more had the chuunin arching his slender body into the touch and moaning in the most satisfying way, causing Kakashi to bite his lip and hurry on with his work.
The second digit was slipped in gently while Iruka pulled the Jounin in to a heated kiss, trying to distract himself from the slight unavoidable sting that grew when the long fingers began to scissor him open.
The third was added and Iruka felt it burn a bit, but he supposed that was his fault for finding a wonderful little sweet spot on the pale neck that when licked actually had Kakashi whimpering, course exploiting said weakness meant the jounin wasn't paying as much attention to what his hand was doing but if he kept making that noise Iruka really didn't care about a little pain.
"You little-" Kakashi's breath brushed over his face and the copy nin pulled away, gently sliding his fingers from Iruka's body he grabbed one slender hip and moved the smaller man until he could wrap his legs around the pale waist.
Iruka watched as Kakashi's eye slid shut and the silver head fell back as the Jounin ever so slowly lowered himself into his tight body. Biting his own lip at the overwhelming feeling of slowly being filled, a gasp escaped through his lips and a shudder racked his frame when Kakashi finally pushed all the way in.
The older man was panting slightly and his eye was half open and glazed as it looked back down at him "Move" his own voice sounded very breathless but it seemed to have a wonderful effect on Kakashi who closed his eye again and leaned forward, moving one hand to rest on the curve of his back. Seemingly satisfied that he was balanced and wouldn't accidently fall on the smaller male Kakashi happily obeyed the order to move and slid half way out of Iruka before slamming back in almost ruthlessly.
Iruka's pleasure filled cry echoed around the room and Kakashi groaned; repeating the movement again and again until they were both mindless from sensation and Iruka was writhing beneath the older man with every move.
Holy damn! Iruka couldn't remember the last time anything had felt this good, he couldn't consciously recall exactly where they were or how they'd got there and he couldn't seem to stop or control the sounds coming from his throat, the only thought in his head that remotely made any sense was that he wanted Kakashi to be making the same sounds.
Chocolate eyes snapped back open and before the Jounin could process the impish gleam in their depths a very loud, pleasure filled cry was drawn from his throat and he nearly lost his balance as Iruka shifted under him and rolled his hips making the older man gasp at the sensation while his vision flashed white.
Nimble fingers ran skillfully up the pale torso and back, sensitizing old scars until the taller body was shaking with need. Kakashi moan and used his grip on the dark, curved hip to reline himself until he had the chuunin screaming when he thrust into the tight little body. Moving faster the jounin nearly choked on his breath when Iruka twisted his hips again to meet his thrust, it was too much and with a feral cry Kakashi came hard.
Iruka's breathing hitched when he felt the nearly scalding heat fill him, the sight and feel of Kakashi as he hit his climax was all he needed to be sent over the edge himself, head thrown back as white pleasure took him and his cry filled the room.
He felt Kakashi slump boneless on top of him, their harsh, uneven breath mixing in the quiet dark. It took a few minutes for the jounin to move off of him and the instant he did Iruka found himself missing the heat.
"Where's your bathroom?" Kakashi's voice was soft and sleepy he almost didn't hear it, not trusting his own voice to come out eligibly he pointed to the door on the far side of the room and sat up as Kakashi rolled off of the bed and slipped through the dark doorway. He returned with a wash cloth and cleaned them both quickly before tossing the cloth away and laying back down, gathering Iruka in his arms as he did.
Not fighting but not entirely sure on what to think Iruka let Kakashi tuck his smaller form up against the tall body and pulled them both under the sheets, he was too tired to resist anyway and why would he want to? Still, he hadn't thought Kakashi would stay the night, but he wasn't going to complain.
The jounin's breathing quickly evened out but something seemed wrong, the powerful body wasn't completely relaxed, he could feel the sharp ridges of unconsciously taunt muscles under his hands and his heart sank.
Kakashi was faking.
Closing his eyes and letting his body go slack he even his breathing out too, fringing sleep and praying all the while that he suspicions were wrong and that Kakashi was always just a little tense in his sleep. He was disappointed.
After about 10 minutes he felt Kakashi shift and lips brush against his temple before the bed dipped as the jounin rolled away and got up. Staying in the gist of sleep he listened while Kakashi moved, dressing from the rustle of cloth and pulled the blankets higher over his form before he heard him move to the window and pause.
"Rida was right; you are a damn good lay"
Iruka froze and for a moment he almost forgot to breath. The window slid shut and he sat up to stare into the dark, empty room.
Rida; a jounin he'd gone on a mission with a few weeks ago, short mission turned horror so when they'd reached the hotel that was their completing point the jounin had been wound up and Iruka hadn't wanted to be in a room alone.
Rida's touches had been anything but casual, they had stated very clearly what the jounin had wanted, Iruka had willingly complied – if he had sex with him the other man would let him stay in the same bed, so really they both had gotten what they had wanted.
But because he was little most people just took it that Iruka would be bottom. Having been forced under for most of his life – even by some females – he'd learned tricks to insure he was actually doing something and not just letting another person use his body.
He hadn't done much with Rida but apparently it had still impressed the jounin enough to tell his buddies that the school teacher was a good fuck.
No wonder Aoba and Kakashi had seemed inclined to touch him.
He swung his legs out of the bed and grabbed a pair of jeans off the floor, slipped them on and headed for the main room. He still felt kind of numb, but he knew that something would happen to kick back in the emotion soo-
He walked past the big living room windows and caught sight of his bare back and the long, jagged scar that was the prominent feature. His hand clenched into fists while hot angry tears began to fall from his eyes.
Damn Kakashi, damn Mizuki, and fucking damn himself.
He tore his eyes away from his reflection and moved closer to the window so he could look out. He felt lost, used, betrayed and oh so very stupid. Why could he never learn? What was it about Kakashi that made him drop his guard and judgement? Even when the powerful man was nowhere near him, Iruka still managed to screw himself up over the guy, Mizuki was the perfect example.
His 'best friend' had been the one to ask him out, Iruka had felt charmed and as an added bonus he even looked a little like his tall masked crush, he couldn't have to copy nin so he agreed to date his best friend. It had gone fine for a while but when the physical part started to get rough enough to bruise he had gotten pissed and told Mizuki he'd be his friend but if that was the kind of sex he wanted he should go find someone with the same fetish for pain.
Don't get it wrong, he had nothing against a little rough sex but every night to the point of beginning to look abused – it had to stop. Mizuki had taken it well, least, he'd thought so, he'd backed off and stayed friendly up until the very memorable day he'd tried to kill Naruto and his Ex for that damned scroll.
Iruka sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, that wasn't Kakashi's fault, his relationship with Mizuki had been his bad judgement, and Kakashi wouldn't have even known he existed at the time. What had just happened wasn't Kakashi's fault ether; the older man couldn't have known he had a crush on him that could put Sukura's to shame.
He had no clue how much walking out had hurt Iruka.
Iruka curled up on the floor as the tears began to flow again. Pain, anger, self-pity and self- loathing mixed with the bitter truth.
He still loved Kakashi.
And he probably would for the rest of his life.
Yos! So? whatcha think? That is the longest chapter I have ever written and I'm going to try to make all the others bout the same length, Tsunade is now collecting bets on who actually thinks I can do it (the number isn't big)
'Genyu' means something in Japanese but for the life of me I can't remember what…
If anyone didn't like and/or was offended by something in the story, tough cookies, you don't know me or the things that have happened to me in my life just I don't know yours so do us both a favor and don't waste it with flames. For those who did like it, Yay! hugtackles for you!
Later!
