Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. I am also not afraid of flying, just take-off and landing.
AN: Before you read this, I will warn you this is what I have most affectionately dubbed to be my 'brain vomit' fiction. It's all the little ideas and scenario's I see Kakashi and Iruka in without them really fitting into any other particular story. It will jump around a bit and perhaps not make sense in parts, but it will be lots of fun!
Meiun and ReixGaara both did an edit on this chapter. In the words of our beloved Iruka: Thank you for your hard work.
Stranger Situations
Chapter 2: Mile High
"Can I get you anything to drink before takeoff, sir?"
Iruka looked up at the attractive young woman serving as their hostess for the flight. She was very polite and had introduced herself as Ino before welcoming them onto the plane and seeing them comfortably settled. And comfortably seated they most certainly were! For the first few minutes on board Iruka had been speechless, stunned by his new opulent surrounds and the surrealism of his situation. The plane was incredible. He did not think he had ever even been in anyone's house that was as nice as this. Two large, plush cream leather seats sat to one side facing each other separated by a short mahogany table. The table had gold edging and its scratch-free surface was inlaid with a strange, spiralled leaf pattern seemingly made from gold.
Along the opposite side of the plane stretched a wide three-seater couch, in the same plush cream design as the twin seats. The floor was laid with thick, deep blue carpeting and the whole compartment trimmed in mahogany finishes so that the interior transmitted a feeling of both extravagance and comfortable warmth. There were all manner of other luxuries scattered throughout the plane, from a large flat screen TV to little golden cup holders, which could be set to keep a drink cool or warm. The spiral leaf symbol was repeated in a few subtle places throughout the plane and seemed to be the only icon. Iruka simply surmised it must be the emblem of whichever company manufactured the vehicle.
While Iruka was obviously affected by the expensive decking of the plane and sat in his seat carefully, which turned out could swivel to make getting in and out easier; Kakashi had been completely blasé about the whole thing. He'd wandered in, turned the chair, and flopped into its plush cushions as if it were an old loved armchair at home. He looked completely at ease in all the lavishness and the dark haired teacher had to admit that Kakashi looked like he belonged here.
Iruka took a moment to appraise the man sitting across from him, along with the rest of the plane's interior. The black silk shirt and dark blue jeans were both in excellent condition and impeccably cut, as if even the denim had been tailored. His shoes were leather and a hint of a shiny silver watch showed beneath the dark fabric on a pale wrist, Iruka couldn't make out the model but he would bet it was expensive. The black silk wrap covering his left eye was the only thing out of place but still fitted with the overall appearance perfectly. Kakashi wore the fine garb with a sense of indifference, as if he would be just as confident and irresistible in a ripped old t-shirt and sweat pants.
As a complete contrast, Iruka was dressed in just a soft grey t-shirt (not ripped or stained, but not exactly new) and his well-worn jeans. He appeared washed out, not at all in keeping with the rich colours surrounding him. He didn't look the part, feel the part, and was most certainly not comfortable in such opulent surroundings. He lived a simple life with functional, well-worn items surrounding him that could take the pounding Naruto and his friends gave them. He'd never been afraid to just sit in any of his chairs before.
All in all, Iruka was thoroughly intimidated and not entirely sure how to act. One thing was certain; he was terrified to damage any of the immaculate interior. One little spill of food or drink could have him up for who knows how much in cleaning charges. The teacher was feeling admittedly paranoid deciding it was better to be safe than sorry. He was about to politely refuse the offer of a drink when another voice spoke over him.
"Two whiskies please."
He shot the silver haired man across the mahogany table an irritated look and was about to say he didn't want a drink when he was once more cut off.
"Better make his a double," Kakashi added with an arrogant smirk.
"Yes sir." Ino bowed politely, blonde ponytail swinging, before making her way to the small kitchenette toward the front of the plane.
"Ah, miss, I don't need a drink," Iruka called after her but the hostess didn't acknowledge his words and Iruka surmised that as Kakashi was the paying customer, it was his orders she would be following during this flight.
He looked at the man across and could not help but scowl.
"I really don't want anything."
The strange, eye curved smile was directed at him and Iruka internally fumed that he still found it attractive.
"I thought you could use something fortifying considering the conditions placed on your ticket for travel. A bit of 'Dutch Courage' as they say." Replied that smooth voice.
Iruka looked away, cheeks flushing slightly. Damn manipulative bastard. He had agreed to answer all questions and kiss the crazy rich man before the end of the flight. Iruka mused over what was to come and decided that a stiff drink was likely exactly what he needed to help prepare. This was going to be thoroughly humiliating and invasive.
It gets me to Naruto, Iruka reminded himself.
He would do anything for his little brother; he was all the family Iruka had. There was one courtesy he needed from this strange man though. Ready to spill his first revealing titbit, he forced away the slight blush already on his face and met the appraising grey eye.
"I have a request." He started.
The only sign to continue was a contemplative hum from his fellow traveller.
"No questions during take-off and landing."
The silver head cocked slightly to one side. "Why is that?"
Iruka gave an awkward smile and shrugged a shoulder.
"They just make me nervous and I won't be able to concentrate on anything you ask me anyway, so really you'll just be wasting your breath."
Kakashi nodded and smiled affably.
"Agreed."
Iruka gratefully returned the smile and silently acknowledged that this was Mr. Nice, which meant he would likely have Mr. Asshole interrogating him during the flight. Oh happy day.
A non-slip coaster and crystal glass containing a good amount of amber liquid was placed on the table in front of him. He politely thanked the young woman serving them and watched as Kakashi picked up his glass, holding it mid-air and waiting. Iruka recognised the invitation for a toast and picked up his own glass to comply. It was only polite after all.
The thin, pale lips quirked slightly in one corner and the grey eye focused on the chocolate haired man was teeming with dark amusement.
"To a revealing flight," said Kakashi.
To the reappearance of Mr. Asshole, Iruka thought as his own eyes expressed ironic humour for the situation.
Both men lifted their glasses slightly in salute and took a drink. Oh, it was good. Smooth and potent with that lovely little lick of heat trickling down his throat to warm his insides. Fabulous.
"This is really nice," Iruka complimented.
"Glad you like it," came the polite response.
Iruka took another small sip and decided to ask some questions of his own before they got into his interrogation. It was not in his nature to pry but there were some things he was curious about, like that hidden eye for example. How had Kakashi lost it? What was Kakashi's family name? He only introduced himself with his given name at the airport and Iruka had been too tired and confused by the situation to press further. That was a nice gentle question to start with.
"Kakashi-san, wh-"
"Just Kakashi please," interrupted the silver haired man. "After all, you didn't call me 'san' earlier."
Iruka felt warmth infuse his cheeks again and he looked to the side in embarrassment. "Well, earlier was an unusual situation."
"I insist. Let us speak to each other simply, Iruka," Kakashi smiled persuasively.
It was certainly strange to dispense with formalities after just meeting one another, but if it was what Kakashi was comfortable with then Iruka was willing to comply. The man was a strange one, perhaps this was simply one of his quirks.
"Alright then, Kakashi. If you don't mind me asking, what's your family name?"
There was a short pause and Iruka actually got the distinct impression that the other man was thinking about lying to him. Well, he would prefer not to know than be lied to.
"It's ok, if you don't want to tell me I don't need to know," he said kindly.
Of course, the man was rich. Perhaps he was worried that Iruka would recognise his name and ask for some money or talk to the media and sell his story. It was obvious that he was poor and people did some very underhanded things for a payday.
"Hatake," the deep voice brought Iruka from his musings. "Hatake Kakashi."
The name was revealed in a way that the teacher felt as though he was expected to recognise it, but he didn't. Perhaps that was a good thing, as it would put his temporary benefactor at ease.
"I like it," he smiled kindly. "We both have unusual names."
There was no change in his body language but the grey eye seemed to look less tense, almost relieved. Ino approached them again and requested that they fasten their seatbelts, as the plane was ready for departure. Kakashi watched with avid interest as they began taxiing to the runway and Iruka reached for his glass again, taking a larger mouthful.
The cinnamon skin was getting paler by the second and nervous fingers tensed around the glass in hand. The plane built speed and Iruka knew lift off would only be a few moments away. Forcing his lungs to continue working and suck in slow but shallow breaths, he winced as the wheels left the tarmac and his heart rate increased with the elevation of their vehicle. The teacher shuddered as the plane gave that shake they all seem to during takeoff. No matter how nervous this moment made him, he always looked out the window with morbid fascination as the ground fell away below and they catapulted into the vast emptiness of air. It was at times like this he wondered if he had a masochistic streak. Finally the plane began to level out and he could breath normally again, sucking in a few deep breaths as he tried to slow his heart rate. He knew he would still look pale, but could now function decently.
Taking another drink of his whiskey and enjoying the calming burn he turned his eyes to the man opposite. "Ok, ready when you are."
The taller man gave him an appraising look and smiled gently. It was a truly beautiful smile, more so than the one he had used to talk Iruka onto the Tokyo flight, as it seemed genuine. The sides of the pale lips curved up softly and the eye crinkled appealingly. It was breath taking.
"That's alright, Iruka," Kakashi said kindly. "We'll wait for a bit. Would you like some water?"
Iruka was floored. The manipulative bastard was being considerate and… genuine? This was new… unless it was just another form of manipulation. He studied the man opposite suspiciously but could detect only concern and kindness. A deep chuckle floated across the space between them.
"Don't look so paranoid. You're still pale and shaken, I just want to wait until you're comfortable is all."
Well, what could he say to that?
"Oh, ahh… thank you. I'm fine, really."
Ino chose that moment to make a reappearance to ask if they were in need of anything.
"No thank you," answered Iruka.
"Another round, please," said Kakashi, holding up his empty glass.
The teacher was about to raise his glass and make the point that he still had plenty left but was stunned to discover he had already finished all the amber liquid. Just the partially melted iceblocks clinked around within the crystal tumbler.
"Oh my," he muttered.
His surprised utterance elicited a mirth filled laugh from the Kakashi. Iruka blushed fiercely at both being the object of his amusement as well as the wonderfully sexy sound.
Scratching the back of his head, he smiled sheepishly.
"Guess I lost track of things during takeoff," he chuckled.
"Guess so," agreed Kakashi. "You're afraid of flying?"
"No," Iruka insisted earnestly before grinning. "Just takeoff and landing make me nervous. Once up in the air I'm fine."
"I see."
The silver haired man relaxed further back into his seat and Iruka found himself doing the same thing. It was a long flight; he could at least sit comfortably. Ino bought them fresh glasses and removed their old ones. He noted this drink was only a single shot but it would be irresponsible to have any more, even if it did taste exquisite and helped calm his nerves
"I shouldn't drink this," he mumbled to himself, eyeing the amber liquid.
"Oh?"
At the quietly voiced query, Iruka frowned at the alcohol. "I can't remember the last time I ate and the other drink's already going to my head," he admitted.
"You didn't eat on the last flight?"
Iruka shook his head and gave a small laugh. "I would have if they'd actually served food. I don't know what you got in first class, but we were served something akin to reconstituted cardboard."
"Sounds delectable," Kakashi chuckled.
The silver haired man reached out and clasped his drink, raising it again as he had done with the first. Iruka wondered if they were going to do this with every beverage they were served on the flight and, although he knew he shouldn't drink anymore, he reached for his own glass. It was only polite to participate; it was the strange man's plane after all. Kakashi didn't say anything though, just tilted the tumbler in the shorter man's direction and took a drink. Iruka followed suit and couldn't help but enjoy the liquid's smooth, fiery trail down to his belly. The silver haired man placed his cup back on the table and Iruka chose to nurse his. It helped calm his nerves having something to fiddle with.
"You don't seem to be relaxing, why? Is the chair uncomfortable?"
Iruka smirked at the questions.
"So the interrogation begins," he quipped, meeting an interested grey eye before shrugging and settling further into the comfortably cushioned chair. "Well, I did agree to answer all of your questions."
But I thought you'd be asking much more personal ones, he added mentally.
"I'm not relaxing because there's more expense and opulence surrounding me then I've ever seen and am likely to ever see again. I'm absolutely terrified of damaging anything and getting hit with the repair bill, and I'm horribly worried about my little brother. As for the chair being uncomfortable? You know that's not the case. This thing's cushier than my bed at home."
Kakashi nodded his understanding.
"For starters, you won't be hit with any repair bills. You're my guest and I want you to relax and enjoy the flight. So, where's home?"
The dark haired man decided to be a little insolent. He had promised to answer all the questions, but that didn't mean he couldn't be a bit cheeky here and there.
"Where the heart is," he answered with a small grin.
A pair of pale lips returned his grin. They, however, held a slightly evil twist to them and Iruka was hit with the sinking feeling that he'd just given rise to the reappearance of Mr. Asshole.
"And where is your heart?"
"Right now he's lying in a hospital bed in California," he answered with a small, sad sigh.
Some of the predatory atmosphere lifted as Kakashi nodded again in understanding.
"You love your brother very much."
It wasn't a question, it was a statement, and Iruka rubbed at the scar crossing his nose unconsciously.
"Yeah. I don't know what I'd do without him. He's all I have and we've been through so much together. That a stupid car accident could be the thing that separates us… it's just ridiculous."
"Tell me what happened. All of it."
And so Iruka did. It actually felt good to be able to talk to someone about his situation. He had left Japan so quickly there was little time to do more than pack and call the orphanage, letting them know he would not be in until Naruto had recovered. Kakashi was mostly silent, asking questions here and there to show he was listening, occasionally giving a 'Hm' in response. The story of the boys' accident was a lead, through Kakashi's unobtrusive questioning, into the story of how he and Naruto were both orphans and adopted each other when old enough. This then went on to explain how Iruka worked as a teacher at the orphanage he grew up in, trying his hardest to give the kids some stability, love, and a decent education.
At the quietly asked, "Why do you care so much? What was it like when you were a child?" the honey-skinned man was taken back to the dark, painful days of his own childhood.
Iruka finished the last of the whiskey and stared at the left over ice in his glass. His head was feeling quite light now, his body enveloped in warm fuzz, and his tongue loosened through the alcohol and ease of already talking.
"During my time at the orphanage we weren't given any schooling beyond basic compulsory reading, writing, and math. Most of our time was spent cleaning, cooking, and looking after the building and grounds. A young man named Kabuto was in charge of keeping us working and our education. He looked nice and could charm birds from the trees if he tried; he often brought attractive women back on the weekends so he was obviously popular. But it was all lies. He was an incredibly cruel person. He'd smile like an angel while you lay on the floor bleeding and broken because you'd earned some kind of punishment for whatever he'd decided you'd done wrong. The truth was he'd get bored and just wanted a bit of entertainment, and nothing was more entertaining than pain-filled screams to that man."
A shudder ran down his back at the memory of that mockingly gentle smile through the red-haze of pain, and he could almost see it all again in the frozen depths of the ice.
"All the women he'd pick up on the weekends would arrive laughing and flirting, but as soon as the door to his room closed the screaming would start. And not the good kind. It would echo throughout the whole building and even though we knew he was preoccupied that night, none of us were ever brave enough to try to escape. We'd just lie there terrified in our beds, praying for dawn to break and take away the screams. The poor women would stagger out at sunrise. We never saw any bruising or blood, but somehow they'd been broken. He was a cruel man who loved, truly loved to cause pain. But even Kabuto was nothing compared to our so-called 'caregiver'. We called him the…"
Iruka suddenly broke off and refocused on his surroundings as he realised what he was revealing. He had never told anyone about this. Yet here he was on a private plane spilling his secrets to a crazy, rich stranger because of a couple of drinks, tiredness, and total lack of common sense. What an idiot! How could he have verbalised these things after keeping his silence for so long? He had become lost in the memories and just spoken without thinking. Shit, what an idiot!
The silver haired stranger hadn't made a noise for the past few minutes. He was likely disgusted with Iruka's revelations of his past and his weakness as a child for not doing something to better his situation. The heavens only knew Iruka had been disgusted with himself for years. It had taken him a long time to acknowledge that, as tough and mature as he had been as a child he was still only that, he was just a child. A small, frightened, beaten child that was forced to survive in a hellish existence.
Reluctantly raising his eyes to the man sitting across from him, Iruka internally prepared himself to face the disgust and rejection that was certain to be present. Ready to apologise for his run away tongue and any discomfort he had caused, the words stuck in his throat at the look directed at him. Elegantly slender hands were clasped together and hid the silver haired man's mouth and nose, leaving only the right eye and a sliver of skin visible. The only emotion emitting from that single, steely gaze was raw anger and Iruka shrank back from the intensity of it.
The larger man looked downright dangerous and again Iruka berated himself for forgetting where he was and speaking openly about topics that should have remained buried. He knew nothing about this wealthy traveller yet had just started spilling something that no decent person would ever want to hear of. He was such a stupid, stupid fool. Unable to stand the severe gaze any longer, Iruka dropped his eyes to stare at the empty glass in his hands again.
"I'm so sorry," he apologised, tightening his hold on the crystal until he was afraid it might shatter. "I didn't mean-"
"Please, continue."
The interruption caught him by surprise and he found his gaze snapping up to meet the other man's. Kakashi's position hadn't shifted at all but the eye was softer, communicating more understanding now than anger. Dark strands of hair swung lightly as Iruka shook his head.
"It only gets worse. Trust me, you don't want to know and I really don't want to tell," he took a deep breath and placed his glass back on the table. He really didn't want to break it and have to pay for its replacement. "We made an agreement before coming on this plane that I would answer your questions, but I'm asking you not to ask me about this. I was a fool to say anything at all. It's not something you should know."
Please, please Kami, let him drop it.
Kakashi, it would seem, was not so easily dissuaded.
"What did you call your caregiver?"
Bastard.
He had a decision to make now. Go back on his word and not answer any more questions, or decide to open completely and tell the dark secrets he had never revealed to anyone. He took a moment to consider his position and Kakashi allowed him to do so without interruption. It was only a few hours out of his life. After the plane landed, he would never see the wealthy man again and it was said that it is sometimes easier to open up to a stranger than tell your dearest friend. He could tell Kakashi everything and there would be no repercussions because there would be no ongoing relationship. He would also be keeping his end of the agreement that gave him the means to get to Naruto, his most precious person, sooner than otherwise possible. He was, as much as he loathed admitting it, indebted to the strange man. If his payment were to be honest and open, well… his debt would be paid in full. Iruka took a deep breath.
"We called him 'The Warden', though his real name is Orochimaru."
The silver crowned head nodded once, in both acknowledgement of Iruka's words and his decision to honour their agreement.
"Please, go on."
Iruka stared down at his hands and allowed his eyes to un-focus once more. This made it easier to reach back into memories and to speak them aloud.
"He was incredibly cruel and highly intelligent. He would attack both physically and mentally, but unlike Kabuto, he'd take his sweet time about it. Hours would go by with him just speaking to you sometimes. There was a horrible wooden stool that sat in front of his desk. It was very tall and had no footrests so your feet would just hang. It also slanted slightly backwards and you'd have to adjust your posture to accommodate. After only a few minutes, your back would hurt and your legs would be going numb. Only one kid ever stood without permission though. After that beating, Hayate couldn't walk for a month and his lungs never did recover properly from having the broken ribs pierce them, he has a terrible cough. Kabuto had extensive medical training so we were never taken to a hospital and there were no doctors to question our treatment. The rest of us knew to stay seated.
"The Warden would talk to you for hours, starting off on mundane topics and somehow twisting your answers to sound dirty or suspicious, like you'd done something terrible. Over and over he'd ask questions, misconstrue the answers, and begin to lead your train of thought on a path where you had no intention of going. By the end of it I'd be convinced I'd done something disgustingly wrong, I'd feel guilty and terrified, my legs wouldn't work, my back was in excruciating pain, and the confusion was just so terrible. Once I was kept for five hours. It was unrelenting and by the end I was a complete and utter total mess, almost ready to beg for a beating just so it would end and I could crawl back to bed and heal.
"When he was finished, he would round the desk and place a kiss on my forehead. He'd tell me he enjoyed our little chat and to go on and play now. Stumbling from the room on dead legs I'd always wonder why he hated us so much, then one day I realised he didn't hate us at all. He loved us, and that prospect was even more terrifying. I was a lucky one though. Because of my scar," he ran his fingers over the line crossing his face again. "Orochimaru adored perfection. My mother did this to protect me from one mad man and it followed on to help protect me from another. This mark actually kept me from being the focus of his attention. Poor Naruto wasn't so lucky though."
The reminiscent spell was broken when Kakashi leant over and placed his own drink in front of Iruka, who blinked up at him questioningly.
"Are you trying to get me drunk, Kakashi?" he asked half jokingly and honestly grateful for the distraction from the dark memories.
"You need it more than I do. Drink. We'll have food soon enough."
Iruka searched the voice for pity or condescending and found neither. The softly spoken words were done so with little emotion but had an underlying tone of understanding. At the mention of food, a weight slammed into Iruka's chest. He had been sitting here and spilling his story to Kakashi while forgetting there were other ears present to listen in. The chocolate haired man looked around for Ino, but she was not anywhere to in sight. It was bad enough with one person knowing everything because of an agreement, but the blonde haired woman shouldn't have to hear it and he didn't want her to know.
"I sent her to sit in the cockpit back when you first mentioned Kabuto. Don't worry, she hasn't heard anything."
The tanned forehead creased as dark brows drew together in confusion.
"How did you know to send her away?"
Kakashi reached across and took Iruka's hand, placing the glass of amber alcohol in it before closing both their fingers around it.
"Your eyes told me. Now drink."
Iruka followed orders allowing the liquid to burn down his throat. He had already resigned himself to reveal all. Be it the alcohol numbing his emotions or just the fact that the older man seemed so non-judgemental, Iruka was finding a weight lifting by sharing his past with someone that wasn't in it and wouldn't be in his future. It was somewhat therapeutic.
A pale hand reached forward slowly and Iruka allowed fingers to brush over the dark line crossing his nose.
"Your mother… why?"
He sighed. At least this story was easier to tell, he had done it quite a few times.
"When I was four we were celebrating my dad getting a promotion at work. I didn't know what it meant at the time of course. All I knew was it made my parents happy and I was happy with them. The man who missed out on the promotion that my dad got was very angry and came to our house with a gun. He shot dad and was going to shoot my mother and me but decided to have some 'fun' first. I look like my mother mostly but I have my father's nose. The man threw a knife at my mum and told her that she was going to die but he would let me live if she disfigured my nose. Mum didn't even hesitate. True to his word, the man shot her just afterwards and left me alive. He walked out onto our front lawn, laughed hysterically, and shot himself. I ended up in the orphanage."
All this was told quite dispassionately. He preferred to remember his parents just before the mad man had burst into their lives. When they were laughing and dancing in the kitchen, cooking a large celebration dinner. Kakashi shook his head disbelievingly and looked like he wanted to touch the scar again, but refrained. Iruka knew their little question and answer session was far from over. There was still the worst part to cover and now he had told so much, the teacher felt like he wanted to get the last of it out.
"What happened to Naruto?"
There was the million-dollar question, the one that would lead them to the morbid finale of his tale. Looking out the window, Iruka watched as the sunset below them the clouds painted with stunning shades of gold and pink. He could talk about this; he just couldn't look at Kakashi while talking about it. By looking elsewhere while telling all, Iruka could imagine he was just saying the words and not actually talking to someone in particular. It was easier that way, there was less hurt and guilt.
"Naruto came to the orphanage when he was six and I ten. I'd already been there for six years by that stage and scarred when I arrived. My plain brown hair and eyes made me unremarkable, the scar on my nose unattractive. Kabuto used to love telling me how boring and disfigured I was compared to everyone else. I think he did it to hurt me but I was always so relieved to hear it because it meant they'd ignore me unless feeling particularly sadistic that day. Naruto though." Iruka sighed sadly. "Naruto was perfect, the picture of angelic innocence."
Chocolate eyes full of love met the single grey storm and Iruka smiled.
"He's so handsome, Kakashi. He has golden blonde hair and eyes the colour of a summer sky. Boundless energy, the brat never slows down, and a smile like sunshine." The dark eyes clouded again and turned back to the sunset.
"The Warden fell in love with him as soon as he was walked through the front gate. A tiny little tot whose previous caregiver had passed away, so he was sent to hell. On his first day, Orochimaru locked the two of them in his office for hours. Naruto came out looking confused, sick, and terrified. He crawled under the woodpile behind the gardener's shed and just started sobbing. That's when I found him. I'd run because Kabuto was looking for some entertainment and the other boys warned me they'd heard him mention my name. We stayed there all day, him crying and me holding him promising to teach him how to survive there. After that, we were inseparable. Because of his innocence and loving nature, the other boys and I took it upon ourselves to protect him and keep him as far from Kabuto and the Warden as possible. We felt that by keeping him from pain and torment we were protecting the innocence stolen from us."
Iruka drained the rest of the alcohol and took a deep breath.
"One night, about a year after Naruto arrived, Orochimaru called for him to be brought to his office. The little guy wouldn't let go of me when Kabuto came so I ended up getting dragged along too. For once, I was actually willing to go. I couldn't leave him to face that monster alone. Turned out a childless couple had seen Naruto through the fence and wanted to adopt him. Orochimaru was convinced that it was because of Naruto's beauty, he ranted that no one would steal it away and it belonged to him. He went mad, screaming at us and accusing us of trying to escape, of betraying his love for us and his unending devotion to Naruto. Then all hell broke loose. Kabuto burst into the office with a knife, screaming at Orochimaru about how all his beauty had wasted away waiting for him, believing that the Warden would eventually come to love him but instead wanted some little snot nosed brat. He grabbed Naruto and before Orochimaru or I could stop him, he carved six deep lines into the boy's cheeks. Three on both sides."
Tracing his own tanned cheeks with three fingers, Iruka imitated where the scars now lay on Naruto's face.
"A shot rang out and I remember catching Naruto as he fell from Kabuto's grip. Orochimaru had pulled a gun from somewhere and shot Kabuto in the stomach. I didn't even think, as soon as I saw that blood I grabbed Naruto's hand and ran. Orochimaru started screaming that I was stealing him and bullets flew everywhere. We were out the front door and sprinting across the courtyard toward the entrance gate when I was shot. The bastard literally shot me in the back and I went down. Everything was warped by the pain, but the other boys told me later that Naruto threw himself over me to try and protect me from the Warden." Iruka gave a pathetic laugh that came out on a breath.
"He was such a brave little trooper. We'd been trying to protect him but the kid was protecting me when he could have run. Orochimaru threw him off easily of course but damned if I don't love him for trying. I was about to get a bullet to the head when the cops came screaming in, lights and sirens blaring. Someone passing had heard the gun go off and called the police. The bastard tried to snake his way out of it, but they found Kabuto and once they saw the evidence of the abuse us boys had been through, well, he was done for. He actually ended up in a maximum-security nut house and I ended up having to learn how to walk again. I honestly don't know if Kabuto survived or not and I've never asked. It all worked out for the best in the end, we got the nicest old man you could ever imagine taking care of us from there on. His name was Sarutobi and he became the grandfather we'd never had. He taught us everything he knew with patience, praise, and a firm but fair hand. We loved him so much and I'm now trying to continue his work with some of my old buddies. That's why I still work at the orphanage."
Iruka felt incredibly tired after recounting everything, but a weight seemed to have lifted from his soul, even if only for a little while. He sighed tiredly and looked over at Kakashi with a small, twisted smile on his lips to find the man deep in thought, the long pale fingers once more entwined and hiding half the handsome face.
Bet that was more than he bargained for when he asked me to tell the story. He'll probably not want to ask me anything else for the rest of the flight. Maybe he won't want me to kiss him anymore. Damn, should have included something about a terrible and highly contagious disease in the story! Ah, but that'd be lying.
The idea that he wouldn't have to answer any more questions was an attractive one. Surely, Kakashi wouldn't want to know anything else now that he'd been bombarded with such an unexpected answer. Well, it served him right for forcing unsuspecting people into awkward situations, preying on their desperation for a bit of fun.
After a long and thoughtful silence, Kakashi finally seemed ready to comment and unlaced his fingers to reveal the sexy mouth set in a grim line.
"May I see the scar on your back?" Kakashi asked.
Well that was unexpected, but certainly made things more interesting. The wealthy stranger was again about to get more than he bargained for.
"Which one?" asked Iruka, an ironically bitter undertone to his words. "I have quite a few from those days thanks to Kabuto, but I guess you mean the bullet scar, right?"
Kakashi nodded and Iruka stood up to show him. Kakashi also stood and he was once again struck by just how tall the man was, that gravity defying hair not included.
"It's the spider-web looking one just to the right of my spine between my shoulder blades."
This was just another side to the surreal situation he found himself. He had never shown anyone his scars before. Naruto and the guys he grew up with knew about them of course (they all had their own fair share), and Sasuke had seen them when they'd all gone out on his boat and went swimming. The first time Sasuke had seen the scarring he looked like he wanted to murder someone. Iruka had just smiled and ruffled his hair, saying it was all in the past. Sasuke was the only one Naruto had ever told about their past and Sasuke did not speak of it out of respect. This was the first time Iruka had ever told anyone of his past and the first time someone outside of his close-knit group would see the marks on his skin.
Turning around, he pulled the back of his shirt over his head so it sat on his shoulders and still covered his front, leaving his back completely exposed to view. To Kakashi's credit, his only reaction was a small, sharp intake of air. Iruka knew his back well and knew what an unsightly mess it looked with all the crossing, jagged marks of pale and dark toughened skin. He expected the silver haired man to ask him to cover it again, but instead gave a very unmanly and surprised yelp as he felt gentle fingers brush over where the bullet had gone in. Strong hands grasped his shoulders, preventing him from leaping away from the touch. He instead turned large, startled eyes over his shoulder to stare at the man standing behind. That grey eye met his briefly before turning back to the marred skin. One pale hand left his shoulder to touch the spider-webbed scar, skimming it lightly and sending a shiver of sensation down the owner's spine.
"Does it hurt?" that smooth voice asked in a low tone.
Iruka shook his head. "N-no."
The hand moved to trace other scars, skimming over long straight thin ones, badly healed rough slashes, the mottled puckered skin near his waist from a burn, there were so many different types.
"Why were you so surprised when I touched them?" Kakashi asked using the same low tone, almost as if he were trying to calm a frightened animal.
Iruka gave a small gasp and his eyes closed momentarily as a particularly sensitive scar was stroked.
"No one's… No one's ever touched my back before. Not like this. Before, it was always to make a new mark. No one's ever just… touched it."
Part of him wanted to run away, to push off this strange man and hide his shame again from the world. It was too weird, to have that area caressed and not damaged further. To feel someone touch there but not have the red-haze of pain follow. Another part absolutely revelled in the gentle stroking, the light exploration, and the new sensations from having those old wounds given attention. Some were completely numb and he could only feel pressure from the fingers skimming over but no sensation at all in the skin itself. Others were extremely sensitive and caused electric currents to shoot up and down his spine. It was a completely new experience and he almost wanted to lean back into the touch, silently beg for more.
"One day," the deep voice flowed past his ear as the fingers returned to the particularly sensitive scar, making Iruka give another small gasp and shiver, "I'll get you to tell me about how you got each and every one of these."
Iruka stepped away from Kakashi and pulled his shirt back over his head. Turning, he raised serious dark eyes and shook his head.
"After this plane lands, you and I will never see each other again," he stated clearly.
Their eyes locked and the atmosphere became very tense. Iruka didn't feel like he was in danger from the larger man, rather that Kakashi was not used to being told no and was struggling not to argue about it.
Finally, the handsome face relaxed into a smile and Kakashi gestured towards the comfortable seats.
"Well I'd best get all my questions answered while possible, hadn't I?"
Iruka nodded and took the indicated chair.
"That was our agreement," he stated flatly.
"Indeed," was the murmured response. "But for now, I'm hungry and you mentioned before you've not eaten in a fair while."
A button was pressed next to Kakashi's seat and the door to the cockpit opened seconds later. Ino approached the men with a polite smile.
"What may I get for you, sir?"
"Dinner please, Ino, and some tea."
"Yes sir," she bowed politely and turned to Iruka. "Do you have any dietary requirements, sir?"
Not even the kids in his class called him 'sir' and it was very strange to hear himself referred to as such. It made him feel older than his years.
"Ah, I'm allergic to bananas. Other than that I eat pretty much anything," he chuckled and bashfully scratched the back of his head. "Ino-san, would you mind just calling me Iruka? Getting called sir is too strange."
For the first time since they got on the plane, Ino's face split into a very pretty and honest smile. It instantly lifted the tense atmosphere.
"Of course I can, Iruka-san. And don't worry; there aren't bananas in anything I'm serving tonight. I'll make doubly sure!"
"Thank you. I can't wait to see what's for dinner, I'm sure it'll be good."
The young woman seemed to swell with pride and flipped her long hair over her shoulder.
"I can guarantee it'll be good. My husband cooked and he knows food! None of that microwaved junk served around here, no way."
She turned and strode off to the kitchenette, closing the door behind her to afford them privacy.
Iruka turned and smiled at Kakashi.
"It must be nice to have a partner who has so much pride in what you do. Her husband's a lucky guy. She seems very committed to him. She didn't even check you out when we arrived so I thought she might have been more into her own kind."
A pale eyebrow rose and the younger man again wondered if the other rose with it.
"Why would you expect her to check me out?" Kakashi asked, innocence oozing from every pale pore.
Iruka wasn't buying it.
"Don't play coy, Kakashi. It doesn't suit your 'I'm a manipulative bastard' persona," he grinned at the innocent expression the silver haired man had adopted. "You know full well that a swath of women hit the ground in your wake suffering from blood loss. Honestly, I'm surprised there isn't a safety announcement broadcast every time you leave the house."
He lifted a tanned hand to cup his mouth, imitating what an announcement might sound like over the radio.
"Your attention please. In the interests of public safety, all women within a five-mile radius of downtown Tokyo should be aware that Hatake Kakashi has entered the vicinity. Severe blood loss and the spontaneous combustion of underwear are imminent. Run for your lives!"
Kakashi cracked up laughing and Iruka joined him, delighting in the sound and the fact that he was the one to incite it.
"Of course they would have to announce it not just for the women… as you well know, Iruka."
The laughter died as the teacher's cheeks flushed and rubbed at the scar on his nose uncomfortably. He didn't know what to say to that. Was it possible that Kakashi still wanted him to fulfil the second part of their agreement, even after all the terrible things he'd been told? Why would he want to kiss Iruka anyway, or rather have Iruka kiss him? The man really was confusing. He was manipulative, considerate, dangerous, kind, funny, a total bastard, incredibly sexy, domineering, non-judgemental, dominating, and understanding.
He was incredibly strong and fast, obviously had combat training from the way he moved and had managed to manoeuvre around Iruka so easily flipping him onto the bed, yet surprisingly gentle. He had not hurt Iruka once despite having manhandled him a few times. The silver haired stranger really was a cacophony of contradictions. Women fell at his feet like offerings and he was obviously attracted to them, but he chose instead to play with a plain, scarred man from the ticket collection line. It just didn't make sense. Nothing about the man made sense.
Kakashi was quite happily entertained studying the parade of emotions marching across the smaller man's features and grinned.
"What's on your mind?"
"You're weird." Tanned hands clapped over his mouth a second after the words escaped, as if he were trying to catch them in the air and force them back down his throat.
The older man let out a bark of laughter and nodded his head.
"That's certainly a fair assessment given our unusual relationship."
Iruka was mortified. "That was so rude of me, I'm terribly sorry. It's just… you don't make any sense."
"Why?" The pale lips quirked in a 'I know what you're thinking' smirk. "Is it because I want you to kiss me?"
Damn it! How did he know? Am I that obvious?
"Yes," was the highly amused answer to the silent question and Iruka's jaw dropped. "You have a very revealing face. One I find rather attractive, by the way."
He blushed scarlet again and a small voice at the back of his mind wondered if this much blood flow to the head was healthy. He was just spluttering for a reply when Ino returned and brought them green tea.
Thank goodness, I can use something calming.
Dinner followed moments later and what an affair it was.
The food was incredible and Iruka had never eaten such a delicious meal in his life. Everything was flavoured, spiced, and cooked to perfection. It was absolutely exquisite. A serving of salmon misoyaki and vegetable tempura started them off, served with a slightly sweet white wine perfectly complimenting the flavours. Next was mahi mahi butteryaki and snow crab with yuzu chilli citrus sauce along with seasoned steamed rice. Another glass of wine was poured, this one not so sweet but still fitting with the meal ideally.
Iruka was in food heaven and had to control his eating speed so as not to rush. He savoured every bite and tried to remember the flavours to attempt to recreate them later in his own humble kitchen. He would likely never achieve it, but he would give it a damn fine shot. He was so caught up in the new flavours that he didn't notice Kakashi subtly pushing extra bits of food his way, the silver haired man watching and listening intently as the teacher ate.
"Ino-san, your husband is amazing! This is the best food I've ever eaten," Iruka sincerely complimented with a wide smile.
She flushed prettily and beamed a brilliant smile.
"Oh, Choji will be thrilled to hear that. He hears it all the time of course but never tires of it, especially when it's with such sincerity. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Iruka-san! You could certainly use some fattening up. I like my men with a bit of meat but you're all skin and bone. I'll find something else for you to eat, Choji always packs extra."
The comment about his being skinny was true, but Iruka couldn't help it. He and his friends joked that they'd starved for the first half of their lives, spent a few years trying to make up for it under Sarutobi's care, then become poor teachers and started starving all over again. It was only so funny because it was true.
"Oh no, really I'm completely full," he protested but Ino ignored him and bustled off back to the front of the plane.
"Nonsense! Men always have room for more."
Kakashi chuckled at the worried look on Iruka's face. The smaller man turned helpless eyes on him.
"Really, I don't think I can eat any more," he insisted.
'Mah, I'm sure you've got a gap somewhere," Kakashi said with a smile. "With the amount of food you packed away over dinner I think you must have hollow legs."
Iruka laughed a bit at that as Ino came back out with a plate of sweet bean curd parcels with teriyaki sauce and two bowls of green tea ice cream.
"Choji cooks for one of the finest restaurants in New York. Ino here manages to convince him to cook dinner for the passengers of the flights she works, which makes her in hot demand." He gave the blonde woman a fond smile and she returned it. Iruka got the distinct impression they were old friends and their roles of hostess and passenger were just an act.
"Yes," agreed Ino, "but I always have time for food loving folks like yourselves. Now eat up, he's too skinny."
Iruka was again thrust up into the soaring ecstasy of food heaven. Everything was just so good! Once they had finished, the dishes were cleared away, warm towels were offered to clean hands, and Iruka was left basking in the beautiful afterglow of a food-gasm.
A comfortable silence had settled between the two men as they sat and digested the sumptuous meal, Kakashi sipping on after dinner sake while Iruka stuck with tea. The businessman seemed to have be content to leave off the questioning over dinner and Iruka was grateful for the break. There was still the second part of their agreement that he had to fulfil though. How would he do it? Obviously, a touching of lips was kind of essential but to actually walk over there and just kiss him seemed so… strange. Should he announce his intentions first? Give some sort of warning? How long should he touch lips for? He was sure just a quick peck was a copout but working up to full on tongue was too intimidating. Nervously, Iruka rubbed at his scar and missed the knowing smile that flittered across the other man's face.
The door of the kitchenette opened again and Ino approached them.
"Was there anything else you needed, sir?" she asked Kakashi.
"No thank you, I'll call if we do."
With a polite bow and warm smile in Iruka's direction, she once more disappeared through the door to the cockpit, leaving the two men completely alone. There was silence again between them; however, while Kakashi looked completely content and relaxed Iruka was fiddling nervously with a fold in his jeans. The teacher knew it was no good just sitting here and getting himself all worked up over the kiss, it was the perfect time to do it. There were no questions, all the dark stories were out in the open, and they were both relaxed.
Just get up and do it. Don't think, just do it. How hard can it be? You touch lips, that's all there is to it.
Hell, they had already kissed earlier that day, why was this so hard?
Because I didn't have to initiate the last one, I just had to respond. It was easier.
Aw hell, It was no good just sitting here and working himself into an agitated state. He'd just do it, not say anything, and just do it. Kakashi would be able to read the signs, he wasn't an idiot.
Throwing a fugitive glance at the older man and nervously nibbling at soft skin at the tip of his thumb, Iruka saw his target to be lazily looking at the star filled sky. Maybe Kakashi didn't want to be interrupted. Perhaps the wealthy man was very happy looking out of the window and would be annoyed if Iruka disturbed him.
Maybe, I should stop being such a damn coward and just kiss the manipulative bastard before I wimp out and don't hold up my end of the bargain!
If the situation was looked at realistically, he had gotten a comfortable plane ride, amazing food, and almost a free counselling session all for the price of answering questions and a kiss. Just a simple kiss. Ok, he was going to do this. Right now. Any second now.
Oh, get the hell up and go over there! he mentally yelled at himself.
Biting down hard on his thumb tip (enough to hurt but not break the skin), Iruka swivelled his chair to the side and stood up. As he stepped around the table, Kakashi seemed to come out of his musings and turned his own chair to face Iruka with a politely curious look on his face but a hungry edge to his eye.
A new obstacle presented itself in the length of taller man's legs. Iruka didn't want to lean over them, as that would be uncomfortable for him and possibly threatening for Kakashi. Instead he did what felt right. He reached down and placed his hands on older man's knees, moving them apart. The darker man knelt between the long, denim clad thighs and looked up with nervous chocolate eyes to meet an unreadable single grey orb. The silk cover and jagged scar trailing down the otherwise unblemished skin had Iruka slowly moving his hands towards it. The faster man could have stopped him at any time, but was motionless as Iruka slipped the silk wrap over his head and gently smoothed the thick silver hair out of the way. The last of Kakashi's face was revealed in a long scar and closed eye, framed with fine, pale lashes.
The scar trailed from the pale forehead down to cut through a silver eyebrow, travel over the eyelid, and half way down the well-defined cheek. Iruka reached up and stroked across the silky eyebrow with the thumb he'd bitten earlier, feeling the dip where the scar lay. The eyelashes fluttered then rose and Iruka gasped.
Beneath, lay a red eye. The iris was deep, blood red with three strange black markings surrounding the pupil. He had never seen anything like it in his entire life! It stared at him with an almost hypnotising intensity and a burning question.
What will you do now?
Unexpected as the eye's appearance was, Iruka thought it somehow looked… right. It was just another strange facet in the bizarre package that made up Hatake Kakashi. Smiling warmly, Iruka reached out and traced the scar gently from top to bottom, the red eye briefly hiding behind an eyelid before reappearing again. Iruka placed his hands on either side of the handsome, pale face and looked directly into the mismatched eyes.
"I like your scar," he whispered shyly before leaning forward, hesitating ever so briefly, and softly pressing his lips to the thinner ones.
Kakashi didn't move for a few seconds as Iruka kissed him, then he pushed forward and wrapped his hands around Iruka's biceps, holding the smaller man in place. He allowed Iruka to lead, the kiss soft, gentle, and unsure. The tanned hands moved from the pale face to the long neck, fingers brushing against the stunning, silver hair. After a few moments and a final catch at the older man's top lip, Iruka pulled back and paused uncertainly. He would have gotten up and returned to his seat but his arms were still held in a strong grip that didn't feel like it would be releasing any time soon. Instead, he took the opportunity to feel that unusual hair slide between his fingers and once more locked gazes with those incredible, mismatched eyes.
"You've never kissed anyone before, have you?" The low, huskily voiced question sounded more like a statement but Iruka found himself answering anyway.
"I kissed you earlier today," he said while flushing at the memory, ducking his head slightly, and removing his hands from the other man's body.
Kakashi shook his head.
"No," he breathed, "I kissed you and you responded. You've never initiated a kiss before, have you? You only kissed me now because of our agreement."
Iruka didn't have to respond. The answer was clear in the timidness of his kiss. Kakashi leaned back and raised a hand to cup the smaller man's cheek, pale thumb brushing over the edge of the dark scar.
"If you decide to kiss me again, I won't say no."
He released the nervous teacher completely and Iruka stared up at him with wide eyes.
I can kiss him again. If I want to, I can start it or I can walk away. It's up to me.
Iruka remained kneeling between the taller man's legs for a moment before making his decision.
Taking an audible swallow and moistening his lips with a quick tongue, the younger man leaned forward again and curled his hands into Kakashi's shirt. Stretching up and gently pulling the larger man a little closer, he pressed his lips to Kakashi's. The businessman was right, it was different because it had been his choice and his alone. He led the kiss for a few moments before a strong arm wrapped around him and a hand cradled the back of his head. The silver crowned head tilted, deepening their kiss as the more experienced man took control, however, it was Iruka that first swiped the other's lips with a flick of his tongue. Pale lips opened in invitation and the shy tongue crept forward into the new territory.
At the first swipe, Kakashi moaned. At the second caress, Kakashi's hold tightened. By the third, the silver haired man could no longer hold back and took charge. With a desire-filled groan, Kakashi pulled out Iruka's hair tie and buried his hands in the long, dark tresses. The kiss became deeper still as they explored each other's mouths, tongues sliding and caressing, Iruka was so distracted by the new sensations he forgot to breathe. Finally, he had to pull back to gasp for air. The older man did not even pause, he returned to the sensitive area on Iruka's neck he'd found earlier that day and began to nibble, lick, and suck again. There was already a small mark there from earlier, but Iruka hadn't been near a mirror yet and didn't know of it. Kakashi got to work on making it bigger while whimpers and moans escaped the young teacher. Those sounds went straight to the larger man's groin.
In their position, they couldn't get close enough to each other, and the taller man wanted to touch, caress, and kiss more. Strong arms slid under Iruka's armpits and hauled him upward as Kakashi stood. The smaller man was pushed back three steps and spun around; all the while, his neck still being assaulted all the while. That wonderful mouth suddenly disappeared and just as he opened his eyes to see what was going on Iruka felt hands slide behind his knees to yank them forward and apart making them buckle. He fell a short distance before coming to a stop in a position he thought he would never find himself in, especially not with another man. He was straddling Kakashi's lap, who had relocated them to the couch. The startled teacher given a bare moment to contemplate his new position before his mouth was hungrily recaptured.
Oh Kami, it was so hard to think while being kissed like that. Hadn't he promised himself no repeats of the hotel room incident? Kakashi took hold of his hips, pulling them flush together and all thought fled the teacher's head. All he could do was feel and it all felt so damn good! Pale hands left his slender hips and travelled upwards, sliding beneath his shirt to skim up warm, trembling sides. Kakashi broke the kiss and leaned forward to run his tongue over the shell of Iruka's ear. Iruka was once again a panting mess, eyes tightly closed against the onslaught of sensations as he wrapped his arms around Kakashi's shoulders to hold on for dear life. Those wonderful hands slid across the flat skin of his stomach and trailed upward to brush over taut nipples. Two fingers captured a nipple between them, causing Iruka to gasp as the smooth voice whispered in his ear.
"You've never had someone touch you like this before, have you?"
Iruka could only shake his head in answer. The other large hand was sliding back down his body to wrap around his hips and hold him tight. The deep, husky voice drew his broken attention again.
"You've never had anyone touch you to bring pleasure. You've never let anyone close enough and no one bothered trying. Fools, all of them."
Oh Kami, how does he know so much?
Sharp teeth gently nipped at his ear, drawing a whimper that quickly turned into a needy moan as the fingers bordering his nipple began to gently roll it.
The arm wrapped around his hips pulled forward, causing the strain in his jeans to slide up against the larger man's flat stomach, at the same time the fingers gave the dark nipple a small tug. Iruka had to bury his face in the pale neck to muffle the cry that tore from his throat. At the same time as he was pulled forward, he felt the bulge in Kakashi's pants beneath him. As he was dragged over it, a low moan had flowed from the older man's throat, adding to the teacher's confused excitement.
"You've never had anyone pleasure you, that's why you're so damn responsive."
The fingers continued to perk and roll his nipple and Iruka couldn't get enough air.
"I want more," moaned Kakashi's deep voice. "I want to touch more."
The fabric of Iruka's shirt was tugged upward and a flash of panic speared his chest, breaking through the pleasure-induced haze.
"No," he gasped, leaning away from the silver haired man. "No, I-"
"Shhhh…" The pale lips were back and caressing gently over his again. "Don't worry. Don't think. Just feel. Just let me make you feel."
Those warm hands were stroking all over his chest, lulling him back into a mindless state. His shirt began to rise again and this time he didn't fight it, just gave a distressed keen when he had to raise his arms for it to come off properly. The fabric was pulled over his head and his long hair fell down to brush across his bare shoulders and upper back.
He looked down nervously to find the older man running mismatched eyes and pale hands over his smooth, unscarred chest and stomach. All the damage had been done to his back, as Kabuto had always told him that his front was already ugly enough with the scar running across his face, only the back needed to match it. Although he had always been grateful for his plain looks, Iruka had always believed he was incredibly unsightly because of his extensive and horrific scarring. To be so exposed in front of this sexy, gorgeous man was terrifying. What if he was pushed away with disgust? Could he deal with such blatant rejection after being made to feel so amazing? Kakashi, however, didn't seem to find his front ugly at all. An arm wrapped back around his hips as the other rose to bury a hand in his loose hair. Narrowed, mismatched eyes turned upward to hold his anxious gaze, the look in them intense and ever so slightly angry around the obvious lust.
"You've been lied to, Iruka. Your whole life, you've been lied to. You're beautiful." The pale hand tangled in his hair pulled him forwards towards that dangerously sexy mouth. "You're so fucking beautiful."
Iruka met the forceful kiss and desperately returned it, cupping the pale face with his own hands, and tangling dark fingers in silver hair. The arm around his hips pulled him forward again and he moaned into Kakashi's mouth, hearing the other growl deep in his throat.
Twice obviously wasn't enough for the more experienced male and Iruka found his hips being pulled forward again and again, over and over while he panted hopelessly between uncontrolled kisses. Kakashi broke away from his lips and pulled down on the soft, chocolate strands so the tanned face tilted upward. A hot tongue dragged up the teacher's neck, causing him to moan loudly and buck into the warm body below. This in turn had the older man gasping in pleasure and nibbling his way across an exposed collarbone. When that talented mouth first descended on his nipple, Iruka had to clap a hand over his own mouth to stifle the cry. The small nub was sucked, tongued, and nibbled on relentlessly, sending sharp jolts of pleasure through his body. He so desperately wanted, so desperately needed…
"Ka-Kakashi," he moaned wantonly and the older man instantly lifted his head, kissing the tanned throat and full lips before nipping again at the lobe of his ear.
"What do you want, Iruka? Tell me."
What did he want? He wanted to touch, caress, and stroke the pale body in front of him. He wanted to strip away that black silk shirt and run his hands over the warm, pale skin beneath. To feel it press up against his less desirable skin and absorb its every movement.
But how do I ask for it?
It seemed like such an embarrassing thing to do, but Kakashi had done it. Was that not his shirt now lying on the plush blue carpeting somewhere behind him?
"I… I want this off," he whispered into the silver hair while his hands tugged on the silky fabric.
A deep chuckle flowed over his shoulder and down his scarred back. "Then take it off."
That was all he needed and his lips found the side of the pale neck as his fingers unfastened the first button. Following what was done to him earlier and remembering how good it felt, he nibbled, licked, and sucked at the pale column as his fingers undid each button holding that dark fabric together. Finally, the last one came undone and he nuzzled the silver hair as his fingers brushed against the uncovered skin. Leaning back, Iruka looked down at what he had uncovered and felt his breath catch at the sight. Kakashi was perfection. Every lean muscle stood out with stunning definition and the pale skin seemed almost to glow, framed by the dark silk. A trail of soft silver hair surrounded his naval before trailing down and disappearing below the top of dark jeans.
Kami… he's flawless.
The strong arms only hampered him for a second as Iruka slid off Kakashi's lap, once more positioning himself on his knees between the gorgeous man's legs. First, he ran his hands over the exposed skin, slowly tracing every muscle and grove with his fingertips and listening as the pale man's breathing became slowly heavier. Then, led by pure desire and the need to taste, he leaned forward and licked a line up the central grove of the stomach muscles. His tongue ran from naval to diaphragm and a long, low moan sounded at his ministrations.
Iruka's confidence increased as he explored the exposed expanse of skin with lips, teeth, and tongue listening to the older man's reactions to discover what he liked, not that it really helped, as he seemed to like everything the inexperienced teacher was doing. The first time Iruka flicked his tongue over a pale pink nipple, Kakashi had hissed. When he sucked it into his mouth a groan trembled through the strong body and hands fisted in dark strands to hold his head in place. Not that Iruka needed to be held, he was thoroughly enjoying his exploration and the sounds being drawn forth. He was concentrating so intently on what he was doing that the deep growl and push backward (even though it wasn't very hard) caught him completely by surprise. He was so surprised that he overbalanced and landed on his backside, looking up at Kakashi with huge, shocked eyes as the large man stood over him.
Oh shit! I've done something wrong. He's come to his senses. He doesn't want me anymore. Oh fuck!
The panic only increased and warred with admiration as the black silk shirt was shrugged off, revealing powerfully muscled arms, and the tall man reached down for him. Ingrained childhood reactions took over and Iruka flinched back, flinging his arms over his head to block the blow. Strong hands gripped his biceps and he was hauled upward and against Kakashi's chest.
"Don't," said the deep, husky voice. "Don't ever flinch from me, Iruka. I'll never hit you."
Those arms he had been dodging a few seconds before wrapped around him tightly, hands caressing over old scars soothingly. Iruka twitched as his back was caressed and fought the urge to push away. Kakashi wouldn't hurt him, the large man had said so and Iruka felt that he was speaking the truth. The teacher took a deep breath, fortifying breathed before forcing away his fear and turning his mouth back to the pale neck again. He bit down a little too hard in surprise as one of Kakashi's hands wandered lower and cupped the straining material at the front of his jeans. The older man hissed at that lovely balance of pleasure and pain as Iruka pulled away.
"I'm sor-" he was interrupted.
"Don't be. It was good." The pale hands moved to the waistband of his jeans and with a flick, undid the button. "I'm going to take these off now."
Iruka gulped and his heartbeat became an erratic mess.
The pale lips took his in a searing kiss as the zip was pulled down and the denim pushed off his hips to pool at his ankles. Iruka slid his fingers into that glorious silver hair and deepened the kiss as his boxers followed suit.
Oh, oh crap. I'm naked.
Fingers lightly slid down over his straining member, teasing in their lightness as they moved from head to base.
"Mmm… very nice," Kakashi murmured and a shudder ran through the tanned body.
Kakashi wrapped his hand more firmly around the stiff shaft and began to pump it slowly.
"Holy shit…" Iruka panted and felt the thin lips against his shoulder smirk.
His legs held all of about thirty seconds before buckling, and Kakashi manoeuvred him to a sitting position on the couch. Now they'd swapped positions, with Kakashi kneeling between Iruka's legs. Before the bewildered teacher could gather his thoughts, the man pleasuring him stripped him of his footwear and the pants and underwear still hooked around his ankles. He could only look down dazedly as the older man's hand returned to his erection and continued to pump him, leaning forward to take a nipple into his talented mouth. The double stimuli soon had the younger man whimpering and moaning helplessly.
"Did you know," Kakashi said, as he began licking his way down Iruka's abdomen, "that when you eat you sigh and moan like you're having sex. It makes me want to hear what you'd sound like during the real thing. If you get that much pleasure from food alone, what will you sound like when I do this?"
A tongue flicked over the sensitive head of his cock and Iruka sucked in a deep breath of air. He grasped the pale board shoulders with restraining hands, trying to hold the larger man away.
"Wai-, oh crap!" Another tongue swipe. "Wait, you don't have to."
The vibrations from the kneeling man's chuckle travelled through the teacher's thighs.
"Trust me, Iruka; I only ever do what I want to."
With that said Kakashi took the entire weeping shaft into his mouth and had to clap a hand over the younger male's lips as he cried out in pleasure.
Iruka's mind went to total mush, eyes falling closed leaving behind only sensation and gratification. As Kakashi had ordered earlier, he couldn't think, he could only feel. The long, elegant hands held his hips in a tight grip. That mouth and tongue did amazing, wonderful things drawing him in spirals ever higher until he knew he was at his limit.
"Ka-Kakashi, stop," he panted heavily. "Stop, I'm- Ahhhh! Dear Gods, I'm going to…Oh shit."
He forced his eyes open and looked down as an incredible swirl by that talented tongue took him to the absolute edge. It was the visual image of the gorgeous man, kneeling between his legs watching him intently with those stunning mismatched eyes, which pushed him over though. His hands fisted on the cream leather and his back arched as release crashed though his slender body in powerful waves. Hazed brown eyes closed tight against the multitude of pleasure and a pale hand clamped over his mouth again, helping to mute his loud cry of abandon as he rode out his orgasm.
Finally, the intensity of the pulses lessened and Iruka was left feeling shaken and panting heavily as Kakashi licked a trail back up his flat stomach. All his bones felt like they had melted and just left him as a puddle of sated muscles. He had never felt so satisfied in all his life. It was embarrassing to be completely exposed in front of someone as flawless as Kakashi, even more so to lose the ultimate control and become such wanton putty in his hands. He didn't know why this man who could have anyone would want to touch a scarred, plain nobody like him, but he wasn't going to fight it. Not at that moment. Kakashi laid them out on the couch, one arm holding the smaller man close and the other running long fingers through soft chocolate locks.
"You are so responsive," Kakashi whispered as Iruka tried to calm his hammering heart. "You have no idea how stunning you are. How much I want to touch you, taste you, and watch you squirm as I explore this… this addictive body."
Warm hands began to roam over his skin again and rather than his heartbeat slowing down, Iruka found it speeding up at the skilful caresses. He wanted more. He wanted to be touched, but he wanted to do to Kakashi what the older man had done to him. He didn't think he was brave enough or talented enough to take Kakashi into his mouth, but he wanted to feel his arousal in his hands. He wanted to make the handsome stranger pant breathlessly and moan as he'd been made to moan. He wanted to cause Kakashi to lose that control he'd had over their situation since they had met. He just wanted more.
"Kakashi," he said, flushing in shy embarrassment as he buried his face in the pale neck. A tanned hand trailed downward over the defined muscles and rested on the belt buckle, "I want to touch you."
He didn't wait for permission, he just started to slide the leather out of the belt loops and unbuckle the silver fastening. As the teacher undid the top button and drew down the zipper, his full lips slid over and teased the skin of the paler man's shoulder. He listened as Kakashi's breathing increased when he slid his hand beneath the band of silk boxers to finally cup the firmness contained therein.
"Holy shit," he breathed. "You're huge!"
A low growl sounded in the pale throat and Iruka found himself shifted to lie beneath the larger man as his lips were captured in a hard, demanding kiss. Kakashi used one arm to prop himself up, elbow bent and his forearm acting as a pillow for Iruka's head. His other hand cupped a cinnamon cheek and the businessman bushed his thumb over the edge of the scar again.
"Just what every man loves to hear," he said huskily before that silver crowned head lowered to kiss him again.
Iruka hadn't removed his hand from its place and continued to explore the hardened member curiously.
Finally, the inexperienced man built up his courage and bought his other hand down to push the denim and silk past the lean hips, fully freeing his target. Now he could explore with ease and rubbed his other hand over the broad expanse of the larger man's back. Iruka could only do what he thought he would enjoy and wrapped his hand around the shaft to begin pumping it up and down. Kakashi let out a throaty moan.
Oh, that's what I want.
The kiss was broken and Kakashi dropped his head to Iruka's shoulder, eyes closed as his breath became ragged. Iruka watched in fascination, feeling his own arousal rising strong again at the miraculous sight of the stunning man aroused and wanting because of his touch. It was intoxicating, making him headier than the whiskey earlier ever could. Then Kakashi did something completely unexpected.
The older man pulled his fingers from Iruka's hair and reached down, caught the smaller hand, pulled it away from his cock, and pressed the tanned wrist into his other hand. Kakashi then reached back down between them and, lowering his hips, took hold of both their erections. Gasping, Iruka arched up and bucked into the touch, making them both groan. The large hand began to move and the darker man was lost.
He blindly searched with his lips for the ones above, tugging on the un-relenting grip around his wrist. His other hand dug short nails into the muscled back of the body coving his. Those lips he'd been searching for fastened onto that wonderfully sensitive spot at the juncture of neck and shoulder to bite down sharply before laving it with a hot, wet tongue.
Moans, gasps, and whimpers punctuated the air, and not all of them from Iruka. Kakashi lifted his head and stared down at the responsive body beneath his, the younger man's expressive eyes were closed against the onslaught of sensation, soft lips open and moaning.
"Open your eyes, Iruka. Look at me."
The long lashes rose and glazed dark irises locked with grey and red.
"I'm not going to take you tonight," Kakashi whispered huskily, watching comprehension and confusion dawn in the warm brown depths. "When I do take you, when I enter your body and make love to you, I want it to be where you can scream out my name and I can explore you for hours."
A shudder ran over the honey skin and the flush on Iruka's cheeks deepened. Kakashi could tell the inexperienced man was nearing the end and so was he.
"Come for me, Iruka. Let me watch you come."
It was more than Iruka could take. His back arched and eyes screwed shut again as the overwhelming sensation flowed through his body, concentrating in his groin. Warm lips fastened over his as he screamed his release into Kakashi's mouth. His scream was joined a second later by the older man's deep groan as a second hot liquid joined Iruka's, mixing on the tanned stomach.
Kakashi gave a few more gentle strokes before stilling his hand and releasing Iruka's wrist from his other one. Iruka barely even noticed. They panted together for a moment, their heart rates slowing as after tingles of pleasure warmed their skin. When Kakashi climbed off him, Iruka couldn't even bring himself to open an eye, he was exhausted. The warmth of a towel cleaning his skin made him force his eyelids up to find the handsome face smiling down at him softly.
"Pull your clothes back on, then you can sleep."
"Ok," the sleepy teacher mumbled and reached for the garments discarded earlier. He had hoped that pulling them all back on would help him feel a bit more awake, but his eyes kept trying to close and Kakashi pushed him down onto the soft cushions. He didn't argue. It wasn't like arguing with the older man had gotten him anywhere so far anyway.
"Is it always like that?" Iruka asked yawning as the afterglow buzz and total relaxation carried him towards sleep.
"No Iruka," he heard the older man chuckle as warm lips pressed softly against his and he drifted into slumber. "That was only foreplay."
……
Angry whispering voices drew Iruka back to consciousness with a yawn. He pushed himself up on an elbow and rubbed at still tired eyes before blinking blearily at his surroundings. With the short snippets of sleep he was occasionally stealing – all thanks to Kakashi, he had to admit albeit grudgingly – he still felt constantly tired but was reenergised just enough to keep going.
"Oh, I'm sorry to have woken you, Iruka-san," Ino apologised, "but I'm afraid you'll have to take your other seat. It's time to land."
Oh joy. My second favourite part of flying, he thought sarcastically and pushed his hair out of his face.
"No problem." Iruka suppressed another yawn and smiled sheepishly. "Guess I crashed out."
Ino gave him a kind smile before turning to the other person in the room.
"Do you require anything before landing, sir?"
Was it his imagination or did the young woman's politeness sound very strained.
"Just privacy," Kakashi answered in a dismissive tone.
Yep, something was definitely up between those two. Iruka had had the sneaking feeling they knew each other better than just passenger and crew, but he didn't think they'd ever been intimate. Ino's immunity to Kakashi's charm was a good indication for one thing and if she had slept with him then she'd likely be begging for more. Because the man was certainly… skilled…
Images of a pale naked body and hands all over him crashed back down with the force and intensity that only comes from the return of memories after sleep.
Oh my God! I got naked with Kakashi!
He had touched him and kissed him and…Kakashi had touched him back. He had seen Iruka exposed in all his flawed defective glory. Had heard him moan and felt him fumble and…this was so humiliating. When he had been trying to pleasure the more experienced man, Kakashi had removed his hand and gone so far as to even restrain it before taking over. At the time, it had been sexy and a little wickedly dominating but now he thought back on it…had he really been that bad? That unpleasing?
How utterly, devastatingly, and completely embarrassing. How pathetic.
Humiliation flooded his system and his face flushed darkly as Ino gave a jerky little bow to Kakashi and went to rejoin the pilots, anger evident in her movements. Pushing himself up into a sitting position, Iruka remembered what Kakashi had said earlier about him being easy to read and firmly stamped down on the emotions rioting within him. He had to keep calm, at least externally. Something very warm fell off his shoulder and the teacher looked down to discover a large black jacket lying next to his hip. He glanced up to find the likely owner watching him quietly.
"Yours?" he asked awkwardly, more to break the silence than out of any real want for an answer.
The taller man smirked and walked over to him as Iruka nervously ran his hand through his mussed dark hair and searched the floor for his hair tie. When his fellow traveller kneeled in front of him, Iruka was forced to make eye contact noting that the silk wrap was back covering the amazing red eye.
"You really are adorable when you wake up flustered," the older man said happily.
Iruka frowned and damned the blush darkening his cheeks.
"Shut up," he mumbled embarrassedly, tucking some wayward strands behind his ear. "Have you seen my hair tie?"
Kakashi just grinned and his grey eye sparkled with amusement.
"You're adorable when grumpy too."
Asshole, Iruka thought as he gave the man a frustrated glare.
"We're landing soon right?" he asked irritably, swallowing to relieve the building pressure in his ears. "Will it be at a proper airport or one of those private hangers again?"
The silver head cocked to the side curiously.
"Why do you want to know?"
Iruka looked away uncomfortably. He had never been intimate with anyone before and certainly never had to face the prospect of leaving the person only hours afterward. This was what he had heard referred to as a 'one night stand', and while he had laughed at some of his friends stories about how awkward it was to leave the next morning, he was damn sure none of them had been in a situation quite like his.
Kakashi was obviously experienced, he'd likely gone through this scenario a hundred times before so he knew how to handle this kind of tricky situation. The silver haired man would probably spout some mushy crap to boost his latest lay's ego and walk away leaving them as something akin to a big puddle of adoring fandom. Iruka was just going to have to muddle his way through and hope the other man didn't make it too difficult.
"I need to make plans to get to the hospital."
Please get the hint, please…
"No problem, I'll take you."
Kakashi either didn't get the hint or chose to ignore it and Iruka had a sinking feeling that it was the latter. This was going to be awkward.
"Kakashi, I-" he gasped and dug his fingers into the jacket's soft fabric as the plane gave a violent lurch. His stomach landed in his chest and he heart ended up lodged in his throat. Damn it! He hated landings!
Two strong hands were on his arms, squeezing reassuringly.
"It's ok, just a bit of turbulence. Let's get back to our seats, hey?"
Iruka nodded and clambered over to his seat, fastening the belt tightly. He took a quick glance out the window, briefly taking in the vast horizon of twinkling city lights below, before shuddering and looking away. Unlike take-off, he couldn't bear to look out the window during landings.
"Our agreement was only for the plane ride. As soon as we land, we go our separate ways, that was the plan and we both know it. I need to know where we'll be so I can get a taxi and get to Naruto." All this was said between deep breaths and nervous gulps.
He had to re-pressurise his ears more frequently, they must be getting closer to the ground.
"Plans change, Iruka," the deep voice was light but there was a definite hard undertone to it. "We also agreed not to discuss things during takeoff and landing, remember? That was your stipulation."
Angry chocolate eyes snapped up to glare into the single slate grey.
"Don't fuck with me, Kakashi," he snapped the fear of landing and humiliation from earlier adding fuel to his anger. "Once we land, you and I won't ever see each other again. I'm not a plaything you can enjoy during your stay before toddling back to your private plane and jet setting off into the wide blue yonder."
The older man looked caught between grinning and frowning.
"For starters," Kakashi said leaning forwards and resting elbows on knees. "I don't toddle anywhere. And there is no reason why you and I can't continue travelling together for a while longer. We're headed in the same direction after all."
Well that was a bizarre comment.
"You don't know which direction I'm heading. Hell, I don't even know which direction I'm heading! All I know is I'm going to Naruto, which isn't where you're going so why are we even discussing this? Why would you need to go to the hospital my brother's at?"
The grey eye blinked innocently as the pale head cocked on a slight angle.
"Perhaps I have business there too."
"Do you have business there?" Iruka demanded.
"Yes," Kakashi proclaimed with an amused tilt to his lips.
Iruka felt like head butting the window, but then he might accidentally look out it and see the ground approaching.
"Please stop playing games, Kakashi. We won't be travelling together anymore. You don't need me disrupting your trip and I don't need you dragging me around. We will be parting company at the airport and while it's been interesting, we won't be seeing each other again."
The grey eye narrowed and took on a decidedly dangerous glint. Iruka swallowed again, for more reasons than just pressurising his ears.
"You obviously haven't thought this through very well," the larger male said in a low tone, and Iruka's heart speeding up had nothing to do with the encroaching terra firma. "You packed in such a hurry and leapt on the first plane you could without considering the little things. Where were you planning to sleep tonight, Iruka? Visiting hours would have already closed and it's an awfully large city to just go wandering around blindly. I will take you where you need to go, and if you don't know where that is then I'll take you where I'm going."
Kakashi's whole tone and body language demanded immediate compliance and Iruka was very aware of why this man was so wealthy. If he were half as intelligent as the teacher suspected coupled with that powerful presence, then he would be a force to be reckoned with in the business world. Nevertheless, Iruka refused to be intimidated. He had faced some very nasty people in his life and one uppity business man with an inability to accept 'no' was not going to shake his resolve.
"I am not one of your snot-nosed subordinates quaking at orders and I sure as hell don't need you to look after me. I've managed to survive quite convincingly before we met a couple of days ago and somehow I don't think my universe will fall apart without your presence tomorrow," Iruka answered back in his own low tone.
The wheels of the plane touched ground and the younger man flinched unconsciously, closing his eyes. This was not the time to be showing weakness but some things could not be helped, the anger was certainly helping subdue his fear of landing though. He looked out the window and relief flooded his system, they were at a normal airport! He would be able to find a taxi. Thank Kami!
Taking a deep breath, he locked gazes with the older man again, resolve unshaken and even boosted now he knew they had not landed at a private base where he would be at this eccentric man's mercy for yet more transportation. All their discussion was achieving was reinforcing his decision to make a clean break.
"You're wasting your time, Kakashi. You gave me a means of getting to my brother when I had no other and I will always be grateful to you for that. I fulfilled our agreement and the other… things that happened." The teacher sighed and ran a hand through his still loose hair. "Well, I know it wasn't much for you but I appreciate it. The plan hasn't changed though. Regardless of what you want, I will be leaving you here."
Rather than the expected reaction of Kakashi getting angry, the older man just raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his seat with a sigh.
"You do like to do things the difficult way, don't you? Alright, have it your way. Take a taxi."
Iruka gave him an unsure look. What happened to the dangerous 'do what I tell you immediately or I'll ensure you live to regret it' tyrant from a few seconds ago? The silver haired stranger really did switch personas far too fast for the teacher to keep track of.
All the younger man could muster up was the pathetic comeback of, "I will."
To which Kakashi smirked and turned go look out the window again.
The plane taxied to a stop and the cockpit door opened, Ino stepping out to prepare for the passengers to disembark. There was nothing to gather up, no queue's of people filling up the aisle, no jostling, or leaping into that gap in the line so you didn't have to wait for the very end. They just stood and walked off the plane once the door was open and stairs in place.
"Thank you for flying with us today, Iruka-san," chirped Ino happily. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
Iruka bowed politely and smiled at the lovely woman.
"Thank you, Ino-san. It really was great meeting you and please thank your husband for me. The food really was incredible. It's the best I've ever eaten."
The blond woman swelled with pride at the mention of her husband's cooking and gave a mega watt smile.
"Oh you are so nice!" she beamed, before fussing over almost anxiously and causing Iruka to raise an eyebrow in surprise. "Now you take care in this city. Don't pay anyone in advance, don't trust anybody, and whatever you do don't wander down any alleyways. Even if you hear someone calling for help! My friend sent me an email saying that's how they lure nice people like you down there and then they mug them."
Iruka smiled at her concern and promised to be careful as his bags were pulled out of the storage compartment in the belly of the plane. Honestly, did no one think he could look after himself?
Ino explained to him how to get to the airport taxi rink and he bid her a final farewell. Picking up his backpack and duffel bag, he walked over to where Kakashi was standing off to the side and waiting for him.
"Thanks for the lift." Iruka's smile held a little ironic twist as he held out his hand to shake. "I can honestly say it was the most interesting ride I've ever been on."
Kakashi wrapped his pale hand around the smaller one. Iruka tensed automatically, almost expecting to be tugged forward like the last time he'd tried to shake the eccentric man's hand. Instead, they shook civilly and released without incident.
"See you later," Kakashi replied casually, flashing the attractive eye curved smile.
No, you won't, the younger man thought determinedly.
Iruka headed toward the terminal to find a taxi and finally, finally get to his little brother.
I'm almost there, Naruto. Just a little longer.
……
Ino stood next to Kakashi as they watching the dark haired schoolteacher walk away.
"You are such an asshole," she hissed at him. "He's actually nice. Why the hell are you screwing with him? The boss'll be furious!"
Kakashi just shrugged and kept watching in silence. Iruka's hair was still loose and dancing gently in the wind, he longed to run his fingers through it again. Bringing his wrist to his nose, the silver haired man sniffed the hair tie looped around his pale skin. It smelt so damn good.
"Mah, Tsunade won't kill me. I'm too valuable."
The blond woman sighed and shook her long blond tresses. "I don't know why she lets you get away with so much shit."
Kakashi grinned lazily. "It's because I'm so damn pretty."
And she knows who I really am, he added silently.
Ino took a swipe at the back of his head and was completely unsurprised when she hit nothing but air.
……
"Sasuke," Iruka whispered in relief and entered the hospital room, quietly closing the door behind him.
Rushing over to the raven-haired man sitting up in bed reading, he wrapped his arms around him in a big hug.
"I'm so glad you're alright. I've been so worried."
"It's good to see you, Iruka."
Amazingly, Iruka felt an arm wrap around his back and firmly return the hug. Leaning back, he smoothed Sasuke's hair from his face to look more closely at the dark bruising marring the pale skin. It was bad, but starting to yellow at the edges already and would soon fade away. Resting light fingers on the stoic man's bandaged arm, Iruka forced himself not to fuss. He had been given a hug and by the Uchiha's standards, it was as good as a tearful reunion with fanfare and dancing fawns.
"I really am fine," Sasuke said calmly. "How did you get in here? Visiting hours are over."
"I talked the woman at the front counter into giving me your room number so I could come straight here tomorrow. Then I went around the back and snuck in. It's not as easy as the movies make it seem, there are people everywhere. I had to stash my bags in the garden outside," whispered Iruka as his eyes strayed over to the other bed in the room.
This one was under the window, curtains opened to allow moonlight to bathe the occupier in a soft glow. An IV line was hooked up and there was a machine to monitor the heart rate, but it wasn't nearly as bad as some of the terrifying images Iruka had imagined. There was no bulky, beeping equipment with large pumps breathing for his little brother. Naruto could just be asleep.
"He hasn't woken up yet. The only time he even moved in the last few days was when I told him you were coming and his eyebrow twitched."
Iruka nodded and moved over to his unconscious brother. He ran his fingers through the sunshine hair and over scarred cheeks, taking strength from the warmth in the golden skin. Tears built in the corners of his eyes and made wet trails down his cheeks. Everything he had been holding at bay for the last few days, the desperation, worry, and almost crippling fear came to the surface and Iruka felt his whole body start to tremble.
He knew Sasuke was watching but also knew that his young friend would not judge him for his emotional state. Sasuke knew of their past and knew how deeply his and Naruto's bond was forged. Leaning over and placing kisses along his brother's forehead, Iruka couldn't have stopped the tears if he tried.
"Naruto," he spoke softly to his brother, sitting close and still stroking a hand through the soft pale hair. "I'm here, Kit. I'm here for you."
All Iruka's attention was focused on his brother, but Sasuke didn't miss the increase in heart rate shown on the monitor. The bond between these brothers had never ceased to amaze and intrigue him. Blood link be damned, it hadn't done him and Itachi any good. These two had a true connection and loved each other more completely than any other pair he had ever met.
Iruka choked on a sob and placed another kiss on his brother's whisker marked cheek, the reason for Naruto's nickname 'Kit'. Iruka had told his little brother after the nightmare of Orochimaru and Kabuto was over that the scars looked like whiskers and that Naruto looked like a kitten with them. It had only been intended to soften the horror they had gone through but for some reason neither of them could remember the nickname had stuck, as nicknames have a tendency of doing.
"I need you to come back to me, Kit. I don't know what I'd do without your sunshine in my life." He sniffed and smiled softly down at the sleeping man, tears dripping onto the bedding.
Naruto looked so young like this, so small. Like he was six years old again and could only find sleep in the safety of Iruka's arms. They had been through so much together; a stupid car accident couldn't tear them apart. Iruka knew he wouldn't let it! But what if Naruto didn't recover, the possibility was just too terrifying. Desperation clawed at his heart.
"Please," he sobbed, dropping his head to his brother's shoulder and letting the tears soak into the thin hospital shirt. "Please, Naruto, don't leave me. I need you more than you ever needed me. I don't want to be without you, I can't. I'm scared, Naruto. I'm so very scared."
"Ruru?"
Iruka's head shot up and Sasuke's mouth dropped open (he was forever grateful that the brothers were intent on each other and there were no other witnesses to that little indiscretion).
"Naruto?" Hope flared strong and stole Iruka's breath away as he watched one clear blue eye crack open and peer at him through crusted blonde lashes.
"Ruru, you're here," Naruto croaked through a dry throat.
Iruka sucked in some air and forced down the sob threatening to take over his body.
"Of course I am, silly Kit," he whispered as he stroked the blonde hair again and drank in the blue of his brother's eyes.
The eye closed again and Iruka was about to panic when Naruto weakly grasped hold of his t-shirt.
"Hugs," came the softly spoken demand and the chocolate haired man had never been more willing to give in.
Naruto hadn't demanded that since he was twelve years old and determined to get over the nightmares from their past. When he was a little boy, he would crawl into Iruka's bed and demand hugs, which basically meant "I want to be held all night because I'm lonely and frightened". Iruka had never turned him down and certainly wasn't going to start then.
Looking over at the other occupant of the room, Iruka gave Sasuke a huge watery smile. Sasuke gave him his usual serious expression, but there was a relieved tilt to the lips.
"Get some sleep," the young raven haired man said.
Iruka translation: if anyone comes near the two of you, I'll give them my Uchiha glare of Doom and kill them with my pinkie before drowning all their loved ones in financial turmoil.
Iruka quickly crossed to the younger man and gave him another hug.
"Thank you so much for watching over him for me. I owe you everything."
The teacher didn't expect to be hugged back a second time, the first was a phenomenon, but was again surprised by the arm once more going around his back.
"I'm glad you're here. I've missed you," Sasuke whispered very quietly.
Iruka squeezed him closer for just a second then let go and went back to Naruto. Crawling into bed beside him carefully, the brunette eased his little brother into his arms and settled his cheek on the soft blonde hair with a content sigh. Naruto gave more evidence to the fact that he was out of his coma by wrapping an arm around Iruka's waist, causing the older man to hold him tighter. There they fell asleep as they had as children, locked in the terrifying orphanage with no one for comfort but each other.
……
Sasuke found he could not look away from the picture Iruka and Naruto presented. It was pure love bathed in moonlight. He wasn't usually so poetic about life, but the two brothers were an exception to every rule there was. Though he would never admit it to anyone, the fact that Iruka and Naruto's love also stretched to include him was more precious to him than all his financial empire.
The youngest Uchiha had always been alone, even when he was surrounded by people and had living blood relatives. Then the brothers had entered his life and changed everything. He had met Naruto through school and been struck by the blond boy's resemblance to a sun, full of energy and light, zooming around with boundless enthusiasm. Needless to say, he was annoyed and intrigued in equal proportions. The memory of the first time he had gone to Naruto's house for dinner and to finish working on a project they'd been lumped as partners for was still clear to this day. Instead of a mother or father, Iruka had appeared.
While Naruto was the sun, Iruka was love and warmth enclosed in a smiling man with gentle hands. That night Sasuke had been treated like a real kid, ordered to wash his hands, given simple filling food to eat, had his hair ruffled by those gentle hands, and made to help take out the rubbish and do the dishes. Sasuke had found his utopia and the brothers welcomed him with open arms.
At first, they hadn't known of his wealth and when they found out they didn't care a bit. Sasuke would protect them with all his strength and destroy anyone that dared try to interfere. Though they didn't know it, Sasuke had bought their rental property a few years back, kept the rent the same, and fixed every problem with the old house (and there were quite a few) while upgrading it to be much more comfortable under the guise of government 'acceptable living' conditions. He also filtered the rent back into Iruka's account slowly by small increments and heavily subsidised all their bills. He would prefer to just give them everything openly but knew they would never accept. Naruto and Iruka were proud of their independence and had worked extremely hard for it.
The brothers didn't notice anything was going on, were incredibly grateful for their good fortune and amazed at their ability to save on power and gas. Because of this, Iruka could afford to send Naruto to University as well as attend himself and gain his teaching degree. They also didn't know Sasuke had paid all their amenity fees and other hidden costs associated with higher education, 'convincing' the university to just forget to list those pesky items on the invoice they sent to Iruka. Sasuke had some of his best financial minds figure out ways to protect and support his two precious people without them ever finding out. In return, Iruka had continued to ruffle his hair and welcome him as one of their own, and Naruto had just been his loud, exuberant self. Sasuke's utopia remained intact and protected.
The hospital room door silently slid open and the Uchiha 'don't fuck with me' glare fell into place instantly, only to be discarded a moment later when a tall figure with gravity defying silver hair stepped over the threshold. The door slid closed with a quiet click and a backpack and duffle bag were lowered in the corner of the room. Kakashi walked over to stand next to Sasuke's bed and silently studied the sleeping pair.
"What took you so long?" asked Sasuke quietly.
AN: Oh my… Well, you can't say I didn't warn you about the long chapters and randomness of events. Ala Brain Vomit!
Hahaha, I had to do the mile high naughtiness for ReixGaara. You asked and you received Meggin's!
So! Reviews for me, yes?
Oh, and in reply to the most pressing issue with the last chapter. I rechecked the internet and from Tokyo to New York, the flight is on average 13 hours and 45 minutes (give or take a bit for wind conditions, blah blah woof woof).
Edited May 2010 because it's worth it ~_^
