Hey, been a while since I did one of these but meh...
Anyway, we're kind of going back in time for a bit and I think the next chap might be the same before I start going forward again. Been working on loads of things like When We Fall, In Between the Lines and other projects that I won't spoil.
"No no no no no no! No!" the small warble of a voice Kakashi heard far behind him made him turn from his teammates to find the source from which the loud calls were coming from. A source that slammed right into him. Kakashi exclaimed as Iruka pulled back, the little boy seeing stars, "Iruka? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the academy?"
After wobbling away on unsteady feet, Iruka shook his head and threw himself on the older boy and clutched onto Kakashi's leg as tight as his little six-year-old fists would let him, wailing up at Kakashi, "No! I won't let my 'Kashi go!"
Kakashi turned back to his teammates who gave him a knowing smile and nodded in understanding, the little boy attached to his leg wrapping himself tighter as the chunin moved down the street. This had been the third time this month that Iruka had pulled this stunt and it was starting to wear out Kakashi's patience but every time he saw that cute, round face and big, brown eyes flush with tears, he felt a little part of him give in.
"You have to stop doing this, 'Ruru." The human-monkey ignored him, possibly preoccupied by trying to figure out the best way to hold onto Kakashi's leg.
As Kakashi drew closer to the school, he could make out the figure of Iruka's sensei in the doorway of the school and nodded a greeting to the man who gave him an annoyed wave in return.
Iruka too noticed his teacher and gripped harder. No, he wouldn't let his 'Kashi go again. 'Kashi had promised that he'd be home in time for his birthday last time but he wasn't. So, he wouldn't let him go this time!
With a nod to himself, Iruka steeled his arms and legs when Kakashi slowed down at the academy's gate but found his previous action conquered by those dreaded deadly fingers darting down his sides.
Squeaking, Iruka let go immediately and fell on his bum with an 'ouch!' A tearful glare was shot Kakashi's way as the little rascal sniffed in mock-hurt, looking away with crossed arms and an irritated scowl as the older boy crouched in front of him.
"Hey," Kakashi tried to take one of Iruka's arms but was met with a flail that almost hit him in the face. "Ruka, you know that you can't keep doing this,"
The way that the frustrated little boy was crossing his arms said that he wouldn't go down without a fight and the older boy really didn't have time for this. It was time to bring out the big guns.
"And you know that it makes me sad every time you run away from school." Brown eyes widened and the little boy turned towards Kakashi. "You don't want me to be sad, do you?"
Iruka's face scrunched up in a mix of frustration and grief before he squeezed his eyes shut, snapping his head to stare at Kakashi with big, teary eyes. "I-I'm sorry , Kashi."
"Mah," Kakashi patted the tiny kid's head and said softly, "no harm no foul, neh?"
The little guy smiled sadly and looked away, "I don't want you ta get hurt."
"Well, I'm a good ninja." Kakashi stood and fixed his pack as Iruka continued to mope. His glance towards Iruka melted at the pout and he said, "So, you have to get good at school so that we can both go on missions together, okay?"
Looking back towards the school, Iruka seemingly got lost in thought for a few moments as Kakashi watched and wondered what was going on in that little head of his. It was a while before the brunet blinked out and threw a smirk Kakashi's way.
"Of course!" Putting a serious face on, Iruka tugged on Kakashi's hand to bring him back down and said to him, "but you gotta come back all right, 'kay?"
With a fond smile, Kakashi nodded and agreed before Iruka jumped onto him in a tight-as-he-could hug, whispering in his ear, "good luck."
He took off towards the school and Kakashi gave a nod to the teacher before walking back to the gate. He didn't get to see Iruka turn back and watch him go before following his teacher inside.
Meh, review if you're in the mood.