A/N: It's the last day of June! You know what that means!

Month: June
Pairing(s): KakaIru, Minor Others
Chapter Rating: PG
Word Count: 6074 words
Themes: AU, Romance, Humor, Coming of Age
Summary: No matter how he sees it, Iruka may feel the same way.
Betas: Kaomi-Uchiha + ThunderEmperorRaite
Warning: OC involvement
Disclaimer: Although people have asked if I was, I am not Kishimoto, so I have no rights to these characters. If I did, Naruto would so be a more of a SasuNaru story then what it is now.

-"…Obito, what are you doing?" Rin inquired.

"Throwing rocks," he said simply. Obito stooped down to the small pile beneath him, pocketed a handful, and started to chuck them up into a tree. Rin, curious, took a closer look at the tree as Obito continued to play his little game. The young girl walked a litter closer for a better look. She paused dead in her tracks when a familiar body suddenly fell out of the tree and crashed to the ground.

"Kakashi!" she shrieked as she ran to his side.

"Don't worry. He's ok," Obito said as he walked closer, still throwing the rocks at Kakashi's head.

"No, he's not and- Will you stop that?" Rin struggled with Obito over the possession of the pebbles. They were too distracted with their quarrel to notice the oncoming soccer ball heading toward them, aimed toward Kakashi's head. With a loud thud, the ball ricocheted off of the pale boy's hard head and flew high in the air, making one wonder if it would ever come down. Kakashi just lied there on the grass, looking and acting more and more like a corpse.

"Oi! Can someone- Hey! If it isn't my bodacious, super hip rival, Kakashi-san!" a billowy voice called out, coming closer. Rin and Obito froze, replaying the voice in their heads. They both shuddered the moment they figured out who it was. They turned and their worst nightmare came true. The boy was dressed in a bright green Konoha soccer uniform, sporting tight green spandex shorts and bright orange leg warmers. Even his hair was a disaster with that bowl-cut of his.

"…Hey, Gai," the two moaned, frozen in place from their fight. Though Kakashi had considered Gai a friend, Rin and Obito didn't. Especially Rin. With all the love notes and the bouquets of flowers being delivered to her nearly every day, anyone would start to feel uneasy. Their attention to Gai and his caterpillar-like eyebrows almost drew them away from their friend, still seemingly emotionally dying.

"Kakashi!" Rin cried as she immediately dropped down to his aid.

"Whoa, now! Please don't tell me I knocked out my rival with a simple Senpuu," Gai grinned.

"No worries, he was already like this," Obito explained. Rin hushed Obito for the rude remark. Still in a daze, Kakashi slowly rose up on his feet and started to walk off.

"Kakashi, wait! You shouldn't be moving around!" Rin called out worried. "You could have a concussion!"

"It's ok, I'll check up on him," Obito sighed as he patted Rin's shoulder. He quickly sprinted off after Kakashi, leaving her with Gai. Gai tried to use this time to wrap his arm around Rin and tell her there was nothing to worry about. He failed miserably, as Rin made sure Gai had a concussion.

"Oi Kakashi! Wait up!" Obito cried out. Kakashi didn't react. Obito quickly caught up with Kakashi on his side and continued to be persistent. With nowhere to go, the pale teen stopped as he hung his head low. "Come on, Kakashi! We've known each other for how many years now? You can tell me anything! What the hell happened?" Obito told him off.

All the boy could hear from his senior was a soft mumble.

"…What? Come on! Speak up!" Obito shouted.

"…Iruka rejected me."

Both boys made their way to a nearby tree and sat back on the bark, sitting next to each other, away from prying eyes and ears. Both sat without saying a word for the longest time as they felt the wind brush by.

"Wow. I didn't think it could happen… Kakashi getting rejected for once!" Obito bellowed and laughed.

"It's not funny," Kakashi insisted, his tone depressed.

"Come on, it really is! You practically reject every guy and girl who's confessed their love to you!" Obito explained. "Even me," he whispered as a slight blush rose up upon his cheeks. It was even hard for the senior's closest friends not to be caught up in his charm.

"I told you that I didn't want to risk our friendship over something like that," Kakashi calmly stated, hearing what Obito had said. The black haired boy's blush brightened suddenly as he tried to push his feelings aside for the moment.

"But still, just makes you wonder what kind of person Iruka is to reject someone like you," Obito smiled as he brought his hands behind his head.

"An amazing one," Kakashi confessed. Obito blinked and looked back at Kakashi. Something was different about him when he said that. He didn't see the same sarcastic and lazy Kakashi he knew and fell head over heels over. This was different. Kakashi actually seemed sincere for once.

"You really do like him, don't you?" Obito asked.

"Yeah…" Kakashi quickly responded and sighed. Obito did frown a little from the confession but smiled within. If his best friend was happy, so was he. "But he doesn't like me."

"How can you be so sure?"

"He did say not to dare come near him."

"Well, you did confess your feelings for him, right? Probably it's hard to take it all-"

"I even kissed him," Kakashi interrupted. Obito whipped his head around, shocked.

"You kissed him?" he screamed. Kakashi simply nodded. "Why in the hell did you do that?"

"I love him, remember?" Kakashi replied coyly. Obito sighed.

"Maybe you took things a little too fast? I mean, come on! You've known him only for what, two months?" Obito asked.

"True love does not have a time limit."

"Please don't go all poetic on me now!" Obito chastised. Slowly, the boy breathed a heavy sigh before speaking again. "Listen, Iruka is different. If you really like him, you shouldn't-"

"But maybe you're right," Kakashi stated, his voiced filled with hope. "Iruka is different. Maybe I am taking things a little too fast."

"That's not what I trying to s-"

"Thanks, Obito," Kakashi smiled as he rose to his feet, already out of his misery. He looked back down at his friend and, although he was wearing his mask, the goggle-wearing boy could still see a giant smile beaming from underneath. "You're a great friend!" Kakashi waved back as he turned and walked away, still smiling coyly under his mask. After a hesitant blush, Obito tried to catch up to him, but Kakashi was quick when he had a plan and wanted to set it into motion. Obito decided it would be best to say a prayer for Iruka.

"Hey, Iruka!" Kotetsu screamed across the classroom that morning. Everyone's attention was driven to the young student, everyone curious as to why he had been absent for the past few days. Iruka sighed and let out an insincere laugh as he made his way toward his friends.

"So, Iruka-" Izumo stared.

"Iruka! Where have you been all this time? I've missed you!" Anko whined, grabbing Iruka from behind and nearly choking him. Iruka had to bat at her arms to get her to release her tight grip around his neck.

"It's nothing. Just been sick these past few days," Iruka said calmly. It was obvious why Iruka had been missing, after what happened with Kakashi and him late, last month.

Iruka had gone straight home that day, locked his door, and, after getting sore from sitting behind his front door, went and hid beneath his covers, trying to conceal his beet red face. What the hell was that for? Why- I- Iruka continued to stammer in his head while his felt his own lips, still hot from the touch. But I'm a guy! Why in the- Kakashi's words echoed through his head.

I like you, Iruka.

He likes me? How could he? How could anyone? Tears had formed in his eyes, but he kept them from leaving. He wasn't going to cry over this. Instead, his stomach was twisted and contorted in knots. His head was pounding and spinning. Luckily, he hadn't eaten anything or we would have thrown up. The boy couldn't believe it. He got sick over Kakashi! He had no choice but to call off from school for the next few days. Kami forbid he would see Kakashi during the day again. He just needed time to forget what happened and hopefully he would be ok.

"So if you guys wouldn't mind, could you give me some space for the next few days? I'm still a little queasy but I don't want to fall back in classes," Iruka asked politely.

"Aw, poor wittle Iwuka! We'll give him all the space he needs, wight Kotetsu-kun?" Anko purred, pulling a reluctant Kotetsu to the other side of the class. Izumo would not have it and followed them both. Iruka chuckled a little at the sight of Izumo lapping up to Kotetsu like a lap dog. Almost how Kakashi followed him around.

Iruka's mind began to wonder as he gazed out the window nearby while class started. I wonder if that really is how Kakashi feels about me. Kakashi's words echoed once again in Iruka's mind.

It's easy when you're in love.

The boy then imagined Kakashi dressed up like a dog, the whole ensemble with dog ears, paws, and even a collar. Knowing him, the tag would read 'Belongs to Iruka.' Iruka sighed deeply as he brought his head down to his desk and rested it upon his arms, concealing a faint blush. What do I do now? I can't get it out of my head. What if I see him again? What can I say? What can I do? I can't forget it, no matter how much I try. Iruka ran through the possibilities of the situation. He could try avoiding Kakashi for the rest of the school year. The silver haired man was a senior. He would only have to put up with him for a year. Yet, after recalling how sly Kakashi moves, Iruka dismissed it. He could try talking to the senior. Not possible! He could transfer schools. Yet, the only two possible options were Kiri and Suna. Kiri was so far that it would require Iruka to move and Suna was a longer commute. Both were too time consuming and too expensive for Iruka. What was he to do now?

All he could do was stare at the front of the classroom and watch it start to spin. His breath quickened and his heart started to beat quickly against his chest. The last thing he remembered was Anko's voice echoing in his head, calling out, before his head hit the tile floor.

"Ah! Good! You're waking up!" A voice bellowed right above him. The brunet slowly opened his eyes only to be staring back daringly into the face of a young girl. Her dark eyes contrasted against her long, sickly green hair pinned up behind her. The boy felt a great weight upon him as he realized the girl was straddled on top of him. She sharply grinned back at Iruka, still dizzy and wondering where in the world he was.

"Kiyo! Leave him alone!" A familiar voice called out from behind her.

"Hmph! Come on! I was only having a little fun!" Kiyo argued back as she slid off. Iruka stayed frozen upon what seemed to be a bed. He even struggled to sit up.

"Rin… why-"

"Hey, rest up now, ok?" Rin said as she walked passed Kiyo to sit next to Iruka. She placed her palm on his chest and stopped him from getting up. Iruka took the advice and lied back down. "You're in the infirmary now. Your classmates said you passed out in the middle of class. They also mentioned that you were recently out of school for the past few days. Are you sure you're ok to come back?"

Iruka grumbled a little and blushed. I can't believe I'm still feeling sick over this.

"Oi, come now! Spill it!" Kiyo urged Iruka, ticking Rin off.

"Kiyo! Stop!" Rin insisted. Kiyo gave Rin a hurtful scowl and stormed off. "Sorry about that," Rin continued as she turned her attention back to the tanned boy. "Kiyo and I aren't that best of friends."

"Why not?" The brunet asked innocently.

"Well, to be honest it all started with Kakashi!" Iruka felt a little bit of stomach acid coming up to his throat at the mention of that name. "You see, we used to be the best of friends, but after a while, we found out that we both liked Kakashi!" The bitter taste of his breakfast didn't quite make the boy feel relaxed. "So, we became enemies. We ended up bickering and going as far as fighting, all for Kakashi!" she blushed. The boy could not bear it anymore. He gripped the bed sheets hard as he swiftly moved over the bed, one hand clasping on his mouth. He felt the bile come up but tried hard to push it back down.

"Iruka! Are you ok?" Rin exclaimed. A sweaty Iruka stood there still, unresponsive. He finally removed his hand and sighed as he flopped back down on the bed.

"Yea. I'm fine. Still a little bit sick I guess," he said, trying to laugh it off. The young girl looked upon him, seeing the bags under his eyes and how his once tanned skin was now a pasty pale of what it used to be. She peered down and held her skirt tightly in her hands for about a second or two before letting go.

"In that case, let me get the nurse and see if she can do anything. I have classes to go to so I hope to see you soon!" She said as she grabbed her bag and started to walk out. Iruka politely nodded as he watched her leave. "Also, you better get well soon! We don't want our model to be sick on their big debut!" she added before she closed the door behind her.

Our mod- Oh crap! That's right! The deal! Thoughts ran through Iruka's mind. I have to dress up and parade around in that damn yukata! All thanks to that damn Kakashi! The boy rested his hand on his stomach to help ease the queasiness. It would not be right to back out now, would it? If I do, everyone will be upset. Kurenai seemed to work really hard on making it to fit me. And the look on her and the others' faces… Genma could go to hell for all I care! But if I ditch, then I won't have to see him. Iruka turned over on his side and wrapped his arms around his stomach. But why do I feel like this knowing that I will see less of him?

The door suddenly swung open. Iruka immediately turned back and slowly got up to see what all the commotion was. If he wasn't already drained of blood, he would have had a nosebleed right there. Standing in the doorway was a tall woman who appeared to be in her 20's or 30's, donning a long, white doctor's coat. She wore her rich, blonde hair back in two long pigtails behind her. She did wear a bit of makeup, like a deep red shade of lipstick and a touch of shimmery violet eye shadow. Yet, it did compliment her and her soft brown eyes. But what got the boy's attention the most was what was below her head. She had to have had the largest set of breasts he had ever seen.

"Rin told me to check up on you… Iruka, was it?" Iruka just nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on her large bosom. "I'll tell you this once and once only," she started to say as she walked closer to him. She swiftly held his jaw in a death grip, her crimson fingernails digging into his skin. "Continue to stare at my breasts any longer and I will kill you!" She said in the most calming and sinister voice he had heard. He both felt and heard his jaw beginning to crack under the pressure. He immediately raised his view and fixated upon her face. She smiled back at him, as if nothing had happened. "See? Isn't that better?"

She released her grip on Iruka and proceeded to sit down in a nearby seat by a desk. She started to rummage through her papers at the far end of the desk as the boy tried to set his jaw back in place. Papers flew as she looked on with a scowl until she found what she was looking for. She reached out and grabbed out what appeared to be a small cup. She quickly bent to her left in the chair and opened up a nearby filing cabinet only to take a small bottle out. She poured the contents into the cup and drank it in full. She repeated the process a few times before she wiped her face clean, sighed with relief, and slammed the cup back down on the desk. Iruka glimpsed over to see the writing on the bottle.

…Sake? I'm in the care of some drunkard? Iruka began to wonder why he even considered coming back to school.

"So, Iruka," the woman started off, very obviously a little buzzed. "What's the problem?"

"Well, umm…" Iruka started off. He thought it would be best if he did not touch upon the subject of the alcohol after witnessing her monster strength.

"Call me Tsunade."

"Tsunade-sama," he began. "It's just that, I've been having these dizzy spells recently and-" A palm suddenly smacked his forehead and stayed there for a few seconds.

"Hmm… It doesn't look like you have a fever," Tsunade said. "Your records show you also have no allergies, right?"

"That's right," he nodded. She sighed and pressed her fingers to her forehead.

"Are you sure you're physically sick?" She asked.

"Of course I am! I know when I'm sick!" Iruka argued.

"Just now, I was watching you with Rin a few minutes ago. You seemed fine until she started to mention something," she interrupted. Iruka blushed at the remark. "I believe you reacted when you heard Kakashi?" she teased. Iruka tried to suppress the sudden spinning in the room. Tsunade smiled and she rolled over and, with a stethoscope, checked upon Iruka's racing heart beat. "Even your heart is racing when I mention it." Iruka's blush deepened as he reacted violently and pushed her off and nearly fell off the bed. Tsunade just smirked. "Figures."

"What?" He exclaimed. Even this woman knows about Kakashi?

"I heard that brat had been following a young freshman. My guess is that it is you?" she pondered. "Listen, did something happen between you two?"

Iruka faced away, his blush still covering his face. He started to wonder how popular Kakashi really was.

"Ah, I see. That brat can be quite the handful. Best to stay away from him."

"Wait, why?" Iruka demanded, his head snapping back to face the woman.

"That is if you don't want to confront your real feelings about him."

"Hmm?"

"You like him, right?" Immediately, Iruka felt his face flame up and his heart race, and he could not hold back any longer.

"WHAT?" Tsunade just laughed in the boy's face.

"Look, you don't have to admit it although it's as clear as your face is red," she stated and started to get up. "Look, you can stay here as long as you want. I have other business to attend to. See you later! Say hi to lover boy for me!" She squealed as she walked out. Iruka only sat there, stunned and in total disbelief. Quickly scoffing at the idea, Iruka could not take it any longer. He swiftly got out of bed and, though a little uneasy, marched out of the room.

While walking back to class, Tsunade's words echoed in his mind.

You like him, right?

Iruka blushed again as he repeated what the woman said in his head over and over again. Damn her! She doesn't know what she's talking about! His mind continued to wander off. No matter how much he tried to, it always went back to that guy. The guy is basically one of those memorable characters. He's always reading his little orange book of porn, plainly in public. He was considered a genius among the alumni. He was a master martial artist. Iruka had the bruises and sore joints to prove it. He was known by practically everyone at school, both students and faculty alike. Girls and even guys swooned over him. But from what information he gathered, it was almost always one sided. He never seemed to like any of them back.

Then… what was that kiss for? He wondered as he brought his hand up to his mouth and grazed his fingers along his lips, recalling memories. It felt caring; it was almost as soothing as when his mom used to kiss his forehead before he went to bed when he was a child. It almost made Iruka feel special. But there's nothing special about me! he roared in his head.

"This is so annoying," he sighed as he reached his classroom, his head hanging.

"What's so annoying?" a voice issued. Iruka's head immediately shot back up in shock.

"Kakashi! What the hell are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay away from me!" Iruka swiftly lashed out at him without thinking. He tried to push past him to get back to his class, but Kakashi would not have any of it. He stood in front of the classroom door. The tanned boy saw he could just easily maneuver around him but Kakashi was just faster. He was always faster. "Let me-"

Kakashi stopped Iruka mid sentence as he grabbed a hold of the freshman's shoulders and slammed him back into the wall. He stared down at him, back into those sweet chocolate eyes now filled with a hint of fear.

"Can you please stop and just listen to what I have to say?" he asked politely, seemingly ignoring the situation. Iruka stood in shock over the ordeal. Kakashi just stood there silently, hands still on the other's shoulders until he moved one and held Iruka's chin and tilted his head up. The tanned boy immediately started to shake and blush. His head was spinning again, but his stomach was still.

"Kakashi…" he whimpered as Kakashi brought their faces closer.

"I'm sorry about last month," Kakashi said as he in turn grabbed Iruka's nose. Iruka gasped and slapped Kakashi's hand away. "Listen, I am truly sorry for my actions then."

"…Really?"

"Iruka," Kakashi stared out. "I'm admitting guilt here. The least you can do is accept it." The freshman looked back at the senior warily, eyes filled with doubt, yet Kakashi remained standing there, smiling underneath his mask. His trademark smile, the smile everyone knew was underneath but could not see. Iruka sighed, as he could not resist Kakashi's charms.

"It's ok, Kakashi," he said. "I forgive you."

"Really?" Iruka nodded. "…Really?"

"Kakashi!" Iruka shouted. "You talk to me about accepting apologies…"

"Ah! Sorry, sorry," the pale teen quickly apologized. "Just really wasn't expecting you to actually forgive me."

"Do you really think I'm that kind of person, Kakashi?" Iruka pondered. "I'm not really one to hold a grudge."

"What a relief! Because I was wondering if we could start over."

"Hmm?"

"I was just taking things too fast with you."

"Too fa-"

"Maybe if we could start over and-"

"What's there to start over from?" Iruka shouted again.

"But I thought you were the forgiving type."

"I am! But not with this!" And without giving the senior anytime to respond, he turned around and entered the classroom, slamming the door behind him.

"My, Iruka. Having a lover's spat now are we?" Anko purred. Iruka turned his attention to his classmates, all eyes fixed on him now, gawking and curious as to what had occurred outside. The classroom was so quiet a pin falling could be heard. Iruka couldn't even mouth a word as his face flared up.

I am so going to kill Kakashi!

"So I heard what happened from the rest of the school. Why are you still trying?" Obito asked on the rooftop a few days later. Kakashi was nearby, just sprawled out on the ground, lazily glaring up at the sky. The senior refused to respond and, instead, turned over on his side, facing away from his friend. Obito sighed as he sauntered over and sat down lightly next to him. "You know, it's obvious that he doesn't like you." Nothing. "Doubt there will be anyone else out there like him." Nothing. Apparently, Obito's plan to have his friend at least speak was failing. "Guess you have to live the rest of your life with your dogs and be known as the crazy dog person in the neighborhood!" Still nothing. "Kakashi!" Obito screamed as he moved to kick the silver haired teen in the back. Kakashi was still unresponsive, and he continued to face away, lost in thought. "You know what? I give up! You can go on and sulk if you want! It's just gonna be a waste of your time! Give up and look for someone else!" he screamed as he got up and started to walk off back inside the school.

"Why haven't you?" Kakashi quietly remarked.

"What?" Kakashi rolled back on his back and continued to stare into nothing.

"You like Rin, right, Obito? Yet, she rejected you. But you still like her, right?" Obito said nothing afterward, at a loss for words. A slight blush grazed his cheeks at the fact. He had to admit it. After being turned down by Kakashi, Obito was a wreck. He would not eat or drink and would always hide himself from his friends, always wearing his goggles, trying to conceal the tears. He found himself deep in a pit of his own misery and wondered when it would stop hurting in his heart. It eventually did when his eyes met Rin's. Quickly, he latched onto her, trying to figure out her likes, her dislikes, what were her dreams, what she found attractive in a guy. Although his work led to him finding out that she liked Kakashi as well, that did not stop the teen. He would continue to fight for her attention, even to the point where Rin figured out that he liked her. Over and over again, Rin had turned him down. But that never stopped the raven haired teen.

He had to admit, the scenarios were similar.

"Kakashi…"

"It's the same here, am I right?" he started out. "So how can I just easily give up on him? Just… it's difficult seeing him like this. I don't want to put him through this, yet, I don't want to lose him. I want him to at least feel something about me. But as the days go by, I don't know if that is even possible." Kakashi slowly raised his arm as he blocked the sun from his view. "I don't want to lose him." He clenched his hand into a tight fist. "But I don't want to hurt him."

"Why do you even like that kid?" Obito demanded.

"When you first confessed to me, you said all this compliments. Best dressed. Best hair. Best eyes. And more. Just like everyone else. But Iruka… Iruka's different." Obito sighed as he walked back to his friend and offered his hand.

"Come on, Kakashi," he said. "First things first, you have to stop moping around. That is not going to help. But if anything, just try talking to him. That won't hurt." At first he was reluctant, but Kakashi eventually gave in and slapped his hand into Obito's palm. With one swift movement, Obito brought Kakashi up on his level.

"Heh, almost forgot you're taller than me," Kakashi laughed a little. It wasn't much, just a few centimeters, an inch max, but it was there. Sometimes, they would forget their heights seeing how Obito acted more childish while Kakashi was the mature one.

"No worries, one day you'll get taller though so will I!" Obito laughed. Kakashi couldn't help but laugh too. Obito softly smiled back, happy to see his friend relaxing. "Come on, let's go get some ramen. My treat!"

"Obito," Kakashi sighed. "I've known you for how many years now? You never pay."

"You know me so well, Kakashi."

"Ok, seriously Iruka. What has gotten into you that you are in this slump?" Anko asked around the same time to Iruka as they, along with Kotetsu and Izumo, were preparing to go home. "These past few days, you've been nothing but a downer!"

"Well, maybe that is because I did say I was still sick!" Iruka angrily pointed out as he placed his books back into his bag.

"But Anko has a point," Kotetsu added. "You usually aren't like this when you're sick. I mean, I thought you were a genius in algebra but after today…"

"Don't act as if you knew the answer to that question!" Iruka rebutted.

"But normally, you would have gotten it right, sick or well," Izumo continued on.

"Well, there is a first time for everything, right?" Iruka insisted, trying to drag the topic away. "Let's just hurry up. Remember, it's our turn to clean up the classroom. I'd prefer we clean up before it gets dark outside." All three moaned in unison.

By the time the four of them were done, the sun was already setting and the sky was lit up with amazing shades of blue and violet, dashed with crimson and goldenrod. They hadn't expected to stay this late. Normally, even any club meetings wouldn't last this long. Only those with commitments to sports could still be heard in the fields or in the gyms, warming up for practice. The school was eerily quiet now; any voice would vibrate against the hallway walls and any steps would echo along the floor. It was empty, with the exception of the four of them.

Each made their way to their lockers near the school entrance and each started to remove their slippers and put their shoes back on.

"So Kotetsu," Anko started. "You still up for this weekend?" Izumo was immediately drawn to their conversation while Iruka was still busy putting away is slippers.

"Heh, you know it!" Izumo's curiosity got the better of him.

"Hey, what are you two doing?" he asked, trying to keep his real intentions hidden from plain sight.

"Oh! Anko got this new video game the other day. She invited me to come over and play it with her," Kotetsu said simply.

"But I thought we had plans this weekend together," Izumo stated. Iruka took immediate notice of the boy's stern voice and the forced smile he put on. He wondered why Kotetsu never picked up on Izumo's anger cues.

"Ah! That's right…" Kotetsu trailed off. "Hey, wanna join us then?"

"N-No, thank you, Kotetsu," Izumo corrected himself before having a shouting match. Iruka wondered how long Izumo's patience could last. "Like hell I would want to hang out with some crazy bi -"

"Izumo! I'm right here!" And there it went.

"Who's to say that I didn't want to say it out loud," Izumo sneered.

"You want to start something, Kamizuki?" Anko lashed out. Iruka sighed as he watched the two of them go at it with Kotetsu again on the sidelines watching. Once again, it was his job to break it up.

"Come on, you two. Can't you ever play nice?" he said, trying to play it off with a laugh. Both Anko and Izumo stopped and glared at each other with deep hatred. Iruka and Kotetsu stood there in silence and watched the two, both wondering why this was always happening between them. When they were younger, all four of them got along great. Now, it seemed every time that Anko wanted to spend time with Kotetsu alone, Izumo had to intervene and start something.

"I'm leaving," Izumo said, finally breaking the silence. He grabbed his bag, swung it over his shoulder, and started to storm off.

"Fine then!" Anko shouted back as she turned in the opposite direction and walked off.

"Iruka…" Kotetsu whined.

"Go talk to Anko. I'll see what's up with Izumo," Iruka quickly said as he ran off to Izumo. It took a few moments for the other to comprehend the situation and finally do as he was told.

Iruka, light on his feet, easily caught up to Izumo, already down the street on his way home.

"Hey! Hey, Izumo!" Iruka called as he ran toward his friend. Izumo finally stopped when Iruka was only a few feet behind him. "Izumo," Iruka said, trying to catch his breath. "What the hell is up with-"

"Iruka…" Izumo started. "Can… Can I talk to you about something?"

"Um, yea, Izumo. What is it?"

"…Not here. Come on."

The boys walked over to the side of the sidewalk and leaned up against a local store's brick wall. Iruka set his bag down at his feet while the other just slid down and took a few minutes, gathering himself before continuing on.

"Promise me you won't say a thing, Iruka?" he said, not bothering to look his friend in the eyes.

"Y-Yea, Izumo," the brunet responded with a bit of curiosity and worry behind it.

"Especially to Kotetsu."

"Why? Does this have something to do with hi-"

"Iruka!" Izumo stopped him. "Please! Promise me!"

"Ok! Ok… I promise…"

"I'm not going to mention names but… Th-There's this person that I like… Not like them as a friend, but I really like them."

"Izumo…"

"And I have a hard time just telling them that I like them…"

"Wait a minute… Izumo, don't tell me you like-"

"Hey, you're good with advice giving! Tell me, how can I show them that I like them?" Izumo insisted, almost pleading. He twisted quickly around and looked the tanned boy straight in the eyes. Iruka almost felt sorry for him. He could see the determination in Izumo's eyes, yet at the same time, there was uncertainty and worry.

"Izumo…" Iruka sighed as he gently placed his hands on the other's shoulders. "I can't just tell you how to get someone to love you. You can't force them. You just have to be honest about your feelings with them. Best you talk to them about it."

Iruka paused for a minute after he spoke. He was taken a little back at his own advice. Heh, look at me. I'm the one giving advice on this subject when I'm the one having difficulties on it. The teen immediately shook his head furiously at the thought. Wait! What am I saying? I don't like… I don't…

"You think that will work, Iruka?" Izumo asked. Iruka quickly brought himself out of his thoughts and redirected his attention to his friend.

"Ah, yea! Just talk to them!" he laughed off.

"Ok, then. I'll try. Can't hurt to try, right?" Iruka nodded.

Izumo thanked Iruka, gave him a hug, and went off his way back home, leaving Iruka there to ponder his own thoughts.

Iruka slowly strolled down the streets of the city, taking his time as he walked past each lamp post.

There's this person that I like… Not like them as a friend, but I really like them… How can I show them that I like them?

Izumo's words repeated in his head. There was something eerily similar about his situation. Iruka started to flash back to his first time meeting Kakashi. Everyone seemed to respect Kakashi. He was the only person he knew that treated him like he was part of the pavement. Iruka laughed at the memory. He recalled how Minato reacted when he easily entered their classroom to give the brunet his wallet back. He practically wanted to slap his stupid grin off his face after the mention of Iruka-kun. People would pray for Kakashi to follow them around. Iruka hated the whole lap dog routine. True, he was different from everyone else who knew the great Kakashi, but even when he walked with him, or even sparred with him, Kakashi didn't seem that great. He was just another friend

Iruka was so deep into thought he didn't realize he'd already reached his front door. He got out his keys and slowly opened the door. He turned around to close it when he spotted it out of the corner of his eye. I can't believe I still have it. He continued to unlock his door and then stooped down and picked up the same green umbrella Kakashi gave him that first day of school. The boy sighed as he put it back down and headed off to his bedroom.

He fell back into his soft bed and curled up into a ball, holding a pillow close by. Iruka started to recall more memories. He remembered how relieved he felt when he saw Kakashi nearby when Mizuki was around. His self-esteem gained a boost after each one sparred against the other. He felt special that Kakashi would try to spend more time with him, even try to find more time to spend even a minute with him. Tears started to form when he remembered the sight of his bike all fixed and looking brand new. He wondered what happened to it now. Knowing Kakashi, it was probably at his place, waiting for Iruka to pick it up.

You just have to be honest about your feelings with them. Best you talk to them about it.

The boy sighed as he rolled over on his back. He reached for his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He flipped it open and searched his phone book for Kakashi. His number was highlighted: 525-2744. The boy's thumb was on the call button, hesitant.

But he couldn't drive himself to press it. He grinned as he placed his phone on the nearby end table and rolled back over. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Mom, Dad, what have I gotten myself into?

"Hey, Kakashi! You invited us over! So it's right you spend your time with us!" Obito chastised. Kakashi had invited him and Tenzou out for the night back to his place to play the new ninja fighting game he bought. Tenzou was sitting on the couch, calmly beating Obito's ass. Obito was not one to take losing lightly. So he thought maybe Kakashi can take a crack at his new game.

But Kakashi's mind was elsewhere. He held his phone in his hand. The number 365-7446 along with the name Umino Iruka was highlighted. Kakashi had his thumb over the call button, hesitantly. He sighed as he placed his phone away, too afraid to call.

A/N: Not really a fan of this chapter, it's really more of a filler chapter until July. At least we get introduced to more characters! See you next month!~

P.S. Try to guess the secret phone codes here! Also, since many have complain on how there is only a post every month or so, I'll see if I can post up some one-shots from this AU after the July chapter!~

And remember, please continue to read and review!~ It's what fuels the fanfic!~ I love it how many people already love this fic!~