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An Entanglement of Odds

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Pairing: Kakashi x Iruka

(Hints of Lee x Sakura, Naruto x Sasuke, Hinata x Kiba, Ino x Shikamaru, Neji x Ten-ten)

Warning: Shounen ai

Summary: They were just two people who happened to be at the same place at the same time. They were simply two strangers who fell in love with each other, although neither would ever admit it. Then one day, fate tore them apart… IruKaka

Inspired by: a really sappy soap opera my parents watch and the plot bunny (it bit me really hard this time)

Please forgive my bad usages of Japanese terms; I don't speak the language so I have almost no idea how to use them.

Disclaimer: Naruto and anything related does not belong to me. Don't sue.

"talking" 'thinking'

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His vow for a friend

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Iruka-sensei is finds himself clueless in this new country; everything was so strange and crowded in Beijing. He did not know what or why he was here, except for the fact that he was on vacation. Every part of him longed for Konoha, but he accepted (with difficulty) that he was stuck in China for two months, two very long months.

He sits still and uncomfortable on Kakashi's couch, almost overwhelmed by the recent events.

After his rescue from that horrible place, Iruka was shocked to hear he had wandered into a local bar. He was still in shock when Kakashi asked whether or not he was lost. Iruka vaguely remembered mumbling something along the lines of, "I'm just here on vacation." Then Kakashi asked a question that was inappropriate for two strangers. He asked if Iruka would like to stay with him. "Of course, it's only for the time being." The silver haired man laughed and scratched the back of his head again, "Unless you have other plans." Iruka was still in shock when Kakashi asked him this and so he could only nod mutely, not completely aware of what he had just agreed to.

Normally, Iruka would decline the offer; a hotel was just safer. But here in Beijing, he wasn't sure he would be able to find a hotel. Here, he could only numbly react to the events that were pushed onto him too quickly.

Kakashi had left to prepare a spare room for him as soon as he asked Iruka if he wanted anything to drink. Iruka politely declined and Kakashi laughed nervously before disappearing from sight.

'He's acting so strange,' Iruka thought, 'not at all like what I had expected. 'Kakashi had power and he must be intelligent, almost to the point of a genius, Iruka's senses told him. 'He seems so nervous…around me.' Iruka blushed at the thought and unconsciously rubbed the scar on the bridge of his nose. Then he waited, stiff and uncomfortable on the couch.

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(Kakashi)

He remembered laughing nervously before he fled down the hall. Now he is digging through his closet in search of the old sleeping bag. Since he did not expect any company, expect for the occasional visits by Gai, he had no extra mattress. But he was sure his modest seeming guest would not complain.

He did not know what made him ask the man to stay at his apartment. He remembered the growing panic and fluttering butterflies in his stomach as he laughed nervously at the still shocked man in front of him. Kakashi was surprised he was feeling this way. But he could not help the dizzying feeling in his mind and the weakness in his knees any more than he can stop his heart from beating faster and his tongue from feeling clumsy whenever he saw the brown haired man. How could this person have made such an impression on him when they've barely talked and are practically strangers?

He pulled the sleeping bag out of the closet. It was well used and old. He hoped his guest wouldn't mind. He carefully laid the bag on the floor of his near empty spare room.

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Iruka was relieved when Kakashi finally came into the room. His visible eye was curved into a simile. Iruka followed Kakashi to an empty room. There was a wooden closet and a sable coloured sleeping bag on the floor. "Thank-you," Iruka said, facing Kakashi, "for allowing me to stay in your home."

Kakashi scratched the back of his head and nodded. After a moment of awkward silence, Iruka began to fiddle with the sleeve of his shirt knowing nothing else to say. He did not want to look into Kakashi's dark, piercing eye.

"What's your name?"

"Wha-what?" Iruka sputtered, startled by the sudden question.

"You haven't told me your name yet,"

"Oh," Iruka felt the blood rushing to his face, "I'm sorry, Hatake-san. I completely forgot."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow and waited.

"Umino Iruka."

"Well Umino-san, it's about time for dinner."

Kakashi smiled again, his eye turning into a happy upside down "U" and walked gracefully from the room, slouching in a relaxed manner. Iruka, knowing nothing else to do, followed him.

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Iruka and Kakashi sat facing each other at a small dining table. The silence was heavy as the two men ate. Iruka was reluctant to eat the meal. He had thought a man like Kakashi couldn't cook. 'This is delicious!' He thought and chewed happily. Iruka felt he should tell Kakashi this, but he could not bring himself to speak. And so he stayed silent.

"Do you like the food, Umino-san?"

"I…" Iruka found himself stuttering again, feeling somewhat like Hinata.

"Is it burnt or…horrible?" Kakashi's voice held a hint a sadness and Iruka found himself panicking.

"N-no, it's amazing!" Iruka smiled warmly at the silver haired man. Kakashi smiled back, butterflies dancing in his stomach.

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Iruka is lying warm and sleepy in Kakashi's sleeping bag. A musty and yet pleasant scene floated around him, coming from the t-shirt and sweat pants he is wearing now. Kakashi had lent them to him, saying he was sorry for leaving Iruka's suitcase during their escape. Iruka dug his nose into the covers, curling into a ball and breathed in deeply. He blushed slightly and closed his eyes.

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Maito Gai stood outside Kakashi's apartment. He was grinning, having just witnessed (for the last few hours) the moments shared between Kakashi and his brown haired guest. He has never seen Kakashi act this way to anyone before. He seemed so nervous around Iruka. Gai concluded that Kakashi must be in love! And, as his life-long rival, Gai felt it was his duty to let Kakashi enjoy the full spring time of his youth while he still can.

Gai left the suitcase near the door and stuck a note on it. He had noticed the suitcase lying on the floor after witnessing the fight and escape in the bar. He had followed Iruka and Kakashi back to this apartment. He had intended to return the suitcase to the brown haired man but had been caught up in watching the events happening in the room.

It was on that day that Maito Gai vowed to help the flower that is Kakashi's crush for Iruka bloom. It was in that moment that he decided he will make UminoIruka fall in love with Hatake Kakashi. This was his vow for a friend and rival.

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Review responses

snow887 – I was hoping it wouldn't seem too boring and thank-you for the review. (p.s. Iruka x Kakashi fanfics rock! )

flame gazer – Thanks for the review and I will update soon. I'm working on the next chapter right now. I'm glad you like this story, keep reading because things are about to get interesting (not in the nasty sort of way).

Kyo's only 1 – Thank-you for the review and I hope you keep reading!

Avacados are evil – Thanks for your comment, it made me laugh! XD It's true how Iruka-sensei should have brought along a translator, but it wouldn't have fit into the story plot and besides where in Japan would he get a translator for Chinese? Oo Thanks to you and Bob for reviewing!

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The second chapter is done. Maybe I am really pushing things a bit, but I already have the next few chapters planned. I am already working on chapter three, although I'm not done yet.

(p.s. please forgive my misspelling of "san", I just noticed and it's fixed now)

Review, please. And I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! Thanks again for all who reviewed; it's great to get feedback for my work.

Horologii