Chapter 8

A.N. So, there are only two chapters left including this one. It came to an end! So I want them to be nice. So I'll write it, wait overnight and read it again then post it. Like I did with this one(though I finished it this morning). Hope you enjoyed the story so far and you will from here on. Oh, and btw I told you about the other story I'd post, but I can't seem to find a title. If I post the summary with the last chapter will you help me find a title? Thanks! Enjoy!

xXx

Diclaimer: I disclaim it.

xXx

"So, Gin, you're a shinobi from Yugakure?"

The trio was sitting around a table in the hospital yard.

"That's right."

"You know the technique called 'silent killing'?"

Iruka and Gin stopped for a second and looked at the now cold Kakashi.

"No, we don't use that method. But I've heard."

"The target doesn't even see it coming."

He was looking straight into the blue eyes.

"Hmm…" He chewed his food, not very interested.

"Kakashi sensei, I don't think this is the best time to discuss killing tech…"

Kakashi didn't let him finish.

"Iruka! You're not eating! Are you feeling sick? If that's so I can call a nurse…"

"No!" two men looked at him with surprise. He had yelled a bit.

"I…I mean, that's not needed. I'm fine, just not feeling like eating."

He was blushing with every word.

"If you don't feel like being outside, we can always go back inside and let you have some rest. It's only natural after…You know, loss of blood. You look pale."

Gin put his hand on Iruka's arm and the silver haired jounin was getting pissed.

Without giving Iruka a chance to answer, he stood up.

"You know what, he's right Iruka. You look way paler than usual. I can't stand to see you like that. And since you don't feel like eating right now, we'll get something for you in your room, when you feel hungry. Let's go."

And he leaned and lifted the brunet bridal style.

"W-wait…Kakashi sensei!"

The jounin tilted his head so that their noses were glued together.

"I…I…uhm…You really don't have to c-carry me around like this…uhm…I-I'm feeling better."

He could feel his breath. Hot air softly touching his face.

He opened his mouth to answer but he saw the chuunin blush and eyes widen.

Kakashi had made a mistake.

He forgot that holding someone so close, letting their hands rest on his chest…might end up like this.

Iruka could feel his heart racing!

"Kakashi sensei…"

He was looking straight in his eyes. And Kakashi did something he had never done before; he averted his eyes.

Iruka was shocked. This man…He could feel his heart under his hand and it was racing, faster than Iruka's if possible.

And when he was about to ask him if he was okay, he had averted his eyes.

But…

What did that mean?

Gin broke the silence.

"So, are we going or you two just going to wait there till dinner?"

Kakashi didn't answer but he quickly moved.

When they arrived, he gently laid Iruka on the bed, without looking at him and saying anything.

"I'm sorry, I had something to do, I forgot. See you later!"

And he left the room.

"Wait Kakashi sensei!"

Gin caught Kakashi just outside the room and closed the door behind him.

"Yes?"

Kakashi turned around, hating the guy.

"I see you're into Iruka."

Straightforward.

"I…"

"That wasn't a question."

Kakashi glared at the man standing in front of him. One more wrong word and he didn't care about international disasters.

"Don't hurt him."

Kakashi couldn't quite comprehend.

"What?"

"I can see you're jealous of me." He chuckled. "He's much like a brother to me. He was there when my parents died and I was there when he lost his. We practically grew up together, through the most important years."

Kakashi was trying to process the words.

"I didn't like you at first, you don't seem the type to take responsibilities but…"

"…"

"…I can see that he also likes you more than a friend."

Kakashi couldn't believe what he was hearing. Could it be?

And suddenly the Yugakure shinobi's aura turned darker, Kakashi could swear he felt a cold wind in the hospital.

"But if you break his heart, I'll tear yours out with my bare hands. And if you think these are just empty words, I do know who you are, Copy Nin, and you might want to check a bingo book to find out who I am."

Kakashi couldn't react.

And suddenly, the man's cheerful aura came back, like it was never gone.

"So, I hope you'll be happy together! But don't run away from him. Be honest, go and confess."

He paused and added looking at the door he just came through.

"If you postpone it, someone to be genuinely jealous about might snatch him away. He's not a bad catch you know."

He leaned to whisper to Kakashi's ear, like giving a secret.

"You know he's bi, right?"

He chuckled. And patting Kakashi on the shoulder:

"That means more competition for you pal! See ya!"

And before Kakashi could say anything, Iruka's door closed behind Gin.

xXx

Kakashi didn't move for a while. Thinking. Could it be? Could that perfect creature actually like him? And as more than a friend? Was that even possible?

He knew if he was someone else, he wouldn't even be want to be around himself, let alone like him. He was a social retard, yes he had admitted that to himself a long time ago. His personality lied in the past. He had only made mistakes when it came to relationships, of any kind. He had no close friends and no family left. When he was younger he had been with a few people but he couldn't call them lovers. He had never even been on a date!

And in this whole village, there wasn't even one person who's seen his face, let alone get to know him.

He was a mere killing machine, who lack human features.

And no one has seen him as more than that except his genin team and sensei. Until now…

xXx

Kakashi sat on a tree branch for the rest of the day, as usual, but he wasn't holding his small orange books of his. On the outside, he looked like he wasn't doing anything at all. He was just sitting there, apparently enjoying the peaceful environment, watching the clouds.

But on the inside…

There was an evil storm. It was tearing up and rearranging Kakashi's inner world in a chaos. Thoughts were whirling, ideas were flashing, memories were burning. His neat and organized inner world was no longer in order. A wind of need blew away his last of his composure. The longing was burning away his logic. The desire, a desire of a new life swallowed him whole. His inner world was in turmoil and besides his feelings, there was the worst part:

Hope.

Shinobi don't hope.

But he did.

Shinobi don't act on feelings or ever show it.

But he had them and he had to.

He needed him. He had to be there with him.

He couldn't lose him.

He couldn't stay away anymore.

Damn that hope!

He couldn't see the possibility of a perfect creature like Iruka could even spare him a second glance.

But he did.

He wanted to be friends.

And maybe…

No! Shut up!

Don't give yourself hope!

You have always been watching! You're an outsider, an unwanted element in human relationships.

You have neither the capability nor the right to step inside of the life you've been admiring.

If you keep your hopes up, it'll be that much harder for you when he's with someone else.

He…he deserved someone better than Kakashi. He couldn't even offer anything because he knew how Iruka was, he'd be polite enough to not reject him, but he just knew they couldn't be together.

He didn't belong there, he didn't belong in Iruka's life.

It had colors.

Kakashi lived black and white.

It was warm.

Kakashi's world was cold.

It was innocent and caring.

Kakashi was a mere killing machine and had no feelings.

Didn't have at least.

And, Kakashi decided it was better if he never went near Iruka again. He hadn't known his place and tried to get close to him. But now he understood. Even if he had a chance with that sweet brunet, he shouldn't get close enough to hurt him. Just enough to protect him without him knowing.

xXx

After that day in the hospital, Iruka didn't see Kakashi again. He kept thinking what he had done wrong and found many, many mistakes. He wanted to apologize and get things back to normal but the infamous copy nin was nowhere to be found.

A month has passed.

Iruka was back to the academy, Gin had left and life was going on.

But something was stuck in the brunet's mind.

He tried looking for the man.

He asked around.

Hell, he even mustered up enough courage and went to his apartment.

But the man didn't want to be found.

He knew he was normal again.

But he just didn't cross paths with him.

He didn't want to see him.

Just like he thought before.

He really didn't want to see him anymore.

Iruka dismissed his class. It was the only thing he could do.

"Sensei?"

He turned his head to see the little girl standing in the now empty classroom looking worried.

"Sachi? What did you need?"

"Uhm…sensei, you really look bad. I mean, since you came back from the hospital…uhm…you…uhm…look like you haven't been healed properly. Nobody dared to ask but I figured you send us h-home when we look like that. Maybe you should…uhm…too…rest?"

Iruka smiled at the little girl's concern. So even the pre-genins have noticed, huh?

"I'm fine Sachi, I appreciate your and your classmates' concern but I'm perfectly healthy. Just not getting enough sleep. I was actually planning to visit the hospital for some sleeping pills. So, don't worry yourself, okay?"

The girl's bottom lip was quivering and her eyes was filling with tears.

"Sachi…!" He stood up to crouch in front of the girl. But he didn't get the chance because the little girl hugged him as soon as he was standing.

He looked at the little girl, or the top of her head which was about Iruka's navel.

"Sachi…I'm fine! Don't worry, really. I can take care of myself you know."

The little girl looked up from the now wet shirt.

"But, sensei, I-if you die…! Don't die!"

Iruka had to bite back a chuckle. It wouldn't be very nice of him to laugh at his pre-genin's concern about him.

He gently entangled the little girl from himself and crouched down in front of her to be at the same height.

"Sachi. I'm not going to die. I'm a shinobi, it's not that easy to hurt me or kill me. And it's not like I'm injured or anything, it's just a few sleepless nights. I think I can handle it."

He was smiling reassuringly. And he just realized the chakra signatures from outside the door.

"Come in! You think you can hide from me? You should've known better."

And his pre-genin class entered reluctantly.

"Iruka-sensei we were just concerned about you and you wouldn't tell us in the period if we asked but maybe if one person asked…"

"Okay okay. I'm not mad. Come here."

He gestured them to come closer and they did.

"Look, guys, being a shinobi means you are able to overcome a lot of things. And in battlefield, our instincts tell us to run. We are humans, we have feelings, attachments. But we don't run away. We fight. We put aside our feelings. And I have to admit, your observation was indeed correct, and I'm proud of you for your perspective, but you are not just shinobi. You are you. A human being. A human being with feelings and relationships. So, don't go shinobi on the people you care about. Be straightforward. You could've just told me you were worried and ask me, maybe I would have parried but I'd know you were concerned. And in human relations, it's all about feelings, don't forget that, okay?"

The class nodded and they tackled their sensei but he managed to stand still.

He laughed before he stretched his arms to pat as much student as possible.

xXx

Kakashi was still processing.

He was sitting on a tree branch outside the classroom, listening. His chakra cloaked and totally silent. Thanks to ANBU training, he was perfect at that, and apparently, it had worked, the sensei had no idea he was just outside of his classroom.

At first, he was worried about him, the child said that the class had noticed and it's hard for pre-genins to usually notice anything. Kakashi never got close enough to check on his health but he looked stabil, he went to his job at the academy and the missions room.

And then the speech about not being just a shinobi. Being a human? And feelings? They were mostly the answers of his whole life's questions. The answers Kakashi didn't want to admit to himself.

So did that mean he'd accept him if he asked?

No, you'll only hurt him. You're useless as a human. He deserves much better.

"Kakashi-sensei?"

A blonde energy ball was next to him, crouched on the branch now.

"What are you doing?"

"Waiting for a damsel to be in distress."

Used to his lies, Naruto ignored it.

"You're spying on Iruka-sensei?"

The blonde was confused and Kakashi's visible eye widened. What now?

"Erm…Why would I spy on him?"

"I don't know. But you are? You didn't even deny it."

Argh! Jeez, this kid!

"Don't you have training to do?"

"It's our ramen night! Iruka-sensei buys me ramen every Thursday!"

"Hmm…"

"So why were you spying on him?"

He contemplated for a second. And he put one finger on his mask covered lips.

"Shh! I can't tell you, it's top secret."

Kakashi observed the boy as his expressions changed. He was so easily readable for a shinobi! And too very easy to fool.

Score!

"Kakashi-senseii! I can keep a secret! Pleeeeeeeeeaaaase tell me! Please, please, please…"

He kept begging. Kakashi's purpose was this actually but not quite. Apparently, he missed the fact that they were still outside the classroom.

"I-"

"Kakashi-sensei?"

The brunet academy sensei was now standing on the wall of the academy in front of them.

Uh-oh. This wasn't good. He wasn't supposed to get caught. That was the whole point damnit!

"Uh…Hi!"

The brunet cocked his head to the side in confusion, apparently that wasn't the reaction he was expecting.

"Iruka-sensei!"

But before he could do or say anything, for the second time today, he was once again tackled. This time, by a hyperactive blond.

Apparently, the kid wasn't thinking, because he had jumped from the branch in order to hug Iruka, but Iruka was standing on a frickin' wall! Since he wasn't expecting the extra weight and the semi-fatal blow from his former student, he was caught off guard and got a hit on his diaphragm. Now out of breath, he couldn't control his chakra flow to his feet and they were no longer sticking on the wall.

It was the third floor and they were falling head on.

Iruka closed his eyes. Waiting for the hit.

But he just felt gentle arms around him, catching him in the air before he fell.

He opened his eyes.

He was in Kakashi's arms.

He felt his heart trying to get out of his chest.

He was already breathless.

Now, being so close to this man…

They could feel each other's breath on their lips.

Kakashi pulled back.

Iruka realized that he was about to leave, he grabbed his vest.

"You're not leaving again!" he practically hissed.

Kakashi was too surprised to do anything. He just stared.

Hands clutching on Kakashi's vest, Iruka looked around to see Naruto. The boy was on the ground a few feet away.

"Did you kick him?"

He paused for a second.

"Uhm, I could only land with one and he won't mind anyway. It's become a daily usual for him. And it's not a kick, I just gave him a little push."

Iruka looked worried for a second, concentrated on hearing the boy's breathing, and when he heard it was even, he turned to face Kakashi.

"Why are you avoiding me? I know I've made mistakes but… Couldn't you at least not avoid me? You don't have to talk to me or anything but just…" He swallowed dryly.

Kakashi didn't understand the words' meanings for a second. Then he remembered what the man said in the forest. He thought he was the one making the mistakes. He was too naïve for a chuunin.

Iruka paused for Kakashi's answer but he didn't even have an expression on his face.

The sensei looked like he was about to cry for a second. Then he lowered his gaze for a moment, inhaled deeply and looked at his one visible eye again, with a determined look on his face.

"If you're going to avoid me and I won't see you for the rest of my life, I think I've got nothing to lose and you deserve to know I guess. Or maybe it's just me wanting to get it off my chest. Doesn't matter when you hate me, right?

I love you Hatake Kakashi.

And I don't get a say in this.

Sorry if you hate me and you can continue avoiding me.

But I'll probably love you forever. Not my call, don't blame me."

He shrugged, let go of his vest to leave.

He was stopped by two strong hands.

And found his lips being crushed.

Kakashi was…

Kissing him?

What?

But he hated him?

Kakashi couldn't believe what he had heard. He…he loved him? He'd love him? And felt him let go of his vest, oddly cold now where he was touching. He didn't think about consequences. He didn't think about his insecurities. He didn't think at all. All he knew was he wanted Iruka and the said brunet had just confessed his love to him. And was now leaving him. He had to stop him! His hand found its way to Iruka's shoulder before he could turn around completely and the other caught up with it in no time after tugging the mask down. And he had pulled him into a kiss.

(A.N. If you're really really young or don't want ANY intimacy that might stick in your mind, don't read till the other note.)

Iruka couldn't think for more. One of those pale hands caressed it's way from his shoulders down to his waist and wrapped around him tightly, pressing their bodies together. The other one was on Iruka's cheek, caressing it. At the same time, he found his hands in silver feathery hair. Kakashi gently brushed his tongue against Iruka's lips, and he opened them, also sliding his tongue in his mouth. Iruka found it hard to stand up but strong arms were keeping him standing. Now, tongues fighting for dominance, bodies hot, every touch burning, Kakashi would think he was dreaming again, if he could think that is.

(A.N. Go on ahead.)

After a while that seemed like forever, they broke for breath but still face to face.

"Kakashi…"

"I love you too."

Iruka looked astonished. He looked at him with wide eyes and an expression almost readable as disbelief. Almost.

Kakashi nuzzled Iruka's nose and the cheek, still panting. Iruka smiled slightly and caressed the silver hair.

"Can we…uhm…do you want to…uhm…"

Iruka blushed. Kakashi was confused. He tilted his head a little.

(A.N. The same here. Although it only carries some undressing and licking. Nothing too personal. :D)

Iruka decided action spoke louder than words and pressed their bulges together. Both men groaned.

"Uh…I see…My place then?"

Iruka grinned with a blush on his face and Kakashi took that as a yes. He flashed the hand signs for teleportation and they were in a small room. But Iruka wasn't exactly paying attention to his surroundings, only thing is his mind was the light touches on his groin from above the fabric of shinobi uniform.

Silver haired man slowly laid them on the bed.

Pale hands took his vest off, so did tan hands for the other man. Kakashi watched dazed the perfect creature underneath him. He was so beautiful and he still couldn't believe he was touching him. Big chocolate eyes were watching him just as dazed. A tan hand reached and caressed the pale cheek. Kakashi leaned to the touch. Long fingers went under his shirt, touching as much tan skin as possible and loving the shivers he got in respond. He slowly took his shirt off. He felt his heartbeats get even faster if possible. He gazed the well sculpted chest and well-built muscles. He leaned but Iruka moved first and took his shirt of. He then continued what he started and caressed every curve and scar on the tan upper body with his tongue. He loved the moans and shivers he got in response.

(A.N. Go on. Oh, now they're in Kakashi's place btw)

"Ka-kashi…I..I've never…"

"I know."

"You know?"

"Erm…I might have eavesdropped on the conversation in the forest."

Iruka had to think for a second. And his eyes widened.

"Wha-"

"Iruka…"

Kakashi looked at the man's beautiful face. It felt like a dream. He couldn't get happier. He'd never felt this way before.

"I should be honest with you."

Would he really risk it?

"I…uhm…Do you remember that incident, about twelve years earlier?"

"…Kyuubi incident?"

"Uh, no. After that, uhm…"

He got up and sat down shirtless, so did Iruka.

"That white haired kid. He…uhm…"

Iruka was shocked. How…how could he even know about that? But he couldn't find his voice to ask.

"He attacked you and wanted to attack Naruto."

He slowly nodded, since it was only thing he could manage right now.

"Uhm, I was there. I was back from a solo mission and I saw you crying in the woods."

He paused for a second to clear his throat but he was assessing the brunet's reactions.

"And, uhm, he came and…uhm…the things happened and he intoxicated you and well…stuff. It doesn't really matter. Uhm, what I wanted to say was that I've known you since then, and probably been in love with you at the most of it. And when we became friends I was too happy but I screwed up, I was so nervous and, well, too afraid of screwing up. I didn't mean to act cold, but I guess that's my comfort zone."

Kakashi couldn't lift his gaze from floor to look at the brunet sitting next to him. He waited for him to rush and slam the door behind him.

That didn't happen.

"Kakashi…"

Said silver haired looked at the teacher's face.

The brunet looked sad, not angry.

Iruka reached and cupped his cheek.

"Why didn't you just come and say anything?"

And his other hand was caressing the silver hair lightly. Kakashi found it comforting.

"I…I don't deserve to be near you. You're the most perfect creature I've ever seen and I'm a mere killing machine who lacks human emotions."

The brunet pulled him into a tight hug. It felt so good to be so close to him. He just wanted to stay that way forever but after a minute or so, the brunet gently pulled back, just enough to see the pale face. One of his hands were on his cheek, caressing it.

"First of all, I'm not perfect. Not even close. And you don't lack human emotions, you're here with me, right?"

Their foreheads glued together. Iruka's fingers slipped in the feathery silver hair.

"And you're so beautiful I can't believe I'm here with you right now. It feels like a dream. And I'm too afraid that I'll wake up any moment."

"I feel that way too if that's any comfort."

Iruka chuckled.

"I guess dreams don't feel like it's a dream, ne? I'm so happy this moment that there's the slightest possibility that this isn't a dream."

"It's not a dream. No dreams are this good."

"I love you Kakashi."

"I love you Iruka."

And they got back to what they started a few minutes earlier.

xXx

A.N. So, what do you think? I cut it there because I might be too detailed with the first one but this is a little teeny more than mature. Meaning no lemons. But I just couldn't help it! They've suffered too much and been in love with each other, again, too much and…well, they deserved it!

Kakashi: Hell yeah we deserved it!

Iruka: What's with the attitude? You got what you wanted, right?

Kakashi: Well, uhm, Iruka?

Author: No no no no no! You're not doing anything outside the story. How did you get out anyway?

Kakashi: Okay okay geez! Didn't have to push!

Author: Well, you're still here though!

Iruka: Come on Kakashi. I have plans.

Author: Shut up! No info about the story outside the story!

Iruka: *purrs* But Vegaa…I wanted to…uhm…

Author: You manipulative…! *gives in to the brown puppy eyes* Okay, go ahead. Outside the described story. I'll just make a summary about it in the next chapter.

*both men grin*

*now alone*

Author: Well, I guess you'll see what they wanted to do in the next chapter! Take care!

Iruka: *pops his head* And please review!

Kakashi:*being nudged by Iruka* Yeah yeah, she needs it. Now can we go back to my needs? *gets glared by the other two* fine! What do I say more? She was upset about not getting any, meaning ANY reviews last chapter and…

Author: Shut up will you! Uhm…Don't mind him. I'd really love to get reviews, of course, since it's my first story and carries my…uhm…insecurities, I'd love to hear other ideas and requests or just what you think of the story. Ja ne!