Disclaimer: The idea might be mine but nothign else is.

Happiness

Iruka thought it was fate that caused his ninth meeting with Kakashi.

Ever since Naruto left not too long ago to train with that perverted sensei, Iruka had been avoiding Ichiraku ramen with an almost dreaded fear, Iruka was an emotional man, one of the reasons way he never made it into ANBU, and he knew that going to the little ramen bar would cause him to be hit with a wave of nostalgia so strong he might possibly break down into tears right there in the street.

However, as of late he had developed a craving for Ichiraku's BBQ pork ramen that was so strong that he'd be willing to risk a public mental breakdown just for a taste of the delicious dish.

And so the teacher traveled to the small restaurant and when he pulled back the familiar red and white banner he was surprised to see none other than the silver haired nin himself sitting at the far end of the bar. After standing there slightly awkward for a few moments, Iruka noticed Kakashi patting the empty seat next to him. Taking the silent invitation Iruka slid slowly into the seat adjacent to Kakashi and ordered his meal.

There was a good thirty seconds of silence before the Jounin finally spoke up, "Heard from Naruto lately?"

Startled by the sudden question Iruka paused slightly, "Um... yeah I just got a letter from him a few days ago. His training is going well although he says that Jiraiya-sensei is always asking him to do his Sexy no Jutsu."

Kakashi sighed, "I knew that technique would cause him trouble someday."

"I know!" Iruka replied, "I kept telling him to stop using it, but what does he do? Not only does he keep at it but he teaches it to Konohamaru! And I thought I was done with that blasted technique when Naruto graduated..."

Iruka almost thought he was a smile underneath that mask but the Jounin spoke up before he could be sure, "Did I ever tell you about the time that Naruto tried to use that technique to seduce me into taking off my mask?"

Iruka laughed, something he hadn't really done for a good three months, "Haha, no. Do tell."

The two talked and laughed for a good three hours before the owner of Ichiraku ushered them out to close shop. After a bit of convincing, Iruka allowed Kakashi to walk him home. When they had finally reached Irukas front step Kakashi became suddenly serious, "Thank you for staying with me tonight Iruka-sensei. I don't think you know how much I needed it."

Iruka blinked in confusion, "Huh? Needed what?"

This time Iruka was sure that Kakashi was smiling under that black cloth, "To be happy."

And as Iruka watched the older nin walk away he realized he knew exactly how Kakahsi felt, because Iruka had needed it just as much.