Disclaimer: I don't own the Naruto universe.
Characters: Iruka, Kakashi
Relationships: Kakashi x Iruka
Summary: Kakashi needs to do the "right thing."
Rating: K+
Prompt: "Warmth" for Christmas Fest
Word Count: 398
At Midnight
The incoming blizzard had forced Tsunade to shut down virtually all missions. Naturally, exceptions were made in the most of extreme cases. And, unfortunately, everyone thought that their missions were absolutely necessary and had to be completed right then.
It was nearly midnight when Iruka managed to bring his third shift in a row to a close. He spent the last few hours trying to explain the weather and the voucher system to a visiting dignitary. Until he couldn't even think properly anymore.
All he wanted was to be home with Kakashi. Kakashi, at least, could be counted on to be quiet and solid.
And there. Kakashi was there, standing just inside the doorway and holding a mug of hot apple cider. One twist of lemon, two twists of orange, and a cinnamon stick. The way Kakashi's sensei used to make it.
Iruka stepped into the house and removed his outdoor gear. Smiling slightly, he accepted the offered mug of hot cider. His half-frozen fingers soaked in the heat from the mug. And he breathed in the steam coming off the hot liquid, letting it warm his face and lungs.
Gently, Kakashi's thin arm wound its way around Iruka's shoulders and pulled him against Kakashi's strong shoulder. Iruka sagged gratefully against the support, eyes sliding closed.
"Finish your cider," Kakashi murmured, pressing his lips against the chuunin's temple. "It'll warm you up. And then you can sleep all day tomorrow. I'll even make you breakfast."
"Mmm. That sounds good," Iruka mumbled, pressing his face against the jounin's neck. "But I can't. Got another shift in six hours."
"Ah, that would be where you're just wrong." Without warning, Kakashi bent and scooped Iruka up into his arms. "I'll take over your shift. Take care of you like I'm supposed to."
"You don't have to." But Iruka pressed as close as he could, anyway, clutching at his mug. And the bed did sound exceedingly warm and comfortable. Plus Kakashi would be much more effective at telling people to just shut up and go away.
"Of course, I do." They were already in the bedroom, before Iruka was even really aware what was going on. Kakashi lay Iruka on the bed and set the mug somewhere off to the side. "Just get some rest. I'll take care of everything."
Iruka was already nodding off as Kakashi started tucking him into bed.
