Imaginary Love

Chapter 10: With Eyes In Love

Music: Imaginary Love by Rufus Wainwright and Foolish Love by Rufus Wainwright

Author's Note: The thing about Kakairu is that they have their own little world together. At least with Gundam Wing (any fans, here?), there was a little network so it made it easier…I guess…to write. But here, I feel as if it's an intrusion if another person pops in. Oh well….just ravings of the writer. By the way, thank you for all your reviews (also an onigiri is a rice ball). Oh and I know this chapter is super, super short. And I'm sorry.

Disclaimer: Do I really have to put this here? Isn't it obvious?

Kakashi's POV:

I looked at myself in the mirror. A face that I wasn't used to seeing stared back. I had gotten so used to the mask that it had become like a second layer of skin instead of what it was intended to be: protection.

It was a barrier between me and those around me. I wanted to keep it that way. People didn't need to see my face. A face betrays one's emotions and to be a good ninja one must be able to separate himself from his emotions, right?

I mean that's what got my father and Obito killed. I'm not saying I'm resentful or bitter but I can learn from their mistakes. Not to get emotionally involved. I'm not saying emotions are a bad thing…but there's a time and a place.

I looked into his eyes. Those soft, brown eyes that were so easily surprised and saddened. There was a light present in those eyes unlike anyone else's. It was a light that vowed to consume you with warmth if you let it. Then why was I so afraid?

"Iruka…" I breathed. How could I make him understand? I wanted him, forever. But I was scared, which was so strange. I had faced death countless times and seen many atrocities. But my heart was too fragile. It had been broken a number of times—one crack for every death.

I heard the door open and the muffled, cat-like steps of Iruka. He seemed to be carrying something. I peeked around the corner, careful to remain hidden. His navy shirt was still loose; he was making progress. I told Tsunade of Iruka's inability to care for himself. She had given me an inquisitive glare…if there is such a thing.

"Iruka has been losing significant weight and is emotionally unstable." I had told her in her office.

She narrowed her eyes, "And why, pray tell, does this concern you? I have people watching over him."

I blinked. It was one thing for adults to suspect my love for Iruka—that I didn't care about. But to admit it to someone else was another thing entirely. "I…I…care for him."

She continued writing. "I see. So you think you're the man to watch him?"

I couldn't answer but she must've understood because she then said, "Well I'll take you off mission duty for a month." I bowed in gratitude and then left.

I snapped back to reality and tiptoed back to the bathroom to put on my mask. "Kakashi? Are you home?" I heard Iruka's voice call from the kitchen. "I brought onigiri….thought you'd…might like one." His voice suddenly became nervous. "Are you here?"

I grunted from the bathroom and hurried to put on a pair of pants. "Yeah."

He brightened. "Do you want some onigiri?" He held one out to me.

It took it from him. We were silent for a while. "…Kashi…what's wrong? You seem…" Iruka trailed off.

"Tsunade-sama gave me a month off." I said simply. Why was I being so guarded?

He raised his eyebrows. "Oh. That's a good thing….unless you miss the action."

I shook my head. "No…that's not it."

He walked over and put his head on my chest. It was rare that he would initiate something but I was grateful. "What are you thinking, love? What are you feeling?" His voice was so tender that I wanted to blurt the whole entire thing out to him, instead I shrugged.

"Dunno."

"You know, you don't have to tell me now. We can wait." He said and that made me want to tell him even more.

"I know." I whispered, bringing him close. "I just don't want two of us hurting."

Iruka glanced up at me, his eyes full of concern. "Are you….are you hurting, Kakashi?"

"I'm supposed to be taking care of you." I said and he just held me tighter. Two broken souls…together could we mend?

"We can take care of each other."

"I told you it wasn't going to be easy." Now, I was just making excuses.

"Who said I wanted easy? I just want you. All of you."

I broke the embrace and stroked Iruka's warm cheek. He looked at me with understanding eyes. My hands were trembling but I managed to find the edges of my mask and slowly inched it down. I felt it pass over my nose, lips and then chin. All the while, Iruka eyes smiled. "You're beautiful." He breathed.

I must've blushed because he did too. He leaned in and cupped my cheek with his hands. Only silent words passed between us. "Beautiful." He whispered. He then traced my features with the tip of his index finger. I closed my eyes, he was so gentle.

He leaned in closer and kissed the side of my mouth lightly. I could tell he was nervous. "Iruka." I whispered huskily into his ear and pulled him into my arms. He relaxed against me and I kissed his forehead and then the tip of his nose, making my way down to his lips.

I felt his heart fluttering through his shirt and then our lips met. It was a simple, sweet kiss but one full of love. Moments later, he broke away; his cheeks were pink and there was a smile on his lips, "I love you."

Somehow, this could work. "Love you too."

I went in for another kiss when I heard him murmur, "Aren't you meeting the kids for a little bit of training?"

"They can wait." And we kissed again. It began as a soft touch on the lips and till his mouth opened, inviting me in. I explored the inside of his mouth. His wonderful, sweet mouth. I wanted to tell him I loved him over and over again in that kiss.

About half-an-hour later, I was taking my time getting to "the kids". When I saw them, they were under a tree looking annoyed and utterly pissed off.

"You're late." Naruto spat out.

I chuckled and decided to tell them the truth. "I'm sorry. I was making out with Iruka-sensei."

"LIAR!" They screamed.