A/N: As promised, although a tad bit later than 24hours (my wee English village's main source of electricity got knocked out for half the night by a damn tree! wtfwtf!) Anyways, thanks all!
& KitElizaKing - have they managed to clone you yet? :') heheh.
as for CosmicEssence, thank you! and as for the rest of you awesome people, big, big thanks, too.

I can only hope you all continue to enjoy.

Chapter Ten:

It had sounded so sweet, so innocent, so utterly, fucking adorable - despite the demanding tone - when Naruto breathily informed (no, it was more telling than informing) that they had to go on a date.

In fact, Kakashi Hatake's brain was still reeling with amusement that he had barely felt Naruto's small calloused hands snake down his lower stomach until they latched onto his erection and pulled it out of his soggy clothing. Kakashi could only gasp, his shoulders jerking and brain breaking from his rigid cock meeting the chilled water from the shower and the curious, feather-like touches from Naruto's fingers. At first, the teen didn't know what he was doing (as expected) and did nothing more than brush his knuckles on the soft-feeling underside of Kakashi's throbbing shaft, his whiskered face holding an expression of marveled trepidation combined with a cheeky grin. The teen paid no heed to the Hatake's choked stutter of reprimand, all the while far too busy with concentrating and experimenting with grasping at Kakashi's the blood heavy organ, eliciting the occasional moans and insuppressible shudders.

Heck, Kakashi wasn't entirely sure of what happened after those innocuous touches, be it fingers ghosting over the sprinkling silvery hair by his lower stomach or a water-slicked palm dashing across the tip of his dick. The teen even palmed his balls as those blue eyes practically shone and darted up to regard the elder male's face whenever a noise escaped the man. The whole feeling of those delicate hands was sinful (painfully so) but all Kakashi could do was pant, hiss, and groan as the fog of lust descended completely, turning everything hazy up until the point that the Jounin had realized (at some occasion in time) he had wrapped a loose fist around Naruto's suddenly exposed prick.

The feeling of that hard flesh scalded his hand, fitting so perfectly in his hold like a hot, erotic popsicle that made Kakashi's brain ooze out his ears.

Vaguely, in the moment of guilty pleasure, Kakashi watched Naruto's hungry eyes focus upon his ministrations for a moment or two before mimicking the hand movements upon Kakashi's dick. Inwardly, Kakashi's inner-perverted self crooned happily, making a sly comment about the youth being a 'fast learner' while all guilt and worry about how this mutual act of masturbation was wrong faded from him. All which mattered right now was Naruto's pleasure and calmness, so he didn't complain when the blonde's hands stopped their glorious strokes upon his dick. Instead, the flaxen-haired male used his keen eye to search the small ANBU's heated face for any indication of fear or disgust - ready to stop, pull back and apologize.

Yet such a prospect dissipated when Naruto let out a deliciously beautiful keening sound, his small frame stilling as one hand's fingers curled into the fabric of Kakashi's sodden pants and the other remained squeezing the man's large, weeping rod at the base.

All Kakashi could do was duck in his awkward posture in the bathtub to be closer to the stunning, blonde-haired creature that was straddling his splayed out thigh, silently admiring how said teen was obviously so close to the edge in such a short amount of time. It was clear disuse had led to Naruto being overly sensitive, something which made Kakashi bubble with excitement over future prospects without thinking too much into detail, his brain far too fried to tell himself and 'next time' wouldn't happen. Regardless of such giddy thoughts, he had managed to plant a reassuring kiss to Naruto's temple – more for himself than the boy – as Naruto clenched his body against him, a collection of sweet visceral-sounding noises reverberating in the Hatake's skull. So, giving one final rub with his thumb across the tip of Naruto's rosy dick, Kakashi watched with complete fascination as those blue eyes closed in pleasure and the half-open mouth let out a choked sob that sounded faintly like his name as the smaller male came in his hand.

And, yet, despite Kakashi's internally whispered misgivings, the whole situation just felt…comfortably right.

''Please stop doing that or I'll just buy you cup ramen to have at home.''

Naruto peered through the holes of his mask, his nose giving one strong inhale of his right hand before slipping it out from underneath his ANBU mask and away from his nose. He regarded the silver-haired man walking beside him and resisted the urge to pout as they weaved through the late afternoon crowds of people milling around Konoha's streets. The blonde remained close at the Jounin's side though, fresh in a set of clean clothes and his hair still remaining damp from their spur-of-the-moment shower combined with…well, really, really nice touching.

He had never considered touching himself like that before, but now he could fully appreciate and understand why – upon their first meeting – he had spotted Kakashi masturbating. It was more thrilling than training or learning a new jutsu and it filled you with such satisfaction that – in the end – Naruto had to fight against downiness upon feeling so lax. He felt similar to how he did after the first time he had ground himself against the Jounin's stomach, like all the tension had melted out of him and his limbs moved so fluidly with each step. It had been wonderful, completely downright wonderful, and Kakashi's hands had been so caring and gentle that Naruto had tried to mimic such a skill before falling into a trance and making the adult's hand sticky.

However, that didn't mean that the Uzumaki didn't claw himself out of the dozy, contented mind-state he had slipped into from Kakashi's fabulous ministrations upon his dick. In fact, after a few moments of collecting himself together after the orgasm, the teenager had continued his exploration of grazing, touching, stroking and rubbing Kakashi's erection until an impressive amount of semen flew out. The thick, gooey substance had covered Naruto's hands and dribbled off his fingers. Heck, if he closed his eyes, he could still feel the large piece of hot, velvety flesh against his palms and…

''I can still smell you,'' Naruto finally informed with a hidden, coy grin.

Because he could…he could smell that nice, spine-shivering musky scent of Kakashi's dick and the tinge of something salty.

''You,'' Kakashi stalled, sending the younger a narrowed glance, ''You didn't wash your hands.''

It was more of a statement than a question, but regardless, Naruto nodded with absolute eagerness while grinning stupidly at the faint dusting of pink creeping out behind Kakashi's mask. Of course he didn't wash his hands, there hadn't been much point since the shower had sprinkled away majority of the translucent, white-tinted substance. But Naruto could still smell the man upon his hands, and it was super tempting to sandwich his hand between his ANBU mask and nose to take another inhale.

But he really wanted to go on a date…even if Kakashi had unknowingly taken over this particular area of (what the Sandaime had explained as) courtship.

So, the small Uzumaki happily let the Hatake have a little control, especially if it made the man confidently comfortable. Plus, Naruto had never really been anywhere socially in Konoha before - aside from the random trip to the bookstore or corner-street convenience store - since leaving the ANBU compound. Thus why it was a good idea to let Kakashi take charge, the man walked with a pace of purpose and honed direction, hinting that he knew exactly he was going.

'The only place I really know is the training grounds,' Naruto internally muttered, his shorter legs picking up the pace to match the taller's long stride. 'I somehow doubt that would be a good place for a date, the Old Man said most dates involve goingto public places or eating…'

Naruto shrugged to himself, purposely slapping his hands together to rid of phantom feeling of Kakashi's cock upon his palms while swallowing heavily. He needed to stop thinking about that area of the man; it had – after all – sidetracked him enough times today in his efforts of wooing. Besides, he was originally meant to ask Kakashi out on an excursion after handing over the gifts but everything kind of got thrown out the metaphorical window. In fact, as Naruto came to ponder upon their whole situation, both he and Kakashi appeared to be doing things backwards, especially if he recalled the order in which the elderly Hokage had told him about such things…

''Wooing is generally something one does to seek love or affection, - maybe even acceptance - from a person. Once such mutual affection is established, well, Naruto…then people court or should I say date? Ahem, then some other, more intimate actions tend to happen, I suppose. Everyone has their own pace, but it's good not to rush too much.''

Rubbing his palms together, the blonde turned to staring at his company, happily trotting beside the taller male. The Hokage had been mildly helpful but at the same time made more questions arrive in Naruto's brain than answers, leaving him curious once again. Yet, such curiosity could wait since Kakashi's steps had slowed as they appeared to be nearing a small, civilian-run establishment that wafted the scent of various foods and spices. Naruto could only raise his head and sniff at the inviting aroma that smelled distinctively similar to the cups of instant ramen Kakashi had introduced him to.

''Here we are,'' Kakashi's lazy drawl held a pleased tone, ''Ichiraku Ramen.''

The taller man ducked under the sheltered overhang that sported a bar and stools, his arm brushing aside the canvas flaps as Naruto followed suit, unamused to note that his small height meant he couldn't mimic Kakashi's latter action. Nonetheless, the ANBU-masked boy slid onto the stool besides the one Kakashi was slowly easing himself into, his lone dark eye offering Naruto a crinkled eye smile that made his stomach flutter and face heat. Naruto returned a hidden grin though, knowing full-well that Kakashi could assume his facial expression before taking interest with the quaint surroundings, grateful to note the overhang made the bar-like eating area shaded enough to remain cool during the hot afternoon and despite the kitchen being a few feet away, pots and pans bubbling.

''It's dead in here,'' Naruto murmured, noting the fact they were the only two people present. Not that it was a bad thing, the blonde would've felt awkward and out of his limited social-depth if stuffed into a bustling restaurant. So, instead, he glared at the door that resided by the kitchen zone, silently hoping that one of the workers would enter, his stomach starting to gurgle from hunger. ''Is their ramen as good as the instant stuff?''

Kakashi shot him a bland look, his masked jaw giving a slight movement, indicating a start of reply – yet a new, unseen voice cut the man off:

''It is after the lunch-rush and don't let my father hear you comparing our ramen to that packaged filth.''

Flinching, (and shocked he hadn't noticed another's presence) Naruto leaned over the counter and closer to the owner of the soft yet muffled feminine tone. He practically head butted the person too, especially when the brown-haired female popped up from behind the counter, her dark eyes wide and a ladle in her hand.

''Ah!'' she yelped, stiffening at the intrusion of personal space before gathering her wits. ''Well, hello there er…ANBU-san.''

''Just call him Naruto, Ayame,'' Kakashi explained in an amused tone, his pale fingers hooking into the back of the boy's t-shirt and tugging him back onto his seat. ''And forgive his lack of tact.''

Said girl, Ayame, clambered onto her feet and held onto her retrieved items (a spare ladle and a container of salt) which her father had told her to fish out for him. If the lazy-sounding voice hadn't struck her as familiar, the look alone of the white-haired man certainly did. She hadn't seen Kakashi Hatake in years, not since she had been a shy preteen, all but spying on the stoic, dark-masked teenager accompanying the infamous Yellow Flash for an evening meal. It was strange, really, to see the familiar shock of pale hair and permanent mask covering the lower-portion of Kakashi's face, while other physical factors had changed. This man before her was sinewy, a far cry from the gangling teenager he had once been, not to mention the covered eye and…was he smiling?

''Hatake-san,'' she breathed, her eyes blinking furiously, ''You're…''

Ayame stalled, thousands of words flitting through her brain to finish that sentence: here, charming, happy, out in public…alive. Sure, the ramen-worker had known of Kakashi Hatake's notorious reputation as a skilled shinobi and while she hadn't physically seen the man in over a decade, many people had heard of the Copy-cat nin. But it was different to actually see the man as opposed to gossip and rumor and…and she scuttled backwards, sending the man a cheery call as she shuffled towards the backdoor.

''You're obviously hungry, I'll go get father!''

Watching the rickety-looking door bang shut, Kakashi rubbed at the back of his neck in familiar, calming gesture while letting out a heavy exhale. He waited with anticipation weighing heavily in his bones, his mind reeling over seeing Teuchi's daughter, mentally patting himself upon the back for recognizing the brunette who had blossomed well into an attractive woman. However, such inward thoughts turned sour with nerves, his worrisome mind churning the same thought which had been plaguing him since leaving the apartment – they'll know.

They'd know what he had been up to with Naruto, just like Minato-sensei had done.

Kakashi could recall when he had returned from a mission and had (in a blur of teenage hormones and a shell-shocked state of mind) had lost his virginity to a civilian female at a local inn. Upon returning back to Konoha, he had exchanged a few words with his old sensei and…and the man had sent him a look before firing a statement. Kakashi still felt like curling up when recalling that particular past conversation, it was like after losing his virginity had branded him with a mark in which his father-like figure had spotted instantly…

Not that he was ashamed of Naruto or what they had done (because, much to Kakashi's surprised horror, he felt mellow about their act of mild intimacy) but he was shocked by his own lack of control. Tenzou was right, he did 'have it bad' in regards to Naruto, and – in fact - was slowly becoming entwined around the teenager's small yet powerful fingers.

'But Tenzou isn't Minato-sensei,' Kakashi's common sense chimed in, smoothing the jagged edges of his mind. 'You're just looking for excuses, like always and -'

''She stared at you for a while,'' Naruto's voice interjected the adult's thoughts. ''How do you know her?''

Quirking an eyebrow at the icy tone, Kakashi replied calmly. ''She was most likely surprised to see me…I told you, my sensei used to drag me here at times, remember?''

''Oh, yeah,'' the blonde muttered, his voice swiftly returning to being light and playful. ''Mmm, this place smells tasty, I'll have all the ramen here!''

Kakashi just stared at the youth for a moment longer, his mind fizzing over the sudden change of attitude as a thought hit him. It was a fleeting thought, albeit amused yet shocking, but it was dashed through Kakashi's mind faster than a bolt of lightning. Maybe it was just his subconscious wishful thinking but…did Naruto sound jealous?

''My, my, it certainly has been a while, Kakashi!''

Attention diverted, the Jounin and mini-ANBU swung their heads in the direction of the aging male appearing out of the backdoor by the kitchen, Ayame at his heels. It didn't take Kakashi long to recognize the man as Teuchi, noting how the years had gave him a shorter hairstyle, gray hair and a little potbelly. But, regardless, the Hatake returned the greeting with a cheerful tone before the ramen chef beamed at Naruto.

''And you've brought a friend, too!''

''He's called Naruto,'' Ayame supplied, hovering by her fathered arm and smiling kindly at the pair.

''Maa,'' the Jounin playfully landed a hand atop Naruto's dandelion-like hair. ''He's shown an obsession towards ramen, so this seemed like the perfect place to come and-''

''- We're on a date,'' Naruto interrupted with a chirrup, blue eyes watching the pair opposite them.

Kakashi felt his eye twitch at the youth's inappropriate yet adorable honesty, his already shredded reputation officially in tatters as Teuchi cracked open one of his crows-feet crinkled eyes. The aging man fiddled with his chef's hat while sending the shinobi duo an unreadable look before breaking into polite (if not wry) grin. Even Ayame looked a little taken aback, just like her father, before offering a bashful smile towards Naruto – and Kakashi felt like shrinking in his seat. The ramen-cooking pair exchanged a glance before laughing softly at the teenager's crush-like symptoms, unknowingly making Kakashi want to reach out, shake them by the shoulders and yell: ''Naruto's really not joking, don't goad him!''

But, the Jounin couldn't, especially when the sweet-hearted brunette rested her elbows on the wooden counter, dark eyes holding amusement as she entertained Naruto's seemingly innocent comment.

''A date?'' Ayame questioned, her voice holding an amused lilt, ''How cute.''

''Yes, Kakashi is cute,'' Naruto responded, obviously missing the female's joking undertone. ''He's even offered to pay.''

Teuchi let out a cough that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle, leaving Kakashi to slump in his seat and remove his hand from previously ruffling Naruto's hair. Instead, the flaxen-haired man rubbed the bridge of his nose, ignoring how a headache was starting to surface when Ayame giggled at Naruto's reply. It was infuriating to see Ayame and her father treating Naruto's innocent-sounding remarks as nothing more, especially when Kakashi knew otherwise. Idly, he half-wondered if the blonde became irked over being treated solely upon his young looks and not down to his true, precocious mindset and manner.

'Then again,' Kakashi mused, lone eye curving fondly at the sight of Naruto timidly pointing at the menu Ayame was showing him. 'Naruto's nothing more than a bundle of mature and childish contradictions.'

''Mmm, I'll start with miso ramen, then salt, then pork…''

Now that made Kakashi's mouth open and vocal cords kick-start. ''Aa, Naruto, why not just start with one…?''

''And -'' Naruto continued his listing, his ANBU masked face turning and blue eyes locking onto Kakashi, ''- Maybe beef, too.''

''Oh-hoho,'' Teuchi chortled, ''I like this boy, I like this boy a lot!''

'Which has nothing to do with lining your own pockets,' Kakashi's cynical side whispered while he outwardly smiled, albeit strained. The tightness of his hidden smile (save for the curving of his lone eye) soon slackened into something more natural upon feeling Naruto's aura brimming with excitement. So, he dug deep into his back pocket and retrieved his wallet, ready to pay for the substantial amount of food Naruto wished to devour, his usual miser-like attitude fading.

It was for Naruto, after all.

''What about you, Hatake-san?''

''Hm?'' Kakashi stopped admiring the youth beside him and regarded Ayame's curious face. ''I'll just have one miso ramen, please.''

With that said, the father-daughter duo shuffled back towards the kitchen to clang pots and utensils together to prepare the ordered meal, leaving Kakashi and Naruto to bask in a comfortable silence. The Jounin merely reached into his pocket and retrieved his prized, orange-colored book out of habit, not entirely reading the text. However, Naruto happily participated in the usual activity of observing Kakashi with hawk-like blue eyes and, for some reason (most likely out of past experience) the flaxen-haired male had expected his supposed 'date' to look scandalized and scold him for his lewd reading material. But this was Naruto, the boy didn't curl a lip in disgust or hiss disproval, and instead, merely craned his neck and peered at the text Kakashi was gazing at.

Lips giving an involuntary twitch from a pleased smile, Kakashi felt smug, amused and accepted all in one go. Heck, the Hatake didn't even flinch when Naruto's clammy hand dropped atop his own unoccupied hand, resting so casually and contentedly that it was barely noticeable at first touch. At least, until a shuffle of movement indicated Ayame and Teuchi were about to turn around, ramen bowels at the ready, hastily making Kakashi snap his book shut and slide his hand out from underneath Naruto's. He disguised the sudden movement of removing his hand from Naruto's to reach for a pair of chopsticks for them both, hoping Naruto's blue eyes wouldn't show a gleam of sadness or take offence from peeling his hand away.

''Enjoy, boys!'' Teuchi called out, raising his hat a little from his scalp in cheery gesture. That is, before the chef turned his attention towards Naruto, noting how the masked boy was already slurping noodles up behind his mask. ''I'll get started on that second bowl, eh?''

Naruto nodded eagerly, broth slicked noodles swaying out his mouth and splattering his chin as well as the inside of his mask (and maybe the outer rim, too) while humming appreciatively. The blonde listened to Kakashi's faint chuckle before the fellow ninja shoved some napkins towards him as Naruto continued to devour the large bowl of fantastic food. He also noticed, in the midst of picking up the swirl-like fishcake with his chopsticks, that Kakashi made no moves to eat his own bowl until Ayame and Teuchi went about their business. While Naruto knew he was a fast easter himself, he appeared to be super slow in comparasion to Kakashi, especially since the pale-haired man literally inhaled the bowl all in one go, showing no signs of chewing or any form of gag reflex.

Swallowing his mouthful, Naruto piped up. ''Did your sensei teach you that trick of eatin' fast here?''

''No, no,'' the Hatake eye-smiled while re-adjusting his mask. ''It was something self-taught through trial and error.''

Licking the broth off the end of his chopsticks, the teen slurred another question around the utensils. ''How come you've introduced me to your friends but not him?''

''He's not around anymore,'' automatically slipped from Kakashi's lips and – he internally grimaced – quickly changing his wording, ''Minato-sensei passed away in battle.''

''Oh…'' Naruto uttered, grateful that such a subject hadn't necessarily put a visible damper on the elder's mood but…but it left a sour, bitter taste in the blonde's mouth.

Luckily, Ayame saved him by planting played a new bowl in front of the short teen (who quickly dived in, willing the bad taste of worry away with the flavorsome food) before she spoke softly. ''Hatake-san's sensei was the Yondaime, Naruto. You know, the Hokage who-''

''Of course I know who he is!'' the blonde yammered, unable to help himself. ''He defeated the nine-tailed fox and saved Konoha,'' he continued, all but swiveling on his stool to fully face Kakashi. ''Ebisu-sensei instilled history into me and back when I was younger I wanted to…''

''Hm?'' Kakashi urged with a head tilt as Ayame offered them some space, returning back to the kitchen. ''Wanted to what, Naruto?''

Spinning back to face the counter, Naruto stabbed his chopsticks into the ramen, swirling the ingredients before responding with a soft snort. ''I wanted to be like him, to be Hokage...'' he trailed off a little, recalling the situation that had taken place years ago, back when he was small and stupid. ''But bastard Ebisu-sensei told me how it could only happen to people of high lineage – so that's me straight off the list.''

''Never pegged you as one for giving up easily,'' Kakashi half-whispered, truly surprised yet angry at the same time. Naruto shot him an icy, defiant glare, yet Kakashi paid no attention, far too busy with feeling dulled over the youth's confession, especially when the boy showed such drive and persistence in most things: be it molesting him or training.

'Ah, but if you've had someone frequently drilling such negativity at you over the years with no one else to tell you otherwise, wouldn't you resign to agreement?' Kakashi held back the urge to sigh at the thought, his broad shoulders sinking a little. 'Should just go confront this Ebisu, tell the snarky fucker about Naruto's true lineage, that'll shut him up…'

''It wasn't a life plan, I was only six when I thought of it,'' Naruto perked up, seemingly trying to regain their lax and less awkward atmosphere. ''I only wanted to be Hokage so people would like me and not hurt me…nobody hurts the Hokage.''

''Aside from assassins,'' Kakashi muttered sardonically.

''Yeah, aside from assassins,'' Naruto repeated, returning to his ramen with fervor. ''But that isn't that bad.''

''Ma, and political opponents,'' the Jounin added again with false thoughtfulness. ''They can get pretty nasty, too.''

Naruto shot his companion a squinted glare, but Kakashi merely waved his hands, continuing cheerfully.

''Then you've got village spies, they're one of the many steps to hurting you. Oh, then personal enemies, like old friends or bitter teammates…''

''Okay, okay, I get it,'' the blonde huffed, broth dribbling off the rim of his ANBU mask. ''I was six remember, didn't you think of stupid things back then?''

''Wishing to be Hokage isn't a stupid idea, just your reasoning behind it is. Being liked I understand, but not wishing to get hurt,'' Kakashi paused, rubbing his chin. ''And as for when I was six, I had been promoted Chunin.''

''Wah?'' Naruto blinked, food forgotten for the time being as he gaped behind his mask. It was odd, really, knowing someone but not really knowing them, and this appeared to be the case with Kakashi. The young ANBU could decipher a lot of things about Kakashi, he could safely say they had an unspoken understanding of each other, but still… ''Why didn't you say anything like this before?''

''I wasn't aware you needed my biography,'' Kakashi responded with a dry smile. ''Especially since you haven't exactly told me everything about yourself.''

''All you have to do is ask me,'' Naruto implored, eyes wide with interest. ''So, you gonna tell me other stuff? Like when you turned Jounin?''

''Of course- '' Kakashi teased with a grin, unable to help himself by tilting a little ways to the side, lowering posture and playfully nudging the teen's shoulder with his own,''-All you have to do is ask me.''

It was the end of another week at the academy – a blissful Friday.

Mizuki walked throughout the early evening sunshine, his head still ringing with the whiny tones of a new generation as he waved at his childhood friend and fellow academy instructor, Iruka Umino. He tried to keep the bitter malice out of his voice (like he had done so for many years) upon bidding the cheerful Chunin a goodbye as well as silently noting the brown haired Jounin hovering close-by the man, again. Regardless, Mizuki offered the brunette, Tenzou, a falsely warm grin before turning on his heel and heading towards the direction of something which would satisfy his hunger from a busy day.

Considering how close Mizuki and allowed Iruka to think they were, it had still came as a mild shock to the silver-haired Chunin upon finding his position by Iruka's side becoming less and less since Tenzou's appearance. It shouldn't have bothered him, not really…but at the same time it did. It irked Mizuki something wicked which was strange, considering how much effort he had gone into keeping up appearances and ties with those around him, trying to hide his jealously and bitterness as to how far Iruka had progressed in life while he had not.

What did Umino have which he didn't? Mizuki was thrice as ambitious and strong.

They both shared the same lot in life as being orphaned at a young age, yet Iruka Umino had flourished with entering the academy – both as a student and a teacher. Mizuki often recalled the memories of times when he had defended the scar-faced male in their childhood, back when the timid youth was ridiculed and bullied for not having parents. But, with the passage of time, Mizuki noted how Umino lost his timid nature and shed out of his shell, creating more friends as well as being treated and acknowledged better than himself…

Giving one last glance over his shoulder, Mizuki doused his constant flame of anger as Iruka and Tenzou walked across the street, heading towards a barbeque restaurant while exchanging in small-talk and other petty things. He plastered a thin-lipped and seemingly polite smile on his face and ducked under the familiar overhanging banner and into the bar-like area that was Ichiraku Ramen, instantly greeting the owner.

''Thank goodness for Fridays,'' Mizuki said gleefully, ''Right, Teuchi-san?''

But the aging man merely nodded, sending him a quick smile before squinting towards something across the street.

''Isn't Tenzou or Iruka accompanying you? Or are they stopping by later?''

Swallowing the usual bitter pill of jealously comingled with hate, Mizuki plopped himself down onto a near-by seat. ''They're going for barbeque it seems,'' he explained as the ramen chef scrunched his wrinkled face up like a sulking child. ''Even Iruka, your favorite customer, needs a break from all this sodium.''

''Pfft, the traitors,'' Teuchi grunted half-heartedly.

''Father,'' Ayame softly admonished her elder. ''Don't take it to heart, those two eat here most of the week.''

Only then, the silver-haired Chunin noticed that the brown-haired female wasn't on the staff side of the counter and appeared to be collecting a hefty load of bowls from a fellow shinobi pair. At first, had Mizuki not read up on the most notable ninja's of Konoha, he wouldn't have recognized the lazy looking Jounin as Kakashi Hatake. The Sharingan-wielding male sat at the far end of the counter, his back half-resting against the wooden structure with one arm dropped on the counter, his hand cradling the side of his face as Ayame continued to stock-pile the amount of bowls into her arms with expertise. But the Jounin wasn't looking at the attractive young woman who was smiling and exchanging banter with her father – no, the Hatake was looking over Ayame's overloaded arms and towards a short, blue-vest wearing blonde with unruly hair.

In fact, Mizuki couldn't figure out who that stranger was, especially upon catching a glimpse of a very ANBU-esque mask donning the unseen face.

''Well, it doesn't matter,'' the chef suddenly donned a smile, drawing Mizuki's attention away from the shinobi pair close by. ''I've got a new favorite customer!''

''Maa, I wonder who that is,'' the Hatake droned, sending (what Mizuki could only guess) as a good-natured glare towards the masked blonde. ''It has nothing to do with the fact our lunch-time meal –''

''Date,'' the masked blonde corrected.

''- Has stretched onward to early evening and I'm officially financially crippled,'' the Jounin finished with a dramatic sigh as Ayame giggled.

Mizuki watched the foursome exchange glances and laughter, his mind trying to decipher the enigma that appeared to be the Hatake's company. It baffled him completely, especially when the masked-blonde held a rasped tone, somewhat distorting the young-sounding voice and making the (now obvious) male sound older. Although, given the blonde's height, the boy must've been (at most) fourteen …

'So why haven't I seen him in the academy?' Mizuki thought. 'Blonde hair isn't exactly overly common in Konoha unless you're a Yamanaka, and considering his age he would've been in mine or Iruka's class…'

''What can I get you?''

Flinching at the closeness of the familiar voice, Mizuki found himself forcefully dragged out of his ponderings by Teuchi's beaming grin. Also, much to the Chunin's dislike, he had been unknowingly staring at the strange blonde and gained a small audience of Ayame, Kakashi and the blonde kid. They all appeared to be sending him a mixed collection of facial expressions, with Ayame being worried and Kakashi quirking his lone, silver eyebrow while gaining something akin to a suspicious glare from the masked boy's blue eyes.

''Are you alright, Mizuki-san?'' Ayame inquired fretfully.

''Yes, I just spaced out for a moment,'' he summoned a feigned look of exhaustion, ''Busy day.''

''That famished, eh?'' Teuchi offered the long-haired male a supportive smile. ''Let me guess, seafood tempura?''

''Yes please, Teuchi-san.''

''Hang tight, it won't be long,'' the chef assured while edging back towards the kitchen.

''Tempura,'' a sullen rasp from Mizuki's right made him blink. ''You come to a place called Ichiraku Ramen and order tempura?'' the voice continued, this time leaving Mizuki to notice it was coming from the masked blonde who was still narrowing his eyes at him. ''You should have ramen – pork ramen!''

Mizuki willed a soft smile upon his face. ''I don't like ramen.''

''Wow, talk about being weird,'' came the disbelievingly breathed reply.

The Chunin really had to suppress a sardonic smirk of malice at the kid's statement, especially when the one who said it was wearing a mask. Now that was the prime example of being weird, even more so considering the small teen's presumed age and the lack of ANBU uniform to match the cracked, glued-together mask. Sure, Mizuki was aware that it hadn't been uncommon for someone as young as a teen to be handed the ANBU title – like Itachi Uchiha – but the times had changed, and children remained children for longer under this time of peace. So, this ANBU-masked boy had obviously swiped a retired ANBU mask…but, then again, the blonde was in the company of a half-masked man, Kakashi Hatake, so maybe the pair were dysfunctionally perfect company for each other.

''Speaking of ramen,'' Ayame smiled, edging her way past the past between Kakashi and Naruto's stools. ''Would you like another bowl, Naruto?''

''No he would not,'' Kakashi answered briskly, waving a wallet that was clearly lacking the weight of money. ''He's full and he's fine, aren't you?''

''I was full after the seventh bowl!'' the masked youth happily responded. ''But I can't get enough of the flavor…Mmm.''

''We're going, but thanks,'' the Jounin droned, grabbing the scruff of his short companion's clothing and gently lifting the youth up off the stool.

''And we'll see you tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that!'' the blonde exclaimed before being deposited upon the floor.

Kakashi shook his head. ''You wouldn't have the funds for such a thing, not with the amount you've eaten today.''

''Of course I do, my missions have paid me well, and I've never had to pay for anything…accommodation, weapons, food-''

''Okay, I get the point, you'll be paying next time,'' the tall shinobi droned, all but pushing the kid from the giggling brunette. ''Come on, move it, you can work off that ramen with some laps.''

''Can't we do something else?'' the masked blonde crooned in a manner Mizuki viewed as…suggestive.

The boy swiftly received a slap upside his blonde scalp.

But such adult-like banter seemed to go missed by the remainder of those present, no doubt taking whatever the blonde said with a pinch of salt, assuming such a youngster was merely hinting at something far less…well, the Chunin didn't really know. In fact, Mizuki hadn't paid much attention to the whole exchange between the peculiar male duo and the others, even now, watching Hatake and the stranger stride away, offering a wave to a smiling Ayame and a chuckling Teuchi, Mizuki focused more upon that name.

Naruto – it was odd.

Naruto – it was distinctive.

Naruto – he had heard it before…

'But where?' Mizuki frowned hard, fists clenching under the hidden safety of the table. 'Where have I heard that name before?'

''Hey, father,'' Ayame softly whispered, re-taking up her position behind the counter and by her father's side. But Mizuki heard it, his keen ears invading the civilian's supposed thought of privacy. ''That Naruto boy, his surname is Uzumaki…isn't it?''

''Is that a problem, Ayame?'' the chef responded, sounding definitively cautious, his voice just barely audible. ''Because if you're asking what I think you're asking, then yes, I think he is who you think he is. But, you know the rules, so hush.''

''It's…It's not a problem,'' the brunette nervously responded, suddenly taking a great interest in adjusting the collection of bowls she held against her hip. ''Naruto seemed a little awkward at first, but once he opened up a little to us, he seemed fine. In fact, I don't think I've heard Hatake-san laugh as much before, even when his sensei used to drag him here. It's just that…well, I just thought, um, when I was younger people said that boy died.''

''Rumors are terrible things,'' Teuchi huffed, gravely. Well, until he shook the gloominess away and peered over his shoulder at their silent, lone customer. ''Ah, Mizuki, almost forgot you there, I'll just fry 'em now, okay?''

''Sure,'' the academy teacher uttered, his brain far too busy picking apart the hushed conversation he had intruded upon. The name Uzumaki flashed like a neon sign as compared to the name Naruto – and it made the pale haired man frown. Two phrases glued to Mizuki's mind though: ''..then yes, I think he is who you think he is.'' and ''…thought that boy had died.''

It took a few moments before he placed things together before he realized who this ANBU masked blonde was.

But it couldn't be that boy - the Uzumaki demon-brat. The kid had been presumed dead after nine years of being unseen by shinobi and civilians alike but…but nobody had ever seen a body, and without seeing the remains, who was he to safely assume (like the rest of Konoha) that the demon-container was dead? Mizuki could even remember catching a glimpse of a blonde-haired and blue-eyed toddler back when he was just a teen. The grubby demon was in a disguise as a mere tot of two years old, all but sobbing in an alleyway in a puddle of its own piss as Mizuki passed by, sending the dirty animal a glare.

Blonde hair, blue eyes…and those strange, eerily demonic whisker-like markings had been the main features he could recall from the sniveling beast.

The prospect of the Uzumaki child being alive hit Mizuki like a bucket of cold water being dashed upon him, jarring him to his core. It made him feel queasy and betrayed that – if the Hatake's company was the demon-child – the Hokage himself had been storing the little devil in the safety of ANBU. Then again, maybe the ramen owner and his daughter were making crazy assumptions, maybe that boy wasn't the Naruto Uzumaki boy, but only held the odd name of Naruto. The civilian duo had, after all, guessed the masked youth's surname but...but Mizuki felt sick with anger.

The only way he'd gain his answer if he removed that cracked ANBU mask and take a look at the blonde's face, search for those distinctive facial marks.

''I thought we were gonna do laps?'' Naruto questioned as he trundled his way through small bush.

Kakashi had led the way through the village, passing various places (and even at some point, they stopped to give Tenzou a wave through a restaurant window) before nearing the third training grounds. Naruto still felt like grinning from his enjoyable time with Kakashi, not to mention seeing Tiger-senpai go red faced and flick his middle finger towards the Hatake while the pony-tailed Chunin he was with was focusing more upon the menu with his back to the window. Nonetheless, Naruto continued to digest the mixture of information he had learnt about Kakashi (although he was certain the man had skipped or down-played a few parts) during their quiet lunch-turned-early dinner date before Ayame and her father ended up being dragged into their conversation on occasions during less private matters.

Naruto had also received his own amount of questions to answer, a mix of truly intrigued queries, none of the fake I'm-asking-because-it's-protocol. Kakashi honestly wanted to listen and know about him – Naruto Uzumaki, Betobeto-san, the Orphaned Nobody - and didn't even scorn or judge his old, childish daydream of being Hokage in a manner which he was used to. Instead, Kakashi had contemplated, corrected and made light of his silly ways instead of shooting him down. The man hadn't snarled with disgust, stating how he couldn't be Hokage due to his unknown family most likely holding the social standing of street-rats…Kakashi had just set him straight, practically telling him to reevaluate his childish reasoning over wanting to gain the power of Hokage.

And it made Naruto think – really think – about his decisions and future road in life. Which was something the Uzumaki hadn't done before. Well, not seriously, especially when he had most of his life seemingly pre-planned and handed to him the second he had received the safety of his ANBU mask.

But such mulling over the future could wait for the time being as Naruto was more focused on matching Kakashi's long, lazy strides. The taller male was leading the way – the second time today – and Naruto was following blindly, content to just be in the presence of the man who he had discovered numerous things about so far. He was beyond surprised by the mention of who Kakashi had trained under, not to mention the touchy subject of participating in war and other half-explained things. Everything had been said in a low whisper, as if the man was ashamed of his achievements or held far too many regrets which Naruto could barely comprehend.

Biting his lip, the blonde shook his head free of clogged thoughts. ''Why are we walking away from the training field zone?''

''Because there is something I've wanted to show you since our mission with Tenzou,'' the Jounin replied, his voice strangely devoid of emotion. ''And, our nice little chat –''

''Date,'' Naruto interjected.

''-Reminded me,'' Kakashi finished, his feet coming to a stop at a familiar clearing. Although, despite his sudden seriousness over the location and talk he was planning to have, he felt a chuckle tickle the back of his throat, ''Can you stop correcting it as 'date' please?''

''Why?'' Naruto prodded, unable to help himself. ''It was a date. I initiated the date but you took over it.''

''I didn't take over anything-!'' The elder almost sputtered, but pulled himself to a verbal and mental halt. He could feel the cheeky Imp smiling at him, no doubt trying to provoke a reaction, leaving Kakashi to sigh with bemused defeat. ''Yes, it was a date…now come on, follow me.''

Naruto kept up his hidden smile as he edged further into the clearing, his stomach squirming unhappily at Kakashi's strange, overly serious mood trying to overbear the Jounin's usual humorously lax ways. But, regardless, the blonde followed Kakashi, his blue eyes latching upon a worn yet spectacularly large stone that appeared to hold the engravings of many, many names…

If it wasn't standing solely by itself, Naruto would've assumed it was a graveyard.

''This,'' Kakashi instilled, his hands reaching out and patting the smooth, dark surface of the stone like an old friend. ''This is what I've wanted to show you since seeing your reckless fighting style.''

Wincing under his mask, Naruto didn't miss the way the serious tone held a small bite. He had wondered when Kakashi would be springing this subject back up again, although he had hoped the older male would've let it slide for a week (not barely a day later) to re-talk about the situation back at Shimazu Nariakira's compound and the heated discussion they had in the bathroom. Still, Naruto obliged the taller shinobi and stayed silent, his eyes squinting at the ornately carved names onto the stone while listening intently, not entirely certain where the man was going with this.

''I have a handful of friends on here and many, many comrades from old missions,'' Kakashi began. ''You have any idea what this is?'' he continued, all but urging the masked boy for a response and, strangely enough, he felt like he was begging. ''It's the KIA stone, a memorial of those who had died in action be it by accident or on purpose for their comrades or by pure recklessness.''

Naruto opened his mouth, ready to respond – but Kakashi cut him off.

''With the way you fight, I'm surprised you haven't ended up on here already. I mean, do you want to be on here, Naruto? Would you like to die?''

Something horrible and sinking was felt in Naruto's chest upon hearing that, and he didn't know what to say. Kakashi sounded similar to how he did when the man had yanked Naruto into the bathroom, yelling at him and calling him a knucklehead before calming down and being softer with his tone. Except this time, Kakashi didn't sound upset or irked, he sounded strangely…beseeching.

And hearing that tone made Naruto's mouth dry, his head spin and his whole body shudder.

''Well?'' Kakashi urged.

Instantly, Naruto snapped his head up (barely aware that he had been staring at the floor in silent contemplation) and swallowed heavily. Kakashi was kneeling now; his long, pale finger tracing a particular name: Obito Uchiha.

''No,'' The blonde finally rasped, ''I don't want to die. At least, not yet, I don't think so…''

''Then you're going to stop being so reckless, correct?''

''But-''

''But nothing, Naruto,'' Kakashi interjected, his hand falling from the KIA stone as he turned to regard the teen standing behind him. ''Tenzou told me a little bit about your old ANBU squad, how the mission went wrong,'' the Jounin paused, gauging the youth's hidden expression but silently knowing how that whiskered-face had paled over the information. ''It wasn't your fault, mistakes happen, and you did everything in your power to aid your comrades, didn't you?''

''Ah, I…'' the mini ANBU tried not to gasp, but his throat felt so tight and words seemed to clog the back of his mouth. ''I tried my best.''

''Then that's good, you did good,'' Kakashi stressed, his lone eye softening at the shadowed, glazed-looking blue eyes. ''But taking the full assault is dangerous – for you and your team – and a lack of teamwork is something you desperately need to fix.''

Shifting onto his feet, the Jounin stepped backwards and landed a hand upon Naruto's downy-feeling scalp, every inch of his being urging him to yank the sad-eyed youth into a brisk hug. But no, Kakashi held strong, knowing that he had to instill this issue with kind yet strict words before giving out a sigh, finishing off this whole unpleasantness on a lighter, fond tone:

''My best friend is on this stone, and in our last hours together while arguing, he said something that has stuck with me over the years. Your reckless, selfless fighting style reminds me of what he said about how those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum and…Well, it appears you hold a similar view and have taken to the extreme, Naruto.''

Fingers carding through irresistible blonde hair, Kakashi gusted out a sigh. ''You need to differentiate abandonment and letting someone help and share the load of teamwork.''

The head under his hand bobbed in a nod of confirmation, furthermore making the Jounin let out an exhale of relief that this subject had been touched upon again. Now, the next step would be initiation of using teamwork, which was particularly difficult when Naruto had spent so long with this bad habit and the kid was lacking the average 3-man cell. But it would be okay – they would be okay - because Kakashi could fix this stubborn fighting style, maybe even ask Gai and his beloved student Lee for a friendly match against himself and Naruto later in the week.

However, for the time being, the Hatake felt his shoulders lighten from offloading. That is, until he spied Naruto's wilted posture, noting how the teen was leaning against his side in something Kakashi viewed as sullen contemplation. So, without much discussion between Kakashi's brain and vocal cords, a dry laugh escaped his throat, letting loose a comment that could've possibly been brash and insensitive.

''Maa, I kill romance faster than a forest fire, huh? Right after our date, too.''

Yet Naruto looked up at him, blue eyes squinting into slits – and burst out laughing.

Kakashi's mission was accomplished for the day.

Mattress dipping in various locations and metallic springs creaking; Naruto continued his back-and-forth walking upon Kakashi's mattress, his unmasked face split in two. Kakashi's serious talk at the memorial stone had put a damper on the blonde's mood momentarily, but at the same moment, the timing of such a discussion was perfect. Going from a playful, long lunch to early evening of banter, nattering and a discovery of numerous things about eachother, Naruto didn't think there could've been a better time. After all, both shinobi had been a pleasant mood, meaning such a dulling discussion wasn't too smothering had they experienced a tense day full of awkward interactions. Hence why Naruto had recovered easily over Kakashi's pathetic sounding comment that was so true and so funny about destroying supposed 'romance'.

Heck, the mini-ANBU didn't even know much was this 'romance' but supposedly he had partaken a lot in the activity by offering flowers, chocolate and going on a date, furthermore making the teen link romance to a form of wooing. Naruto smothered a laugh, half-wondering how long this wooing business would take, especially since the way the Hokage had discussed it made it sound like years. Regardless, the youth would keep up his attempts, continuing to try and win over the slightly grumpy, control-freak of a Jounin.

He'd just have to figure it out with time.

'Tiger-senpai goes on lots of dates with that Iruka guy,' Naruto pondered while staring at the small piece of paper in his hand. 'I should ask him where I should take Kakashi!'

Purposely giving a little jump on the mattress for self entertainment, Naruto neared Kakashi's blanket covered frame, carefully leaning over the muscular man to deposit the used, half-sliced elemental card upon the bedside unit. Kakashi had remembered half-way back to the apartment, stating something about elemental training and mastering one's own elemental chakra before handing Naruto the off-white piece of paper and telling him to some channel chakra. It had happened so quickly (the piece of splitting perfectly in a vertical line) and Kakashi had given him an off-hand lesson about elemental affinities and explaining what Naruto's natural affinity was – Wind.

Such an element had sounded pathetic to Naruto, especially in comparison to Kakashi's visual example of the Jounin's own natural affinity of lightening and how the paper crumpled.

Naruto was far too busy with mentally rambling over the newly acquired information of his own affinity (combined with his already buzzing, excitable mind about learning more about Kakashi) that he barely felt a hand latch onto his ankle. That is, until it was too late, and the blonde found his foot pulled out from underneath him, sending him sprawling onto his back, all but bouncing on the mattress. He remained somewhat startled at the sudden movement, even more so upon noting it was Kakashi's hand – he had assumed the man had dozed off an hour ago, it was almost eleven at night.

''Go to sleep, we're up before six to start your training,'' Kakashi stifled a yawn, eyes still closed shut and pale face void of anything other than peacefulness as he lay stomach-down. ''You're going to spend the day splitting leaves, so try and contain your excitement.''

Naruto stiffened at the drawled, lazily humorous tone before parroting back, ''Splitting leaves?''

That sounded…boring.

''Mhm,'' Kakashi hummed, the side of his beautifully serene face submerging further into the soft pillow beneath his head and…Naruto sat up, scooted closer.

However, the Jounin took advantage of Naruto's desirable need to constantly be near (or physically leech himself) to him and threw an arm over the imp. Naruto re-hit the mattress with a squeak, Kakashi's silent order to sleep the last thing on the blonde's mind as (much to Naruto's wide-eyed joy) the flaxen-haired man shifted closer to him. In fact, after a few moments of not breathing, the mini-ANBU found his golden crown tucked neatly under Kakashi's chin, the man's arm remaining over him as a heavy warmness.

Maybe the man was feeling guilty for his lecture at the KIA stone, or maybe it was something else. Nonetheless, Naruto suddenly found his face heating, heart thrumming and stomach flipping excitedly upon disovering another new aspect about the powerfully, protective and stunningly attractive Jounin.

Kakashi Hatake was a…cuddler.