Hello freaky darlings! (That BTW is a quote from League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I love Skinner)the cherry season is still going, just today was a day off, so I decided to be nice and get this out while I had the time.

So! Here it is, my goals are cries of outrage, tears and giggles! Let me know if I managed it!

Uuuhhh, Warnings? Just a whole lot of swearing – Rida's got a bit of a mouth on him and the others aren't much better….haha *blushes in shame*

Most of this chapter was written in the back of the car in a note book that was falling apart in my hands, then copied down once back at home, one that note; I can't read my own hand writing…

XoX

"Who ever said 'words don't hurt' never got hit in the head with a dictionary"

XoX

Tsunade stared at him blankly for a moment as his words slowly sunk in. When they did the hazel eyes gained a mischievous twinkle while the sides of the painted lips twitched upward.

The blond Sannin slowly clasped her hands together and folded them gracefully on the desk top, mouth opening slightly as she started to respond.

"YOU?"

Iruka whipped around while Tsunade's head shot up, a look of dark anger in her eyes as Rida strode into the office like he owned it, a very twitchy Aoba followed him, glancing around the room frantically like he expected the walls to attack him.

"Jaku! What the hell are you doing in here?"

Tsunade's tone promised the most excruciating pain to the first person to defy her in the next two minutes, Rida however ignored her and instead went for Iruka. Not expecting the attack Iruka barely had time to twist around before hands were grasping at the front of his shirt and lifting him into the air.

"Jaku!"

Tsunade was on her feet; Aoba stopped cowering and turned wide, unbelieving eyes to his friend.

"Rida mate, what-?"

Rida didn't seem to be able the hear either of them as he snarled at the wide eyed chuunin in his grasp, his face was twisted in ugly fury and he showed no recognition for who was in his hold other than being the one to blame for him shame.

"So you're the piece of maggot shit that ruined my life. Well I hope you like dogs cause there will be just enough of you left to feed them as a snack once I'm done with you, you fucking useless cunt"

Iruka watched in horror as the Jounin drew his fist back, a crazed looking the black eyes. Reacting instinctively he kicked out, catching Rida in the gut hard. The Jounin choked as the air was driven from his lungs and his grip loosened, one more solid hit – to the jaw this time – had the older man letting go completely and staggering back.

Landing Iruka instantly set his feet into a fighting stance, dark eyes watching the Jounin warily as the other man nursed his now bruised jaw. Rida straightened slowly, malice glittering in his eyes as he started toward the smaller man again.

"Jaku!"

The sharp command was barked out again, this time by two people. Tsunade was around her desk and standing behind the Jounin with speed clearly showing her rank and skill while Iruka found himself being pulled backward and pushed behind the familiar form of Hatake Kakashi.

Iruka blinked in surprise as he stared up at the lean, muscled back that was shielding him from the rest of the room. He couldn't see the copy nin's face but he could tell the Jounin was giving his former friend a glare fit to kill.

Some little voice in the back of his mind alerted him to the fact that Kakashi had come in through the window, where his must have been lounging on the roof – which meant that like Rida and Aoba he would have heard the confession.

So why was he protecting him?

"You do realize what you just did could be considered treason Jaku? Attacking and threatening a fellow shinobi is punishable by death" Tsunade's voice echoed through the room as she snarled the words, they were answered with a low growl from Rida.

"Fellow shinobi? He's a fucking disgrace! You'll protect that useless piece of shit over one of your Jounin?" If Rida's face looked anything like his voice sounded Iruka was very glad he couldn't see around from where Kakashi's bulk had him pressed to the wall, Tsunade's reply was loud and very annoyed.

"I would send you and a good deal more of my more annoying idiots packing before I would even think about demoting Iruka – do you know what would happen? Kami I can practically feel the extra paper work and hear the screams of chaos as rowdy Jounin, furious Chuunin and protesting children took the streets" the Hoakges voice took on a slight tremble and Iruka could picture the shudder running through her body perfectly "Konoha would fall in six days"

Iruka rolled his eyes when Tsunade whispered the last line "Would not! It would take 12 minimum!"

"Oh?" Tsunade sounded amused "And how do you figure that?"

"That's how long it would take for Shizune to have a nervous breakdown"

Tsunade's chuckle was cut off by a low snarl.

"Stop fucking around you little bitch! You ruined my life!"

Iruka growled and pushed Kakashi gently to the side so he could face Rida "First off; stop swearing, it's not impressing anyone. Second; I did not 'ruin your life' you did that all by yourself. You're the one that broke the rules – if it had been someone else you would have had you ass handed to you on a platter, I simply got back in the way I'm good at, don't blame me for your shit hitting the fan"

Rida's eyes narrowed for a moment then widened when he finally stopped to look and recognise the chuunin "W-wait. Its – you, the sensei. What the fuck? Why'd you fucking do this? How did you do this?"

Iruka didn't bother to repress his glare and was pleased when Rida took a step back.

"Why? Because you deserved it you moron! You screwed with me and broke one of the most important rules! And you knew it! If anything you got off easy, if I'd let Anko loose you wouldn't even have a house left. Here" reaching into his pocket Iruka pulled out the keys and tossed them to the stunned Jounin "I had left them under your dresser where you find them but I went and got them for you when I heard you couldn't break into your own apartment"

That brought a chilling silence to the room and an extremely smug smile to Tsunade's face (at least she was enjoying herself now)

"Y-you broke into my house"

Iruka shrugged "Twice. My specialty's traps remember? It's why I was sent on that mission with you in the first place. Everything in the house can be fixed and no – you will not be receiving funds or a team to repair it"

Rida collapsed back into a chair, staring blankly ahead as his perfect little world crumbled even more – though Iruka couldn't bring himself to be sorry, Rida was the one who had built himself up on a pedestal – he should have known no human can stay on one forever while ignoring the world around them.

Tsunade returned to her chair, still looking quite pleased – though she did always enjoy watching drama unfold so long as it didn't involve her.

"So, hang on"

The attention of the room switched over to Aoba as the spiky haired man shuffled his feet nervously.

"Ah, well. If the sensei doesn't mind me asking, I understand taking down Rida there but – what did me and Kashi do? We didn't screw ya" Aoba paused, frowning as he reconsidered the statement while Iruka turned a brilliant shade of red "Well, no I guess Kakashi did, didn't he – but, what did I do?"

Iruka stared at the floor, still trying to get over what Aoba had just revealed in front of the Hokage. "I don't appreciate being used Aoba-san. You only went after me because of what he" Iruka gestured to the shell shocked Rida "Said about me, other than that you have no real attraction to me. Though I'll admit what I did was a bit over kill. When I found out what happened I was mad and I lashed out at all avalible targets, you unfortunately were one of them. I'm sorry for my actions to you; I didn't intent to be malicious."

Aoba remained silent a moment then sighed "Naw, don't sweat it, in hind sight, I had it coming – if not from you from some chick with a really sharp knife. Just, next time – could you just slap me or somewhat? I'm not great with cats on a good day. How'd you do that anyway?"

Iruka grinned sheepishly "It was going to be dogs but I had to change it. The scent tags in your hair and clothes are what's doing it"

"Scent tags?" Aoba's narrowed his eyes in confusion "When did you knick scent tags on m-" Aoba's mouth gaped open when it hit him "The file room?"

Iruka nodded, his gaze on the floor when the unexpected sound of laughter made him look up in shock to see Aoba bent over, hands on his knees, laughing fit to choke. The whole room stared at the spiky haired Jounin in utter confusion until Rida snapped.

"What the fuck? Why the fuck are you laughing shit head? He just humiliated you, a fucking chuunin! You have nothing to laugh about!"

Aoba took in a deep breath then glared at the other Jounin "Fuck off Rida. You never could take a blow with humility. By shinobi standards Iruka did nothing terribly wrong, to any of us. It's actually brilliant when you think about it. I'm taking it as is, a genius prank. I'm not hurt, just covered in cat hair, so if I want to laugh at the picture I must have made, I bloody well will!"

With that Aoba turned and headed for the door, intending to leave his stunned audience behind when Iruka snapped out of his shock.

"Ah! Aoba-san! Wait!"

"What?" Aoba paused, one hand on the handle as he looked back at the little sensei.

"The scent tags! Their still on!"

Aoba instantly paled and backed away from the door, making Iruka laugh softly "Here, I'll get them"

Walking up he quickly pulled the three small tags off and tossed them in the waste bin. The Jounin gave him a grateful smile and a gentle clap on the shoulder, saying he'd see him next time Tsume had a 'B-Q' then left, sending Kakashi a last salute and pointedly ignoring Rida.

Iruka smiled softly, gaze still on the floor as a flicker of relief slowly filled his chest.

So Aoba wasn't mad, he even had enough humility to laugh at the whole situation; that showed a lot of character in Iruka's books. That decided it, he would make something for the Jounin to show no hard feelings – maybe he should ask Gai how to make a pie.

"So that's it? You're letting him off? Just like that?"

Rida's voice no longer held any emotion but feeble hopeless. Iruka turned his gaze back to the broken Jounin while Tsunade snort in disgust.

"Get your ass out of here Jaku. You have your keys, go home, then report back in three hours; I'll have found that six month mission to Rain by then"

Rida blanched but seemed to have smartened up a bit as he didn't protest, just gave a hasty bow before scuttling out of the office – forgetting to give Iruka a death glare in his panic to leave.

Iruka watched him go, then turned with a sigh to face his leader and remaining victim. Kakashi's brow rose even as Tsunade grinned evilly.

"So…" the Sannin's eyes gleamed with fun as her gaze flicked between her Copy nin and his tormentor "The brat here already showed me the damage, what I what to know is – how'd you do it?"

Iruka rolled his eyes, Tsunade was terrible really, all she wanted was gossip – something juicy enough to distract Shizune with when she came in to try and once again make the blond healer work, and a story about a chuunin breaking into an ex-ANBU's house and dying the guy green would defiantly do the job.

But, as noble as the effort to save Tsunade from the evils of necessary paperwork was Iruka owed it to Kakashi to let him off the hook.

Cautiously he drew closer to the older man, reaching into his vest he pulled out a bottle and a sealing tag. Shyly he extended his arm, holding both objects out for Kakashi to take.

"Wash your hair with that and the green will come out; the tag will release the henge block, the sticking jutsu and the tracker"

Kakashi stared down at the bottle and tag in his hand, curiosity plain in the grey eye.

"A few questions"

Slowly, Iruka nodded. Kakashi deserved some answers at the least. Also, he was his superior, so technically he couldn't say no.

"Why a tag?"

"So I didn't have to constantly focus on the jutsu's and wouldn't use as much chakra"

Kakashi's brow rose, the smoky eye looking decidedly impressed as he slipped the tag and bottle into his pocket "Ok, how did you get into my house? None of the traps had been touched"

"Cause I didn't touch them, I slipped around them – moving through the gaps so not to set them off"

Kakashi's awe increased even as he stepped closer to the chuunin "Prints? I would have spotted marks on the floor or glass"

Iruka blushed, though he wasn't quite sure why "Ah, I was bare foot and-" shyly he held out his hands, palms up, for the Jounin to see "I don't have finger prints, not anymore"

Kakashi's stunned look and raised brow said it all. Flushing Iruka answered the unspoken question "Exploding tag incident when I was 13, the skin never recovered"

Amusement flashed through the grey eye "Intriguing. The dogs?"

"Guruko fell off the couch and I put him back, so Pakkun let me go"

Kakashi eye fell into a death glare, though it was directed over the chuunin's shoulder and obviously meant for the dog Kakashi was picturing in his mind. "Damn mutt, he didn't tell me!" with a very beast like growl Kakashi coughed and turned his attention back to the present, once again taking a step closer to the younger man.

"Thank you for being honest, now – one last question"

Iruka mentally flinched at the indifferent, almost casual tone even as he braced himself for the question he wasn't sure how to answer.

"Why?"

The chocolate eyes dropped their gaze back to the floor, his mind searching for a reason the genius would believe.

"Well, I already told Aoba-"

"Nu-ah. I'm not the same as him and we both know it. So?"

Nervousness flared up in Iruka's gut bit he quickly crushed it, letting himself grow angry instead.

"So?"

"What about me?"

Iruka's head shot up, glaring for all his worth to hide the hurt in his eyes as he spat back at the copy nin "What about you?"

Kakashi looked mildly confused at the change in character but quickly recovered "What did I do that was so terrible? And before you answer remember you let me in – you could have told me to fuck off and left me standing in front of your door!"

"And I SHOULD HAVE!"

Kakashi took a step back, Tsunade freezing at her desk when Iruka yelled the words out "I should have but I didn't because I'm an IDIOT. I shouldn't have let Rida touch me and I shouldn't have let you anywhere near my house!"

Iruka chocked on the last word, managing to change 'heart' to 'house' though he had a feeling that Kakashi had noticed it even if Tsuande hadn't.

The grey eye widen for a moment then quickly narrowed again "No – what Rida did was not your fault, but targeting me with no reason is unacceptable – I know you Iruka, you don't do things without a reason. You say Aoba should have thought harder before acting? Fine, I'll take that. But the fact still remains that you let me in. I didn't know Rida's true colours then so you can't blame me for that. So, just what did I do that was so deserving of the humiliation you put me through"

Iruka bit at his lip and stared at the floor, refusing to meet the smoky eye's gaze.

"What?"

He flinched at the hard commanding tone Kakashi used when he barked the question but still he didn't look up, afraid that if he did Kakashi would see the tears he was fighting glistening in his dark eyes.

"Iruka LOOK AT ME!"

A large, hard hand grabbed his chin and forced it up while the powerful Jounin roared the command. The sight of the masked face and furious eye made something snap inside of Iruka, the tears started to fall even as he yelled back at the older man.

"Because you LEFT!"

The grey eye widened and the pale hand went slack while Iruka's hands clapped over his mouth when he realized what he had just reveled.

Kakashi still didn't move and Iruka took his chance; choking back a sob he turned and fled.

XoX

I am so stupid. And busted – ya, really, really, REALLY – busted…

Iruka sighed and tossed and rock over the edge, listing to the sounds it made hitting the steeps cliffs on the way down.

He was on top of the Hokage's monument – the Sandiame's head to be exact – the sun was slowly crawling its way down, lighting the clouds a soft orange and covering the bustling village in dusk light.

Iruka sat cross-legged, looking out at the busy village as he tried to sort through his muddled thoughts.

First off; he had admitted to Kakashi that he liked him and had made the past 48 hours chaos because of it.

Second; he had admitted this to not only Kakashi but the Hokage and the powerful woman's guards – though Sai probably didn't understand what had been going on Yamato certainly had. He'd tried to grab the chuunin when he'd fled the office, though Iruka had easily escaped the hold. He hadn't quite realized where he'd been going until he stopped running and had found himself overlooking the village.

Smiling Iruka tossed another rock over the edge. It made sense that he'd come here. Saritobi had done so much for him, so coming to the carved figure of him had always been the natural thing for his mind to do since the old man's death.

He sighed and leaned back on his hands. What would Saritobi have done about this whole mess if he'd still been alive?

Iruka grinned, knowing the old man he most likely would have whacked him over the head, told him he was being an idiot then poured a cup of tea and asked – a quiet, amused glint in the old eyes – how he'd pulled it all off.

And as for the crush – well, Sandiame probably would have given him 'that' look and told him to get over his damned shyness and drag Kakashi out on a date.

Iruka blushed at that. It wasn't that he hadn't thought about doing it, it was that every time he'd tried to pull one of his 'crazy Iruka' stunts with the man he'd wimped out – thoughts of 'what if he turns me down or yells at me' would swarm his mind and leave him frozen while images of Kakashi laughing or rejecting him or ignoring him would have him turning an embarrassed red while fighting tears.

Needless to say – all attempts to ask Hatake Kakashi out ended in disaster, usually with him looking like a freak, which was never helped by Kakashi's tendencies toward teasing when the chuunin would started stuttering or trip over his feet or drop whatever he'd been holding.

Iruka was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of footsteps. He smiled softly, it would be Anko, the little drama in the office would be trickling out into the grape vine by now and the gossip whore that was his big sister would want the real facts – she wouldn't spread them, she would never tell stories about the family unless they said she could, but she would want the truth.

Iruka's smile faded as the person drew closer – those foot falls were far too heavy to be Anko, but Anko was the only one in village besides Naruto who knew they would find him here, so who-?

"Iruka?"

Iruka snapped around at the sound of his name spoken gently in a familiar bass.

"Ibiki? What are you doing here?"

"Sai and Yamato just came off duty"

Oh.

Chocolate eyes widened while panic mounted in his chest, words came out in a garbed stream as Iruka jumped to his feet and tried to apologise for – something "Wait, Ibiki, it's not – I'm sorry, I really do enjoy being with you and – I mean – I– "

Ibiki held up his hand, forcing Iruka's training to kick in, causing him to brake off mid stammer and fall silent. Ibiki looked mildly confused at the instant reaction for a moment till he realized the cause. The thin lips twitched slightly, then the big Jounin coughed, taking a step closer.

"Sorry, first off, don't apologize; you have nothing to be sorry for. If you really want to feel guilty then at least know I am too"

That got Iruka's attention; he glanced up to see Ibiki looking mildly shamed. Interesting.

"So, you do like Suzume?"

Ibiki started, his gaze snapping around to the chunnin "What? How-when –" the big man regained his composure and schooled his face before starting again "When did you get that idea?"

Iruka gave the man a deadpan look as he pointed to himself "Works in the Mission Room, remember? Gossip central. I didn't know if it was true, though I kinda do now"

Ibiki glared, then slumped slightly in defeat "look, Iruka, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-"

Iruka shook his head "No, we were both doing the exact same thing, going for someone we could like rather than trying for the person we do like. Besides, I was kinda figuring it out already. You don't date guys do you?"

The black eyes narrowed "H-how-?"

"Lucky guess maybe but you seemed unsure the other night, like you didn't know how to respond. You were having fun, I could tell that much, but you didn't know if you could touch me or if you should keep your distance; I'm guessing that was only because you've never gone on a date with another guy before – only slept with them"

"I-" Ibiki sighed and looked down at the stones under his feet "Ruka I'm really sorry, I shouldn't have used you like-"

"Did you have fun?"

The Jounin seemed stumped by the question – or maybe the lack of yelling, Iruka figured it was probably a bit of both. "I- well…yes?"

He smiled, relived to find it wasn't fake or strained "Good cause so did I, and you do realize Anko will be the one bugging you to joining us again sometime – now that she knows you can sing."

The look on Ibiki's face could only be described as amazed happiness "Y-You're not mad at me"

The dark eyes rolled skyward as Iruka laughed "Of course I'm not mad. Ibiki I asked you out because I think you're a very fun and interesting guy who needs to leave the bubble a little more and I still think that, so even though we're not making wedding plans, if you don't find me and my family total freaks I know we all would love it if you came over again"

Ibiki seemed to be frozen but he snapped himself out of it, the scarred face clearing as a smile began to play on the thin lips "Your serious" it wasn't a question "I would love to Iruka, thank you; and - and I'm-"

"Don't you dare say you're sorry again" Iruka mock scowled at the older man "There's nothing to apologize for. If we tried to make it work we'd both just end up settling and that wouldn't be fair – for me or for you"

Ibiki nodded and looked down at the ground for a moment before glanced back up to lock eyes with the chuunin "You're an amazing person Iruka"

Iruka frowned and shook his head in disagreement but Ibiki closed the distance between them and grabbed the smaller man's chin, forcing the chocolate eyes to look up at the black ones.

"You are; I don't deserve you"

Iruka pulled out of the hold and looked at the ground, biting his lip to stop himself from yelling at the Jounin, who he knew was just trying to being nice.

Ibiki sighed, seemingly realizing his stepped over some sort of line as he moved back and returned to his slouch, not looking at the younger man as he spoke again.

"He doesn't deserve your attention either"

"I know, I don't"

The chocolate eyes went wide but Iruka couldn't pull his gaze from the ground to look at the Copy nin who had spoken, though he sensed Ibiki stiffen and glance over at him. Sighing he nodded, giving the Jounin permission to leave.

The big man hesitated then nodded stiffly back before taking a step away, biting his lip again Iruka reached out to grab the big hand, getting his attention before whispering softly.

"You should talk to her you know. She'll like you, she'd be mad not to"

He let go of the hand and waited for the other man to walk away, he could tell Ibiki wanted to say something else but couldn't do comfortably with Kakashi there. That was fine with him, anymore and it would start to hurt.

He listened carefully as Ibiki's heavy footsteps faded until they vanished altogether. Taking in a deep breath he summoned the courage to look at Kakashi.

The older man was standing a few steps away, hands in the pockets of a normal blue uniform and eyes downcast, not meeting his. The hair was white again and still slightly wet, he must have just washed before coming there.

"The stuff worked"

Iruka snorted "Of course it did, I wouldn't lie about something like that" he saw Kakashi nod and sighed "Well, your hairs back to its other unnatural colour and Gai's outfit obviously came off, so what do you want Kakashi-san?"

The tall body flinched but eventually Kakashi lifted his head to look at him "I – well, I wanted to talk to you"

"Bout what?"

Kakashi shift nervously on his feet and looked back down "About, umm, what you said in – in Tsunade's office"

Iruka felt his heart drop; schooling his features into a blank stare he turned away from the Jounin "Why?"

He heard the other man take a step forward before rethinking it and moving back "I – I just wanted to know if it, was true"

"Does it matter?"

"I – doesn't it?"

Iruka sighed and stared off at the village sprawled out before him, blinking hard to fight the tears threatening to fall again "Why would it Kakashi-san, you don't think of me that way so why should fucking matter"

The last part, much to his annoyance, ended as a chocked sob, one he bit back furiously before it could finish.

He couldn't fool Kakashi's sharp hearing though; the Jounin crossed the distance between them in four long strides and reached out to touch him on the shoulder, only to have the chuunin shy away from the hand.

"Iruka – I – surely by now you must know I'm really an idiot, even my dogs know that"

"Of course I know that moron" Iruka's was quiet even to his own ears, he didn't look at the man standing behind him but stared at the ground instead, letting his hair swing forward to hide his face "15 years I've been trying to get your attention and it takes a gossiping git and green hair dye for you to finally see me. So yes, I know you're an idiot"

"Why?"

The brown eyes opened again at the confusing question. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kakashi's feet move to take Ibiki's old position in front of him.

"Why what Kakashi-san"

"Why would someone like you be interested in someone like me? Your warm and strong and loving and, and alive. I'm just…" the pale hand ran through the white hair absent-mindedly "I don't deserve someone like you"

The words – so like Ibiki's and Genma's – echoed through his head, finally snapping the carefully tended control. Iruka jumped up with a hiss and stepped right into the copy nin's space, finally bringing the dark, hurt filled orbs to meet the dark grey gaze.

"You think I fucking care?!" the words were spat out while hot tears broke free to roll down the dark cheeks "You don't 'deserve' me. Ibiki doesn't 'deserve' me; Genma goes through lists of people who aren't 'good enough' for me. So what then? I 'deserve' to spend the rest of my freaking life alone?"

Iruka backed up a step, no longer able to stop the river of words and emotions – held back for so long – from escaping his mouth, throwing them unheedingly at the shocked Jounin.

"Love and caring for someone isn't about deserving or being good enough, it's about a feeling and a promise to try, despite the knowledge that both of you are going to mess up from time to time, that you're going to hurt each other and there's nothing that can stop that; but that their worth it and that you'll put up with them so that neither of you have to be ALONE!"

They stood frozen in place, seconds ticking by until the realization that he had just lost it again hit Iruka. Blushing, he stepped back quickly, refusing to meet Kakashi's eye in fear of what he'd see.

"I- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to –" still stammering Iruka continued to back up "J-just forget it Kakashi-san, Ok? Forget I ever said anything, here or in Tsunade-sama's office-"

Kakashi's head sapped up at that "What?" the tone was sharp and the word was growled out.

Iruka flinched, very aware that he probably just found the breaking point of the Jounin's patience. Time to leave, and fast.

"I- I'm sorry" Iruka quickly back peddled a few more steps, trying to get far enough away from the powerful man so he could break for it, head home, grab a bag and high tail it to Ko and Zumo's. Then just let them to whatever the hell they wanted to him.

These plans, however, were fouled when a large, strong hand grabbed his arm and dragged him back.

"Oh no. you are NOT running away from me again!"

Iruka's reaction was purely instinctive and would cost him weeks of teasing after.

His left leg kicked out, aimed just below the knee while his right hand fisted and struck hard into the tender area between the rib and hip. The attack made Kakashi bend double as his knees buckled in response to the hit to his side, this action caused his knee to come in line perfectly for the incoming kick.

A yell of pain rented through the air as it made contact. Kakashi pitched forward, bracing himself for the impact of hitting the ground when a sharp stinging in his hair and a tugging on his shirt made the grey eye open, widening when he saw he was now in the perfect position to be kneed squarely in the face.

Iruka let out a little curse and quickly dropped his captive – gently though, he'd just attacked the man. He didn't need to add tossing him around to the growing list of abuse he'd railed on Kakashi the past two days.

Slowly, Kakashi stood, one hand clutching what would soon be a bruised side "You could have just said 'let go' I would have listened"

Iruka blushed hotly and dropped his gaze back down to the ground "Sorry"

Kakashi's laugh surprised him into looking back up "Don't apologize, least now I can tell people the academy sensei's do know what they're doing" the grey eye winked cheekily and Iruka glared until the older man's gaze softened.

"I'm not mad if that's what you thought"

The brown eyes widened, making Kakashi's soft smile grow "I'm not going to forget what you said either"

Iruka's panic returned "Kakashi-san, I know I'm in the wrong here but telling everybody what I said won't get you revenge, at worst it will piss of Anko and-"

Kakashi simply chuckled "I'm not going to gossip about it – that's Tsunade's department – if anything I'd tell everyone your mine"

Iruka's world came screeching to a halt, and if the amused glint in the grey eye was anything to go off of it must have shown on his face.

"W-what?"

Kakashi's grin was visible even through the mask "A guy like you confesses to someone like me. And you're expecting me to be mad or ignore you or humiliate you at your work? Please Iruka; I'm socially awkward, not stupid. Not only would I be signing my own death warrant at the hands if your family and co-worker's, my dogs would never let me live it down"

Iruka let the corner of his mouth twitch upward "Your dogs?"

"They want me to get a mate who can actually cook"

How Kakashi said that with a straight face Iruka would never know as the instant later they both broke out laughing.

It felt good, all the confusion and hurt of the past hours seemed to just melt away. Still smiling Iruka looked up to see Kakashi once again standing in front of him, hand held out.

"Dinner? My treat"

Chocolate eyes widened once more before filling with a happy light as the dark hand took the pale one.

"I'd like that, Kakashi"

XoX

(Three months later)

"Kakashi? Would you keep an eye on the oven for me?"

Iruka hummed softly as he carefully sliced veggies for a tray, dutifully ignoring the panting puddle of puppy eyes and wagging tails at his feet.

"You shouldn't let him help Ruka" the pug clawed his way up to the counter top and totted over to the little brunette "He always wrecks human food"

Iruka chuckled "It's just watching the cake, I have the timer going, he'll be fine. Now get off the counter, I just cleaned and your leaving paw prints"

The pug gave him a toothy grin but obediently jumped to the floor.

"The amount of faith you have in me is astounding" Kakashi sauntered in, freshly showered with his hand stuffed in his jean pocket, light green dress shirt half buttoned and un-tucked, mask pooled around his neck; sliding up to Iruka he gave the younger man a kiss before turning to glare at the pug on the floor "Look who's actually taking orders. You listen to him now do you?"

Pakkun gave him a droopy eye roll "Like you don't"

The silver brow rose while gave the dog a look "Meaning what?"

The brow arched higher as Pakken snorted while the rest of the Pack burst out laughing.

"Of course Ruka"

"No Ruka"

"Yes Ruka"

"More Ruka"

"Faster Ruka"

"We get it!"

The Pack only laughed harder when the protest came from both men, one panicked the other blushing bright red. Iruka growled playfully, trying in vain to force the colour from his cheeks as he glared at the dogs.

A large wet nose being pushed gently against his hand made him look over to see the huge black mass that was Bull standing next to him, the droopy brown eyes silently begging while the large pink tongue lolled out in a happy pant. The big dog could have easily reached the counter top and plucked the wanted food from the cutting broad but Iruka knew by now that the loving beast liked being given food as what he really wanted was the attention – not just something to eat.

Iruka laughed and tossed the dog a slice of cucumber which Bull skillfully snatched up with his tongue, a happy grin in the dark eyes. This made the rest of the Pack start up protests, making Iruka grin and toss a piece of food to the each of the others.

Kakashi watched the scene from the corner, a happy smile on his un-masked face as he watched his Pack swarm his lover, covering the dark hands and face with affectionate kisses.

Iruka simply laughed and tried to pet all the dogs at once, getting knocked over when Bull decided to jump in, the pack didn't mind though, it just made it easier to pile on the small man when he was sprawled on the floor.

"YA! DOG PILE!"

The sound of the door being opened had gone unnoticed by both men and the dogs, giving Anko the perfect chance to take the room by surprise. The purple haired woman charged across the living room and into the kitchen to launch herself toward the mound of fur covering her little brother.

All the dogs - except Bull – shrieked and cleared the way. Quickly Iruka propped himself up and caught her – one foot on the lower part of her stomach while one hand and arm supported her across the chest, balancing her perfectly in mid-air.

The Kounichi just laughed as Bull came up and began licking the woman as she hung in mid-air. Her boyfriend watched beside Kakashi at the edge of the kitchen, matching grins on their faces at the sight of their lovers.

"Gah! Ok! Stop! No more! Dang it stop licking! Ruru put me down before he eats me!"

Iruka laughed but carefully set his sister down and stood, giving Bull an affectionate pat on the head as he did. Keeping an eye on his sister as she dashed around the room, opening all the cupboards and drawers – totally exploring every nook and cranny while Kakashi watched her sniff through his kitchen, a confused look in the grey eye.

Iruka sighed and sent an apologetic look at his lover before turning back to his sister "You done now Ang? It's a house, not a torture dungeon"

Glaring Anko continued her complete sweep of the place, dashing to the living room, then down the hall where they heard the sound of doors opening and closing.

"What the hell?" Kakashi addressed the room in general, knowing between the little brother and the boyfriend one of the two would answer. Iruka chuckled sheepishly.

"Sorry, it's one of her quirk's, she has to know where everything is and what all the rooms are. Don't worry; she'll only do it once"

Iruka smiled as Kakashi blinked then shrugged in acceptance to his fellow Jounin's oddity.

"Dinner smells amazing Iruka, is there anything I can do to help?" Gai stepped up to the large counter and swept his gaze over the large, fancy spread Iruka had prepared.

The little sensei smiled but shook his head "No, we've pretty much got it, though if you and Kashi could carry the veggie and meat trays to the living room that would be great. The others should be here soon and nothing distracts Anko like food"

The black haired man smiled and nodded, scooping up the meat tray before gliding out of the kitchen toward the living room, Kakashi following him in a more relaxed and slouched position as Iruka gathered up crystal glasses and brought them out to set them on the temporary mini bar Kakashi had formed on top of an old dresser.

"Oh and Kakashi?" Iruka turned to glare at his lover who turned to stare back at him innocently.

"Yes Ruka love?"

Iruka's eye twitched but he fought back the smile "Try to be civil with Ibiki this time alright? As cute as your jealous act is I would prefer if you didn't push him into hitting you this time"

The slight jump in pale jaw was the only sign of the Jounin's annoyance – probably at just how much the interrogator's right hook had hurt and the fact that Kakashi had been a tad too surprised to duck said punch. The two men still wouldn't tell Iruka just what Kakashi had said to make the normally level tempered man strike first, which meant it was about him and they knew he would hurt them if he managed to find out.

Who ever said old dogs couldn't learn new tricks?

Kakashi grumbled and grabbed a pickle, stuffing it in his mouth so he was saved from actually having to reply.

Iruka rolled his eyes again but turned away when the doorbell rang. Quickly crossing the room Iruka opened the bright orange door to reveal a beaming Kurenai, decked out in a gorgeous red top and blue jeans, holding little Harzin, who was dressed up in a little suite with Asuma , look completely normal a step behind his wife and child, holding a bottle of wine.

"Evening Iruka, you look wonderful!"

Iruka grinned as he held out his hands to take the giggling red eyed boy from his mother "Same to you Kurenai" Harzin happily wrapped his little arms around the chuunin's neck as he was passed over, the giggles continuing as he reached up to tug at the chocolate locks, which had been left down to spill over the lithe shoulders and back.

"Ruka-nii!"

The happy baby cheer had Iruka blushing while everyone else grinned.

"Gets to cuddle with Ruka? Lucky little git"

The familiar cant had Kurenai and Asuma turning around while Iruka beamed at the new arrival.

"Tsume! Glad you could make it"

The wild haired Iunzuka pushed her way up the steps, moving confidently in jean shorts and a tight tank top as she flashed the young man a sharp toothy grin "Me? Miss out on free food and cute boys? It's like you don't know me at all love"

Iruka laughed and backed away from the door to let the guests through, stopping Harzin from sucking the small silver hoop earring he was wearing into the curious little mouth at the same time. Kurenai glided in, her husband sauntering in after her, heading for the mini bar to drop off the wine while the Kounichi collapsed gracefully on the couch where she and the happily munching Anko immediately started to gossip, Tsume swept in like only she could – Kuromaru on her tail – as she tossed what seemed to be a box full of steaks at Kakashi, yelling that they were for the mutts, before she too made a B line for the couch and food covered coffee table.

"Ho there little bro, hold the door"

Iruka glanced over to see Genma and Raidou coming up the front steps, both dressed in simple coloured tees and jeans, holding a bottle of sake. Genma passed his to Rai so he could hug the small brunette and poke Harzin in the tummy, making the boy giggling again as he tried to wiggle closer to the chuunin's body and escape the tickling fingers.

Raidou rolled his eyes at the actions of his best friend though the grin remained firmly on his scarred face. Leaning over the red head gave Iruka a kiss on the cheek, as his hands were too full for a hug, and wondered his way into the house, dropping the sake off before joining Kakashi, Gai and Asuma in the corner while Genma went straight for the ladies and gossip like a shark that smelt blood.

Shutting the door with his foot Iruka set Harzin down, taking hold of the small hand instead as he gently lead the little boy to the kitchen where he gave him a small plate of pecan squares. Showing the little hands how to hold it without dropping he sent the child of at a careful march to 'deliver the treats to mommy' the red eyed boy doing so very seriously, a furious scowl of concentration on his chubby face as he stomped his way to the living room, declaring to his father in a gruff little voice to 'Move! I'm b'ing Mommy tweets!'

Iruka chuckled as he turned and grabbed a pile of plates. Kakashi's table was only big enough to hold four people comfortably so they were doing a buffet style; everything was set, only Ibiki was left to show up.

He wondered back to the front room, letting his gaze linger over his friends and family as they talked and laughed. The dogs too were spread out over the house, some were by the couch, playing cute at the ladies and Genma in an attempt to get food and cuddles – so far they had discovered Gen was the sucker while Tsume would make them work for every mouthful and pat.

The rest of the pack were swarming Kakashi, who had yet to put away the box of juicy steaks, Pakkun was part of that crowd and the small pug was putting a large amount into a very amusing attempt to startle his white haired master into dropping the coveted box. Kakashi, however, wasn't so much as blinking when the determined pug continually slammed his little body into the long legs, stagger back then take a run at it again.

The other 4 dogs didn't seem to realize that if they helped they could have probably sent the copy nin to the floor – or maybe they did and had decided that watching the normally cool and aloof pug making a fool of himself was more entertaining and worth waiting for the meat.

Smiling Iruka slipped over to where the ladies and Genma were talking. Anko was still eating everything she could see while Kurenai and Genma were nibbling on the pecan squares, Genma bouncing a happily laughing Harizn on his knee while he listened to every word that passed the girls lips.

"Ah! Iruka these are marvellous!" Kurenai took another bite of square and let her bight eyes roll back as she chewed. Iruka grinned but was stopped from answering when arms grabbed him from behind and pulled him backwards and down.

"Gah! Tsume!"

Iruka twisted around to mock glare at the wild haired woman; she only grinned and tightened her hold around his waist, pulling him firmly against her body. A quick glance over to the side revealed the Kakashi was glaring venomously at the female Jounin over top of Raidou's shoulder. If Tsume was aware of the death gaze she was ignoring it very well.

Raidou seemed to have noticed Kakashi's crazed look and was now glancing nervously over his shoulder in the hope the frightening gaze wasn't meant for him. On catching sight of the over cocky woman though he grinned, rolling his eyes cheekily at his little brother. Iruka narrowed his in annoyance, it wasn't funny, if Tsume didn't let go soon Kakashi would most likely do something possessive and over-protective.

The knock on the door was he saving grace as it gave him the change to wiggle free of Tsume's hold. Shooting Kakashi a look as he passed, making the Jounin glower but send him a sheepish grin at the same time.

Smiling softly Iruka pulled open the door, only to find himself enveloped by two large arms and lifted off the ground in a bear hug.

"Evening Ibiki"

Iruka grinned up at the big man once he was set down. The big Jounin smiled back while Suzune beamed by his side, the couple looked stunning together with Ibiki in a plain but well cut white dress shirt and black dress pants and Suzune looking lovely in a lavender summer dress, purple pearls glimmering on her ears and a simple black silk shawl draped over her shoulders.

"Sorry we're late Iruka-kun" Suzune stepped up, holding out a clear bottle of bubbling champagne out from him to take as she leaned in to kiss his cheek "Someone forgot to pick up this up earlier so we had to stop by the store on the way here " she shot a glare at the big man towering over them. Ibiki's face remained impassive but Iruka saw the laughter dancing in his eyes.

"That's fine Suzune-chan. Everyone else only just got here" he stepped aside to let the couple in, reaching out to take his fellow teacher's shawl as she passed "You two look great by the way, I'm sure Tsume will be thrilled Ibiki"

Ibiki froze and turned horrified eyes to the smaller man "Tsume? She's here?"

Iruka beamed "Yup, and she's half way through her third beer"

The big man groaned, absent mindedly tugging on the sleeve of his white dress shirt. Iruka suppressed a giggle, reaching out he gave the big arm a pat.

"Don't worry. You may not know it but a few years ago Tsume got on Suzune-chan's bad side and she asked me for help to get back at her"

The black eyes widened and Iruka grinned. Obviously his girlfriend hadn't told him of this. Oh, Ibiki was going to love it.

"Mmm. We set up a jutsu that blocked the vocal cords, though Suzune-chan made a few adjustments to it so Tsume didn't just spend the time unable to speak; she spent a week only being able to bark. So don't sweat it, Tsume wont risk getting in her bad books again by messing around with what Suzune's staked as hers" giving the stunned man one more bright grin before strolling away, hooking the black silk shawl on the wall as he passed and headed back to where the other guests were greeting Suzune.

That story should give Ibiki something new to think about – like how he and Suzune, and most of the other academy teachers were all cut from a similar cloth, personality wise anyway. Most people knew Suzune as a sweet person – but so was he, the main difference was that her evil side wasn't as pronounced as his.

But really – you couldn't teach pre-genin without a slightly psychotic imp lurking somewhere in your mind – the kids would kill you before you could say 'Uncle' if you didn't.

Still smiling Iruka grabbed Anko and Genma to help him carry the food out to the table, slapping Anko on the head every time she tried to dip her finger in the sauce bowl.

Iruka called out that dinner was ready while Genma started to pass out plates. It was no surprise when Tsume was the first one to scramble up and dash for the food, snatching a plate from Genma's hands on the fly.

Beaming she gave Iruka a bold smooch on the cheek before beginning the art of piling a large amount of food on a small plate, the bright grin still fix on her face, though it was a bit strained and nervous at a second glance, which Iruka found strange. Tsume wasn't easily upset or startled.

Glancing around for the reason for the wild Jounin's discomfort he caught sight of Suzune, a brilliant smile on her lips and murder in her eyes. Ibiki was standing just a few steps behind his lover, watching her with thinly veiled amazement and pride gleaming in the black eyes.

Iruka grinned, turning back to where he was refilling drinks while he chuckled to himself. He'd told Ibiki – Suzune was extremely possessive, of the kids and her boyfriend's. Luckily Ibiki was the kind to appreciate that quality, and he should be relieved that Tsume would keep her hands to herself from now on.

Not even she was dumb enough to mess with a jealous girlfriend.

Carefully measuring out another martini Iruka rolled his eyes has he passed it over to the grinning Anko, her dark brown eyes were wide and she was silently bouncing in place on the balls of her heels, which meant she was fairly tipsy at this point.

Sighing he watched her skip away, pausing to do a one legged spin, not even missing a beat or spilling her drink in the process.

"Honestly, she has to be the only person alive that becomes more agile when drunk"

Iruka took Kurenai's glass with a grin "Actually, what happens is, the little reserve she does have vanishes and she starts to show off. Fair warning, don't ask her about anything sex related or you'll end up knowing far more then necessary about Gai's 'abilities' – Gen found that one out the hard and painful way, he couldn't look Gai in the eye for weeks"

Kurenai stared in shock for a moment before bursting out laughing "Point taken. Keep Harzin away from Anko"

Iruka laughed as he passed her back her glass. The fact she was sticking faithfully with juice and lemonade did not escape his notice and a happy thrill when up his spine. Hopefully his guess was right – Harzin would be a good big brother.

Everyone filled their plates then settled down in the living room to eat and talk. Iruka found himself sitting comfortably next to Kakashi with Genma's legs casually slung over his, the blond leaned up against the couch armrest while Anko sprawled herself on the floor, using her little brothers legs as a backrest while she extended her limbs out so she could rest her feet on Gai's lap.

Ibiki had taken the armchair, Suzune balanced skillfully on the edge while Asuma, Kurenai and Harzin took the love seat, Harzin happily perched on his father's knee. Raidou and Tsume filled the remaining floor space , Rai on one end of the coffee table by Genma, Tsume on the other by Kurenai – and as far from Suzune as she could politely be.

Glancing around Iruka felt unbelievably happy, knowing that if someone had told his 14 year old self about this moment in his future, he would have punched them and yelled for them to stop mocking him.

Thinking back on those dark lonely years Iruka could smiled, sound now in the knowledge that no matter how bad life could get there was always something good around the corner if only you have the patience and heart to wait for it.

His blissful moment came to a halt however when Tsume lifted her head and sniffed the air, a puzzled look on her face "Why do I smell something burning?"

Kakashi's eye widened as Iruka's narrowed "Kashi dear, did you watch the cake like I asked?"

The Jounin visibly paled even as he bolted from the couch "SHIT!"

Everyone – especially the dogs – burst out laughing at the panicked curse. Iruka grinned broadly as he got up and followed his lover to the kitchen, already he could hear the cursing as Kakashi pulled out what must have been a pile of chorale from the oven; Pakkun's grumble of 'I warned you' came drifting over but it only made Iruka grin harder.

"Ruki? It – well –it's kinda –umm" Kakashi looked between the pile of black and his lover before hanging his head "Sorry"

Sliding up to the older man Iruka wrapped his arms around the pale neck and pulled the two of them close so he could slant his lips over the thinner pair, kissing Kakashi thrally before leaning back to meet the dark grey eye.

"I have a pie in the freezer, I can get that out instead" lowering his eyes Iruka gazed up at the Jounin through his lashes "If you know how to ask nicely"

Kakashi grinned, leaning forward until their noses touched, the pale hands moving to the slender waist as he pressed their mouths together in a hard kiss. Pulling back slightly after a moment so he could whisper against the younger man's lips.

"I think I can do that"

Quickly claiming the smaller mouth again Kakashi pulled Iruka closer as he deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into the younger man's mouth while one large hand came up to cradle the back of the dark head.

"I really don't need any pie, so long as you two keep kissing, I'm one happy bitch"

Kakashi growled when Iruka pulled away and turned to glare at the two drooling woman in the doorway "Anko, Tsume, is there something you wanted?"

Anko beamed brightly as she leant against the wall "Nope, please return to making out"

Mock growling Iruka grabbed a rolling pin and dove toward the leering Kounichi, she squealed and bolted from the room, dashing from the bathroom at full speed where she no doubt planned on locking the door.

The dogs however decided to intervene and sent the purple hair Kounichi to the floor in a dog pile.

"SON'S OF BASTARDS!" was the last thing heard from Anko before she disappeared under the mound of fur.

Laughter, cursing and barking filled the house; Gai – ever the hero – tried to jump in and save his lover but somehow ended up under the massive black rear of Bull instead.

This – for some odd reason – set off Kakashi's panic reaction as he yelled and dashed across the room; fisting his hands around the big collar he tried in vain to drag the huge dog off the sputtering man.

"No! Bull! Bad Dog! Don't Kill Him!"

The poor dog whimpered, like he didn't understand why he was being reprimanded but he moved anyway, revealing a red faced Gai who immediately started gasping for air.

Once he had stopped choking the black haired man gave the room a bright thumbs up while he grinned at the grey eyed Jounin.

"Eternal Rival! That is the third time he has sat on me, I do believe he likes me!"

Kakashi froze and stared blankly at his friend for a moment then grinned brightly, not moving his teeth when he replied "Sure Gai"

The dogs – who had stood back and released Anko at the sound of their master's yell – now burst out laughing. Rolling on the ground as they howled or pressing close to Kuromaru as they whispered in the husky's ear, a sharp fanged grin slowly appearing on his face.

Making a mental note to interrogate Kakashi later to get the whole story Iruka wove his way around the pack until he could reach Anko, who was still sitting on the floor laughing. She noticed him too late and had her escape attempt fouled when he grabbed the back of her shirt and dragged her back to the kitchen with him – her protesting to whole way.

"Relax Perv, I'm not going to string you from the ceiling"

She smiled in relief at that and moved to slouch against the wall.

"You're helping me cleanup"

"Aaahh!?"

Her protesting cry was cut off when he slipped some gloves on her and pushed her to the skin where a tower of dishes waited. She pouted, frowned, then cheered suddenly; grabbing the soap and turning on the water the Kounichi quickly had the whole place filled with bubbles as she began to sing a very colourful song off key loudly.

Grinning Iruka returned to the living room, the lines of Anko's ditty floating through the doorway along with a cloud of bubbles. Everyone except Genma and Raidou stared in confusion for a moment before shrugging and carry on with their conversations, Kurenai placing her hands over Harzin's ear's gently as he continued to play on the floor happily.

The evening passed quickly, and all too soon their friend's where tricking home. Kurenai and Asuma with a slumbering Harzin, his head resting on his father's shoulder while the little hands clutched at the front of the bearded man's shirt. It was then Iruka realized the man had only smoked once during the whole evening.

Gai and Anko went next, Gai carrying his lover who had passed out mid lyric over the sink full of water – Iruka planned on teasing her about that later.

Raidou and Genma wondered off together, Genma singing in his jaunty tenor voice, trying to get Rai to join in. you could still hear them arguing halfway down the block.

Ibiki and Suzune left shortly after, Suzune with a pile of books she need to borrow – she made the grinning Ibiki carry them as she slipped her small hand over the muscled elbow and pulled herself close to the big man as they walked home.

And Tsume – never left. She actually managed to avoid leaving by helping them clean up then she passed out on the floor by the couch, using the dogs as pillows while she wrapped her arms around Bisuke who was barking softly in his sleep.

Both men had stared at the clan leader for a moment before glancing at each other, Iruka shrugged "So long as she doesn't try anything perverted I'm fine with it"

Kakashi grinned and watched as the chuunin headed for their bedroom before he followed, planning his pace just right so he would walk in when Iruka started to strip.

Biting down on a chuckle Kakashi grinned – it was the little things in life that were the best.

The End

XoX

Ryth: …..

Jiraiya: Ryth? Rythum? * He waves a hand in front of her face*RRrrryyyttthhh!

Ryth: *slowly tilts to the side then falls from her chair and slumps to the floor*

Jiraiya: *stares down at the crumpled girl on the floor by his feet* uuuhhhh

;) Phew, that was….uuhhh. BUT! I...AM...FINISHED! *sets off a confetti canon* and I will have to clean that up later…oh well. That is the finish! Woot! There will be no more on this story though I may write some one shots – like Genma and Iruka's first day as trappers together, I have a feeling that day didn't go so well…

Anywho, I am going to have to disappear from the world for a while, though I have started on some new stories, I have decided to try and complete the whole thing before posting again – cause this was too much, haha.

there were also three quotes I liked for this chapter, the other two which didn't make the cut were "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings - I was aiming for your face" and "I'm not retreating; I'm advancing in the opisit direction"

Thank you everyone who has read this, especially the ones who have read it from the start, your support was wonderful. Hearts and Love from me and the whole gang! Chai!