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CHAPTER 14

Another strategy meeting was about to begin in fifteen minutes so Asuma already braced himself for the tiresome task of fetching his stubborn friend, who would surely fight him tooth and nail, as he did every week before those events. Kakashi has been exceptionally annoying and uncooperative in the last two weeks. Last time Asuma had to drag him back from the freaking train station! Five minutes later and the idiot would have been half way to the polish coast before the meeting even started! Not to mention that it was right after the freaking Normandy so, needless to say, NOT the best of times to skip a meeting.

This time Asuma was ready to use force if needed.

The pilot passed by the conference room on his way to Hatake's office and what he saw made him drop his cigarette. Iruka was sitting in his usual chair, with a teasing smile, looking up at Kakashi, who was sitting on the conference table right in front of him. And Asuma couldn't decide what in this picture shocked him more, Kakashi attending a strategy meeting without being forced into it, Kakashi not only not being late but being actually early, or Kakashi talking to Iruka, who was supposedly his greatest rival and enemy. Then he stepped closer and catching a part of their conversation he decided it was none of the above.

Iruka was teasing Kakashi in a way so bold and sharp that even Asuma, his lifelong friend, wouldn't dare to try on the man. Kakashi wasn't someone to toy with. After his father's death he had become so detached and cold that Asuma could no longer tell what to expect of him. But even at Kakashi's best Asuma would never expect something like that. Kakashi with a dorky smile on his face laughing at Umino's jokes, completely at ease with the other man… Asuma had never seen him like that. Not as an adult.

For a moment he simply stood there staring and taking it all in. One of Kakashi's feet was supported on Iruka's chair, between the brunet's spread legs. Umino was slouched in his chair, with one arm draped over the backrest. In the other hand he was holding Kakashi's horsewhip, which he was using to tease the silver haired general in various ways, like slapping his leg or mess his hair. Kakashi had that dopey smile on his lips. It was there since that ball… Even now, when he was having what was supposed to be an argument.

From bits and pieces of the conversation that Asuma was able to put together so far they were talking about a possible relocation of another big group of Jews. Apparently Iruka found it to be far more beneficial than putting the men down and using their bodies to produce cosmetics. He was now quite eloquently proving his point to Kakashi, punishing him occasionally for stupid comments, with the aforementioned horsewhip. Asuma didn't miss the fact that Kakashi's arguments were all just some absurd jokes; never any real reservations that could actually deter someone or put Iruka in a bad light.

And he had his eyes glued to Iruka this whole time. When he occasionally glanced around at others it was always just to see if they were all laughing at Iruka's jokes, or to glare daggers at those who dared to voice their doubts about Umino's views.

The whole situation looked slightly… unreal, but for others it was funny and entertaining. It was subtly bringing the matter of the relocation to their attention, already preparing them to support Iruka's postulates during the approaching meeting. Iruka was good with people. He was nice and likeable, but still, to reduce Kakashi to this… smiling mush was unthinkable. The man looked like a puppy fighting for his master's attention. Asuma couldn't help but smirk at that comparison, but immediately his face fell when another figure of speech popped up in his head: a lovesick puppy.

He took a step back and watched. Both men were looking into each other's eyes and smiling, completely unaware of the way they looked or the way they behaved.

"Kakashi!" His voice boomed through the room making his friend jump to his feet like a spooked rabbit. Asuma would've laughed at him but he was too tense to even smile.

"Can we talk?"

Kakashi put his hand into the hair on the back of his head – a nervous gesture he rid himself of when he was twelve. And now it was apparently back. Asuma half expected him to start shuffle his feet or kick a table leg.

"Can't it wait, Asuma?"

"No, it can't."

Kakashi sighed. "Excuse me, Iruka. I'll be right back."

Seeing Kakashi's disappointed face Asuma felt almost bad about spoiling his friend's moment of comfort. But then Kakashi put his hand on Iruka's shoulder and squeezed gently, just before leaving, sending him an apologetic look and Asuma wanted to punch him for being so oblivious and stupid.

When they were in the corridor the pilot grabbed his friend's arm and dragged him into some vacated room.

"What the fuck, Asuma? Stop it."

"What the hell are you doing, Kakashi?"

"What do you mean?"

Asuma studied his friend and was beginning to believe that the man really was clueless. So, it required a subtle approach.

"How's Iruka?"

Kakashi didn't miss a beat. His scowl was instantly gone and a pleasant smile brightened his face. "A bit tired so, as temperamental as ever, but otherwise in a good mood I believe, why? You need something from him?"

"No… not really. I was just wondering when you were going to slide onto his laps."

Kakashi snorted. "I haven't even thought of that but he would be furious." The smile on Kakashi's face was so full of fondness and… no. Asuma would not dare to call it anything. The only thing he knew for sure at the moment was that 'subtle' was not going to work this time.

"Kakashi… You will probably punch me for what I'm going to say but at least I will have my conscious clear."

The general crossed his arms over his chest, his face bored, and his whole demeanour showing how impatient he was; how much he wanted to go back. He even had a gal to pointedly look at the clock on the wall.

"Are you in a hurry to the strategy meeting?"

"Well, isn't that what you always wanted?"

"Yes, assuming of course that it's the meeting you want to join, not a person who is supposed to be your rival."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your interactions with Iruka are far from how chiefs of two rivalling departments are supposed to act."

"What is your problem, Asuma? When we were fighting everyone were pissed, now we don't and it's even worse? What do you want from me?"

He wanted to warn Kakashi, he wanted to say something that would make his friend see how strange it looked. But he couldn't It was none of his business and if he by any means got it wrong, Kakashi would probably do more than just punch him… Maybe he approached the wrong person? Maybe he should have talked to Iruka?

"Forget it, alright? Just… be careful and don't flaunt you newfound friendship like that. Your friends are his enemies and even as likeable as he is, I doubt it will be enough to fool Fromm."

"Fromm likes Iruka!"

"Everyone likes Iruka, but Fromm will not be at ease until every little remnant of the Abwehr is gone. Just be careful. I don't want you to go down with your new friend when it happens."

During the meeting Kakashi tried not to look at Iruka all the time, keeping in mind that Fromm was sitting in front of his long haired lover. The man was smiling at Iruka, acting like they were friends but it was better to remain careful. When Iruka voiced his postulates others answered in the similar manner they did before the meeting. Iruka was already prepared for their arguments and even Fromm eagerly agreed that the relocation was easier and made more sense than building another camp. Kakashi quickly approved his requests without word, not commenting or asking questions. If Asuma was right than bringing attention to Iruka was too big of a risk to take.

After the meeting ended and they all emerged from the room he was already right behind the Major, grabbing his elbow in the crowd.

"Iruka! How about a cup of coffee in my office since you're here?"

Iruka flushed that deep shade of red Kakashi already learned to associate with arousal. His angry blush was different and mostly concentrated on his cheeks while the embarrassed one was always spread only around his scar. But that particular one was the best. It started at his neck and attacked even his ears! Kakashi loved Iruka's ears…

"Kakashi!" It was Gertrude. She must've tagged along with Fromm. Kakashi rubbed his forehead and moved forward, dragging Iruka along and pretending he didn't hear her.

"Kakashi! Wait."

"Ms. Clauser. How do you do?" Of course Iruka had to spoil his plan and stop. He was smiling politely, as if he didn't notice that the woman ignored his greeting.

"Kakashi! I brought you homemade lunch. I noticed that recently you always eat out. It's not healthy."

"Um… You brought me lunch?" It wasn't his most eloquent thing to say but he was really confused at the moment. Iruka was smiling and it made Kakashi sweat drop. This wasn't good.

"Well, Kakashi, isn't it nice how Ms. Clauser takes care of you? It must be wonderful to have someone pamper you like that?"

"Um…" Every time Iruka was at his place he cooked. He claimed to like it, but rarely actually did it because he never felt like cooking just for himself. Apparently cooking for Kakashi was in his opinion more appealing.

"Yes it is wonderful, when someone cooks your favourite soup when it's raining cats and dogs or…"

"Well... it's not a soup…" Miss Clauser never sounded so unsure of herself. She looked out the window at the beautiful sunny weather outside and felt more and more out of her depths. There was no rain, and there was no soup. She had no idea what Kakashi was talking about. And that son of a bitch from Abwehr was smiling. It pissed her off.

"It's alright since I'm not really hungry anyway." Iruka's elbow jabbed Kakashi's ribs.

"That was rude. I'm sure Ms. Clauser worked hard to prepare this meal for you. You should be more grateful." Kakashi squeezed Iruka's elbow a little tighter. Through the full three hours meeting he waited to finally drag Iruka to his office and hug… or maybe even kiss. It was infuriating how Iruka could just stand there and talk to Fromm's secretary while they could be already doing it.

"Um… Alright then, thank you for offering to share your lunch with me, but it's not necessary. Now, will you excuse us? We need to go." Then to his great frustration Iruka freed his arm and shook hands with the approaching Admiral. Kakashi's blood boiled.

"Iruka! Come on."

The little devil glanced at Kakashi sideways, smirked and stalled another moment, exchanging polite lines with the Admiral, asking about his 'little angel'. Then he reluctantly said his goodbyes, not forgetting to include Ms. Clauser, and finally followed Kakashi to his office. As soon as the doors closed behind them Kakashi had him in his arms, sucking desperately on the skin of his tanned neck. The mark would be just under the collar of his shirt. Iruka pushed him away just in time to hear the knock on the door.

"Who's there?"

"It's me! Asuma!"

"Back off! I'm busy!" Kakashi's voice boomed like a thunderstorm. He was reaching for Iruka again but before he managed to touch him, the bastard opened the door with a blinding smile on his gorgeous face.

"Hello Asuma! Come on in."

The pilot was standing in the doorway, unsure if he should listen to the brunet's invitation. After all Kakashi sounded pissed and told him to back off. Iruka glanced at the pouting general.

"Oh, don't mind him. He's just being prissy."

"I am not prissy!"

Iruka winked at him. "Sure you're not." He walked up to Kakashi's desk, found there a piece of cake and immediately started to munch on it.

"So, what's up, Asuma? I haven't seen you since that ball." He asked between two bites.

"Well, that's why I followed you. Tomorrow's Shika's birthday."

"I know. I was planning to take him somewhere." Iruka sat at a comfortable chair, which Kakashi bought for some horrendous amount, and made himself comfortable. Kakashi immediately sat beside him on the armrest. Asuma swallowed a comment.

"I was thinking we could meet at our place, so Kurenai could be with us. I wanted to invite Genma, and maybe even this blockhead." He pointed his head to Kakashi, expecting a frown and a witty replay. But his friend didn't even hear him. He was watching the cake disappearing in Iruka's mouth. Or maybe he was looking at those full lips?

"Where did you get this cake?"

Iruka looked up at Kakashi with an innocent face. "From your desk."

"Is it any good?"

"Delicious." Iruka licked his fingers.

"Is there more?"

"Nope. There was just this one piece. Sorry."

"You ate my cake?" Chocolate brown eyes rolled.

"You don't like sweets."

"Still, it was mine."

"You would just take a bite and stab he rest to death with a fork."

"Give me some."

Iruka sighed and rolled his eyes again. "You're worse than a baby."

"How would you know? You don't have a baby."

"And thank gods for that since I already have to deal with you every day."

Laughing cheerfully Iruka thrust his cake into Kakashi's mouth, letting him bite directly from his piece, then took another bite himself. He pretended he didn't feel Kakashi nip at his finger.

"And? How is it?"

"Sweet."

"I told you so. Here. Have some tea." Iruka handed him a cup he was sipping from.

"Is it sweet too?"

"No, it's yours. Was on your desk."

Kakashi drank some and gave it back to Iruka without word.

Asuma just watched and what he was witnessing didn't make any sense. He knew Kakashi his whole life and he had never seen him like that. This kind of ease, this kind of behaviour didn't belong to Hatake. The man didn't like people. He didn't tease people he didn't like and he sure as hell never let anyone touch his things, especially things in his office, not to mention things on his very desk! Iruka acted as if he owned the place.

Hell, he acted like he owned Kakashi!

"So, Asuma, you want to make the party at your place? Are you sure you want your pregnant wife to see you get plastered? Or to watch how you make her cute little brother turn into a crawling drunkard?"

"Oh come on, Iruka, Shika never does that. He's always the one to drag me home. You should worry about Kakashi instead."

And here it was, for the first time that day Iruka paused and blushed.

"Why would I care what he does?" To make his point he pushed the general off his armrest and glared.

"Because you like me, you little…"

Iruka just shot him another glare and whatever insult was there died on Kakashi's tongue, undoubtedly saving his life.

"Don't worry about that idiot. I'll haul his sorry ass home." Iruka finished his cake and licked his fingers clean.

"Good. I'll ask Kurenai to cook something good."

"Great. I'll make Iruka bake onion rings."

"You what?" One brown eyebrow rose curiously.

"I… I will ask you nicely if you could maybe, if you have time, prepare for us some of your mind blowing onion rings, which are the best snack I've ever tasted."

Iruka was smiling at Kakashi with such a fondness and... Damn, dare he say it?... love, that it almost took Asuma's breath away.

"Fine, onion rings are on me. And what are you going to prepare then, Kakashi?"

"I could… help you with the onion rings?"

"It's alright, Iruka. We don't want him to burn his kitchen. Just make sure he brings some booze."

"I will."

"Alright then." Asuma stood from his chair. "I'll go now. See you guys later."

"Bye, Asuma."

"Oh, and Iruka, earlier I've heard that the admiral lingers downstairs to invite you to dinner at his house."

"Oh, fuck."

….

It was way past midnight and Iruka was still in his office with Shika.

"You know, Iruka, when you started to hang out with Hatake I was sure it would be our end. Now when I see how he approves every single thing you put on his desk I'm… speechless."

Iruka hid his flaming face behind the manila folder in his hands.

"You're awesome. We should have tried that sooner. You just saved hundreds of lives again."

"Don't praise the day before sunset. It may be that I merely postponed their execution."

"We'll see, but so far you saved them. You're amazing. How do you do this?"

"What?"

"Make people like you, and trust you so blindly?"

"They only approved because before the meeting Kakashi made them like my ideas."

"And you made Hatake like you. He's the coldest and the most unapproachable officer in the HQ and you made him like you. It's like magic. You smile and people do whatever you want."

"Not all people, Shika. Just… Kakashi."

"Right… even Fromm likes you."

"Shika…" Iruka was still hiding his face from his friend.

"What?"

"I like Kakashi too."

There was a painfully long moment of silence.

"The way you liked Mizuki?"

A heartbeat, and another. "More, Shika. So much more."

"We're leaving, Iruka."

"You don't know that. If they decide…"

"I've got the message yesterday. The decision about our moves after that day is in your hands. You are to decide."

"Then I order you to leave."

"Iruka! You can't stay here for a man you hardly even know. You'll die if you stay."

"Maybe… but I don't think I can leave. I'm sorry, Shika."

"You can't!" Shikamaru stood from his chair, toppling it over. He grabbed Iruka's collar and shook him. "You can't!"

"I'll try to keep my cover."

"If shit hits the fan we all go down, and you know it. Fromm will do what suits him, and will make sure that not a single one of us makes it to prove he had a hand in this. Not even you!"

"Then so be it…. I have to try."

"To try and what? What if Kakashi finds out about you? Are you sure he will be able to look past your treason to see you? You really think he likes you that much?"

"No. Had he known about that, he would put a bullet in my head faster than I would be able to scream."

"Leave with us, Iruka."

"No."

…

It was two in the morning when they were leaving the office. Kakashi was sitting on a bench by the door patting an incredibly tired looking pug.

"Nice dog."

Kakashi beamed at Iruka. "I'm glad you like it, but it's a stray… He's not mine."

"I figured. So, what are you doing patting stray dogs at two in the morning?"

"I brought you something to eat, but I was afraid you would get angry, so I waited."

Iruka's heart swelled in his chest.

"How long have you been sitting here?"

"Um… half an hour…maybe… or… an hour… well… an hour and a half. I was about to go in just now but the pug stopped me."

Iruka wanted to hug the man and the urge to do it was hard to overcome. Shika clearing his throat brought him back to reality.

"When I was eight there was this girl… She was seven. She would smile at me like an angel telling me to eat a piece of my shoe."

Kakashi frowned, clearly disgusted by the idea. "Did you?"

Shikamaru burst out laughing. "Sure I did…" And then he left still chuckling under his nose.

Kakashi met Iruka's eyes. "He knows."

To his surprise Iruka just shrugged. "Yes, he does. And I think he just said you're whipped."

The silver haired head nodded. "And he's fucking right."

"He always is."

….

Kurenai didn't believe Asuma when he told her about Iruka running Kakashi ragged. Then the pair entered the apartment, together.

Kakashi, as always, cracked a joke about her putting on some weight. When Iruka cleared his throat and treated him with a stern look the taller man took a step back and profusely apologized assuring that pregnancy suits her and makes her even more beautiful.

Iruka hugged her warmly. "I'm sorry for Kakashi. His idiocy seems to be incurable."

"You can't teach old dog new tricks."

"That's what they say, but I'm still trying."

They all laughed, while Kakashi whined that he's not old.

Iruka asked her about how she puts up with all the inconveniences of a war in such an important time for her. The atmosphere was nice and peaceful.

They had fun, drinking, joking and telling stories. They let the reality go for a moment and let themselves pretend they were just a bunch of friends having fun, not soldiers stealing a moment of break from the terrors of war. Almost as if they took some silent oath, none of them talked about politics.

They did however talk about work, in particular, about Kakashi's sudden support for Iruka's decisions. With a straight face Iruka claimed that Kakashi supported his ideas because they were so obviously right. The general of course confirmed, though his face may have been a bit less convincing than his words.

"What is it, Kakashi? Are you suggesting I was wrong?"

"No, but even if you were I wouldn't dare to say it out loud because you would kick my ass."

Iruka's eyes grew wide. "Me? You're taller, stronger and better trained. You could probably kill me with your pinkie if you wanted."

"I don't think I could."

After few drinks they were less strained. Probably that was the reason why after coming back from a toilet Kakashi walked up behind Iruka, who was switching vinyl records in the player, and pulled the rubber band from his hair.

"Kakashi! Give it back."

The general stood his ground. He smiled and put the stolen item into his trousers pocket.

"No, you need to relax and you can't relax with your hair tied."

"Of course I can." Kakashi fidgeted unsure if he was allowed to step closer or would Iruka bite. In the end he did step closer, put his hands on the shorter man's shoulders and squeezed, rubbing slightly.

"You know you'll feel better without it." Pale fingers sank into the chocolate locks massaging Iruka's scalp soothingly. Iruka hummed, for a moment forgetting they were not alone.

"Oh, aren't they the cutest?" Genma's idiotic voice brought them back to reality, making Kakashi crave some time alone with Ruka.

After the party Iruka, as promised, walked Kakashi home, even if the general wasn't really all that drunk. Shika dragged Genma to his own apartment where they finished everything Shika had to drink.

Asuma enjoyed the night in his wife's loving arms.

"Asuma… Shika says we have to leave…"

"I figured that he would. When?"

"I don't know."

"If it's what I think then everything will go down when it happens. I could steal a plane. Genma would help. He wants out too."

"You really think we can make it?" Her hand squeezed Asuma's.

"Iruka and Shika can assure we'll land safely in England."

"Iruka doesn't look like he wants to leave." Asuma hugged his wife tighter.

"You know…. I know Kakashi almost my whole life. After that stunt with his father he became a walking book of rules and regulations. If he finds out about Iruka, he'll kill him."

"Iruka saved hundreds of people, Asuma! We have to take him with us even if he doesn't want to go!"

"What do you want me to do? Put a gun to his head?"

"I don't know…"

….

When they entered the apartment Iruka expected Kakashi to undress him right there in the hall, but the man was just hugging him, not even letting him to take off his shoes.

"Come on, Kashi, what is it?"

"I missed you." Grey hair tickled Iruka's skin as the other man nuzzled his neck. "I missed you so much."

It was all Kakashi needed at the moment. After the evening of normalcy and fun for the first time in years he realised that he too missed normal life. As a brilliant child he was always ahead of his peers, never able to connect with them, never able to make friends. Asuma was kind of an exception. The man never cared about Kakashi's intelligence or skills. He seemed to not care about too many things in general and it made Kakashi feel at ease around the man who was so different from him. But after his father's suicide Kakashi distanced himself even from the young pilot, putting his work, his career, and his duties on top of his priorities list.

He thought he was above such a petty weaknesses. He thought he didn't need anyone. He let his guard down. Iruka sneaked up on him so unexpectedly that for weeks he had no idea what was really going on. And when he finally caught on, it was far too late. He was screwed. He thought he hated Iruka and let him come too close. Now Iruka was on top of his list and it was hard to even think about anything else. He envied Asuma his comfortable relationship with his wife because he suddenly wanted to have it too, and couldn't.

Of course, he was showing in Iruka's office as often as he could to sit on the man's desk talking nonsense and driving him nuts. But he couldn't hold his hand or kiss him there. They managed to steal an hour during lunch time the day before to spend it at Iruka's place but those moments were so not enough that it hurt. He wanted to spend every night in Iruka's arms, wake up with him… own him.

He wanted to own Iruka.

His hands moved over the brunet's back, sneaking under his tunic, rubbing his butt. When Iruka moaned Kakashi growled possessively and bit hard on the deliciously tanned neck.

He wanted to have Iruka in his home all the time. He… He wanted to have a freaking home! And that was the first, because he only had places to sleep, and never spent time 'at home'. He had never had a home in his life. He spent his childhood in dormitories, then moved to the barracks and finally as an officer he received his own quarter. He hated to spent time in there but never wanted to have his own place either. Now he wanted to have days off to spend them on his couch, giving Iruka massages, or reading him books. So far, practically every minute they managed to meet each other in his apartment they spend in bed. Of course, Kakashi wasn't complaining but he wanted so much more….

And he realised that he would never be able to have it.

Because in this 'perfect new world' they were trying to build and fought for, there was no place for things like him and Iruka together. Just as there was no place for useless emotions that prevented his father from performing his duties, and lead him to commit suicide.

His hands were undressing Iruka, unbuttoning his shirt and suspenders, pulling at his jacket. The warmth of the smooth skin and hard muscles emanated from the lovely body and Kakashi fell to his knees helplessly, wanting to touch, taste and take, but only being able to look. He worshiped the younger man with his eyes.

Red lips, parted and already panting, were driving him to the brink of sanity. Brown ewes, closed and hidden behind a veil of thick black eyelashes made him crazy with want to just see the lust surely steaming in their dark, warm depths.

He tugged on Iruka's pants, making the man gasp and squeeze his eyes shut tighter, a pained frown creasing his forehead and twisting that gorgeous scar on his nose. Kakashi wanted to kiss that dark line, trace it with his tongue, lick Iruka's nose and suck his tongue out of his mouth to keep it in his own for ever. But Iruka's tongue was too far away. What was close was warm and throbbing right in front of his face. Kakashi buried his nose in the unzipped fly, nuzzling the hardening bulge, caressing it with his mouth through the white fabric of Iruka's shorts.

"Kakashi…!"

He squeezed Iruka's buttocks in his hands. It was fascinating how perfectly they fit to his palms, how good they felt under his fingers. The smell of Iruka's arousal was intoxicating and addicting, making him want more. He pulled Iruka's manhood out through the fly in his shorts and instantly took it into his mouth, as deep as it would go. It was hardening rapidly on his tongue, reaching the back of his throat, but Kakashi didn't pull back. He spread his mouth further, relaxing his throat and thinking only about how good it would feel for his Dolphin. Iruka's legs gave up under him, and with a pained, frustrated cry the Major fell to his knees. Kakashi was on him, kissing him out of this world.

Stunned and overwhelmed Iruka drowned in pleasure, vaguely aware of his trousers disappearing, cold floor burning the heated skin of his bottom. He moaned when something slick started to work on his hole. It felt incredibly good. It was softer than fingers and strangely wet. Then the sucking started and Iruka realised what the thing was. He almost jumped out of his skin trying to move away from the attack of Kakashi's tongue.

"What are you doing, Kashi…?"

"Let me." Kakashi was sucking on his entrance, dipping his tongue in. His nose was rubbing over that spot under his balls teasing his prostate through the thin layer of muscles and skin. Iruka wanted him to touch it directly from the inside. As much as he enjoyed the caress, it wasn't enough.

"Please, Kashi… touch me."

Kakashi moved his head just an inch away and rubbed the same spot with his fingers, still not invading Iruka's gorgeous body. The Major looked amazing. He was still wearing his shirt and the tie – both completely undone, and his sepia coloured skin was shining with sweat.

And they were still on the doormat. They didn't even really make it into the apartment.

"Bed." Kakashi practically growled the word. He jumped to his feet and helped his partner up. As soon as Iruka was on his legs Kakashi's hands were on his bottom, fingers snaking under the hem of his shirt to get between his legs. He rubbed and tickled the cleft, finally breaching the puckered entrance just a bit further than the tongue did, but not enough to reach, where Iruka wanted it to be.

"Fuck…" The shorter man pushed Kakashi away gently and tried to pass him by to finally reach the damn bedroom. Kakashi's hand stayed where it was, making every step Iruka took feel like a sweet torture, setting his senses on fire. When they finally reached the bed he grabbed Kakashi's wrist to remove his hand but the general had none of it. He just pushed in deeper, making Iruka stumble onto the bed with a finger finally a bit further in.

The shorter man crawled deeper onto the bed, already spreading his legs in invitation, though he had a feeling that Kakashi was going to take his sweet time this evening.

He was not mistaken. A moment later that sinful tongue was back in him instead of the nimble digit and it was moistening him, preparing for the further invasion. Iruka's leaking cock was now rubbing against the sheets and his own stomach, enjoying the friction driving him closer and closer to the edge.

Kakashi's clouded gaze was fixed on the view in front. Iruka looked marvellous from this perspective. The skin on his buttocks was so perfectly smooth that it made his mouth water. Two round globes were meeting over the crevice in the centre while below Iruka's sack showed how tightly the skin was already stretched over them, and how hard Iruka must have been at the moment. He licked the thin pale line leading from the middle of the sack vertically to the pink little hole he was unrevealing by spreading the tawny globes apart. He licked and sucked it again wanting nothing less than devour Iruka whole. Before he realised what he was doing he sank his teeth in one delicious cheek, making his lover cry in pain and surprise.

Sharp teeth attacking his flesh distracted Iruka from his blissful pleasure enough to stop him from coming. Damn, he needed Kakashi inside him fast. He concentrated his trembling muscles and used all his effort to push himself up to all fours but Kakashi instantly pushed him back down, rolling up his shirt and kissing the small of Iruka's back. Iruka always prided himself to be patient, but it was before he had met Kakashi. He moaned knowing that it would get the older man's attention and just as the pale lips moved away from his skin for a moment Iruka rolled over and pulled Kakashi into a kiss. That was of course just another distraction. When Kakashi growled and thrust his tongue into the younger man's mouth, Iruka rolled them both, positioning himself on top of the other man. Now, having the upper hand by straddling Kakashi's torso he didn't wait any longer and quickly impaled himself on the man beneath him.

"Shit…" It hurt. The tongue caress was nice but fingers would stretch him better. Still it was nothing like the pain from his first time few days ago. By now he was mostly used to having Kakashi in him and even the noticeable lack of lubrication wasn't something he couldn't work with.

"Of fuck… Iruka…" Kakashi looked down to his abdomen and stared at his own cock disappearing between Iruka's legs. How did it come to this? He wanted to take his time and enjoy Iruka every way possible, slowly, intimately… Meanwhile he was still fully dressed, with just his dick out, while Iruka dressed in his shirt, was already riding him to the moon and back. The man looked glorious with his hair loose and erection proudly bouncing between their bellies. Well… at least they moved from the doormat…

"Good morning Shika!"

"Not so loud, Iruka, please."

"Damn, what did Genma do to you last night?"

"We went to my place and we… I think we drank everything there was to drink. And possibly some things that were not meant to be consumed…"

Shikamaru was sitting at a couch in Iruka's office and held his head carefully in his hands.

"Damn…"

"Yeah, I know. I guess I must've been more stressed than I thought. I can't believe I drank pure spirits. I think my tongue is burned beyond repair."

Iruka chuckled. "Poor kid. Don't you know that to drink that you need to pour it directly to your throat?"

"I did, but Genma said only pussies do that and for some reason I believed him."

"And how is he?"

"I stumbled on his unconscious carcass on my way to the bathroom in the morning and it threw up. I guess it doesn't prove he's alive but…"

Iruka tried to hide his amusement. "You know, it may seem hard to believe but some curd would be good for your stomach right now."

Right after hearing the word 'curd' Shika dropped to his knees and grabbed Iruka's trash can to empty his stomach, but after few minutes of heaving he groaned and spit some yellow phlegm.

"I think I just threw up my stomach."

Iruka snorted to his coffee. Yes, he could still remember his first hangover. It's never pretty.

"I'm going out for lunch. Do you think you would be able to swallow something?"

"Since I don't have a stomach anymore… I doubt that." Shikamaru's head was still hidden in the trash can but his voice sounded comfortable and sleepy.

Iruka decided that leaving early to his 'lunch' break would be a splendid idea.

The time was standing still! Kakashi watched the clock like a hawk. The second hand was moving but the minutes seemed to freeze. Every time he checked it was still not yet time to go. He ignored the knocking on his door. He was in no mood for guests even if it was Asuma.

The door clicked open.

"What the fuck…" Kakashi turned to the door and met a pair of amused brown eyes.

"You're early!" He was already hugging the brown haired man in his arms. "Let's go to my place."

After a passionate kiss they moved quickly down the stairs and into Kakashi's car. The drive to the general's apartment was quick and quiet. The walk up the stairs was even shorter since they both were practically running. Iruka snatched Kakashi's keys and was moving ahead to unlock the door. The taller man grabbed him around his waist and pushed him aside freezing in front of his door.

"Good morning, Kakashi."

Gertrude was partially hidden in the shadows but she stepped forward into the light to greet the silver haired officer.

"What are you doing here?" The general's tone was cold and threatening, but he let go of Iruka instantly. The woman stepped closer.

She tried to flirt with Kakashi before, but it was fruitless. She tried to seduce him but with no effect. She even tried to pretend to be a good wife material but it was all for nothing. The only thing she was good at was her work and she decided that it would be the best to use her assets. She dug deeper and deeper, going through every document, every letter and every phone call Iruka ever made. Then she checked his office and even when she still found nothing she decided to break into Iruka's apartment. It was easier than she thought since the man rarely spend his nights there. And it was a bull's eye. Someone slipped a note under Iruka's door.

It was more than she ever hoped to achieve. She took the note to the decipher squad and let them work on it for few hours. There was a hidden message giving the coordinates of the Wolf's Lair and the exact time. At first she wanted to go straight to Fromm and report treason as well as the assassination attempt but then she remembered why she was even there. Her goal was Kakashi. She would let him take credit for her discovery and then she would have a chance to see Umino's face when she tells Kakashi. All she had to do was wait. Yes, she was aware that for some reason Kakashi liked that man but in the face of bare facts and evidence she was sure that Hatake would strangle the pony tailed man with his own bare hands.

She called the HQ and confirmed that General Hatake had plans for lunch with Major Umino. In the last few days Umino and Hatake always ended up in Kakashi's place for lunch, so she assumed that waiting for them in there was reasonable.

"Aren't you going to invite me in, Kakashi?"

"I'm busy. Go away."

"Are you sure, Kakashi? I think you may want to know what I have to tell you about your friend."

"What friend?"

"This little sleazy snake." She took out a gun and pointed it at Iruka.

Kakashi took a moment to think. Then he slowly took the key from Iruka's hand and opened the door.

"Come in."

Both Iruka and Gertrude obliged.

Gertrude produced a piece of paper from her pocket.

"This, my dear general, is a note I have found this morning in this pig's apartment. It's from Staufenberg. This traitorous trash has been lying to you! He is using you to his plans, making you do things you would have never done! He makes you spend thousands of franks on saving people not worth more than a few bars of soap."

Iruka's eyes quickly flashed over the note in her hands. It was authentic. He was finished. He didn't even apologise to Shika. He didn't manage to organize their escape route. He failed. He had been discovered and now Kakashi knew about his lies. He felt tears gathering in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. Disappointing Kakashi like that was a burden hard to bear.

He could feel Kakashi's eye move from the woman to him. Iruka felt small, guilty and helpless, but he straightened his back and raised his head.

Kakashi opened a drawer of a small stand in the hall. He pulled out a pistol and a silencer. Slowly he fixed both parts together, also making sure the gun was loaded.

"Is that true, Ruka?"

The irritating pet name made Iruka's heart beat faster. It sounded personal and… friendly. Made him regret losing Kakashi even more. It made his heart rip in two, made him ache. It made him want to cry and scream. It made him hate himself for lying and betraying. But his personal life was not a priority. He was saving people's lives and he refused to regret that. He was just a pawn. He needed to do his part for the greater good because what was happening there… it just had to end.

"The part about me being an agent and saving people's lives, yes. But to insinuate that I needed your help or support to do my job was insulting."

"Still feisty, huh?" Kakashi didn't fought the smile.

"You know me, Kakashi…"

"Do I, really?" Iruka swallowed meeting his lover's eye. He wasn't lying and he wasn't ashamed of what he did. He wasn't afraid to die for what he believed in. His only regret would die in his aching heart when it stops beating. Presumably very soon considering that distinct click of unlocking the safety switch of a gun in Kakashi's hand.

"What do you think, Kakashi? Because I think that if anyone does, it's you."

There were things Iruka wanted to say. He wanted to apologise. He wanted to confess how much Kakashi meant to him. He wanted to tell him how amazing he was, not only as a soldier, but as a person.

Gertrude snorted. "As if! He tries to lie his way out of it! I knew he was a traitor!"

"Ms Klauser, there is no way for me to come out of this alive no matter what I say, so if I may have a last word?"

"We don't want to hear your nonsense! You pig!"

"I want to hear it." Kakashi was calmly watching Iruka, seemingly not bothered by the situation in the slightest. It hurt. As stupid and naïve as it may seem, Iruka somehow hoped Kakashi would be at least angry if not sad. His obvious indifference to losing Iruka was killing the brunet.

"I just want to say that you should think of yourself more when I'm gone, Kakashi. Spend more time with your friends because you enjoy it, and they do too. I hope my… deeds… won't make you even more aloof. I never lied to you. I didn't tell you everything but I also never lied. So I'm sorry if it… hurt you in some way, but I did what I believed was right and I will pay the price with my head held high because the future where different people are not allowed to exist is not one worth living through. Not for me. I just hope it will suit you better than me." And he really did. Their lives were screwed up. He was about to die and Kakashi was going to live in this nightmare where he would have to always pretend or hide.

"Don't worry, trash. I'll take care of him." The grin that split Gertrude's face was downright creepy.

"Gertrude, hand the note to Iruka."

She almost swooned hearing Hatake say her name. They worked like a team now.

"Yes. It's better if he holds it when you shoot him." Iruka took the note from Gertrude and put it into his pocket.

"Have you read it?"

Gertrude's eyes brightened. "Yes. I can't wait to tell you about it."

"Who else?"

"I asked the decipher squad for help, but don't worry. They don't know what it was. I just asked them to break the code. No one knows about it. You will take the full credit, honey!"

Kakashi smirked and raised his gun. "That's all I needed to know."

And he fired.

TBC.