Usual disclaimer – I don't own Naruto, if I did…well It probably wouldn't be sold to people under 18 years of age XD… TT;;; I know….I know..-cough-

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After explaining his predicament to Asuma, and in avertedly to Ibiki, who arrived just in time to eavesdrop on their conversation, he had felt relieved, and a bit more at ease with himself. Having to keep the whole thing a secret was beginning to take a toll on his mental health. Or whatever little of it he had left.

He wasn't too sure about Ibiki knowing, but considering the many other people who could have eavesdropped on them, he was actually kind of glad it had been Ibiki. At least he knew his secret would be safe, even under pain of torture…or something like that.

Asuma had looked very shocked, and a bit lost, after he had mentioned the bit about Kurenai and the flowers. The expression on his face had been priceless, and down right hilarious. But laughing had been out of the question, he was in enough trouble already.

That of course had not stopped Ibiki from laughing heartily and patting Asuma on the back. While the other man continued to look mortified.

He watched silently as Asuma more or less tossed himself onto his sofa, and with not quite steady hands, lit up a cigarette. While muttering to himself about denying everything if Kurenai ever asked.

"She was actually happy when I told her they were from you." If he could convince Asuma that Kurenai liked the flowers all his problems would be solved, or at least the most pressing ones.

"She was blushing a lot too. I think she likes you." He smirked at that last bit. Everyone in the village, except Asuma, could tell Kurenai liked him. Of course the same could be said of Kurenai. It was very obvious to see that the chain smoking Jounin had a thing for her.

Asuma perked up immediately after hearing this, but he was still doubtful. "Do you really think she likes me?"

Kakashi's visible eye twitched almost unnoticeably. "How can you be so clueless? Of course she likes you. I mean just look at the way she acts around you"

Ibiki had decided to aid Kakashi by adding "She does seem to be interested in you. Why else would she even stand to be around someone as lazy as you?"

Asuma glared at Ibiki, taking another drag from his cigarette, while looking quite pleased with himself. "I'm not lazy, I'm mellow, and there is nothing wrong with that."

For the time being it seemed that Asuma would go along with the whole thing.

It would be nice for the two Jounins to finally get together. They deserved each other's company. A shinobi's life was far too bleak to be spent in solitude.

Kakashi turned to thank Ibiki for his help, only to find the other shinobi smiling at him. It was amazing how the man's smile could show both wisdom and warmth. Even after his face had been scarred by time, and more than likely, torture.

It made him want to trust him. It was a nice feeling, one he had not felt since the 3rd had died. Even so he could not place his trust on anyone so easily.

He continued to stare at the smiling Ibiki. Then not being able to take it any longer he asked "What?" while trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.

Ibiki smiled benevolently "You and Asuma are more alike than you realize."

Kakashi's shoulders slumped dramatically. Of course they were similar, it was part of what was required to be friends with somebody. Or at least that was what he had always thought. Ibiki was a master of mind games and confusion so Kakashi didn't really know what to think of his comment.

Before Kakashi could come up with a suitable response, Ibiki placed a heavy, rough looking hand on his shoulder, as if to comfort him, and merely shook his head while exhaling. The action made Kakashi very uncomfortable. It made him feel as if he had just missed something.

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Once home he was glad to be alone again. This was his sanctuary, only a handful of people knew where he lived, and those same people knew better than to disturb him.

He could think clearly in here. Analyze things he did not have time to outside.

Kakashi felt more tired that he had felt in what seemed like ages. Not physically but mentally and emotionally. Learning how to deal with people all over again was proving to be harder than he had first imagined. He just felt completely inadequate.

But if he wanted things to change, there had to be some sacrifices. Of course things were always easier said than done, and that saying usually when double for him. He had always been a firm believer of leaving things alone. When something worked well, why was there any reason to change it?

But his life really was not working well at all. He was a complete recluse, who would rather spend his days reading than socializing with the few friends he still had. He wanted emotional stability. He didn't want to mourn another friend's loss.

Kakashi rummaged though his pockets setting his weapons and scrolls aside, ready to change back to something comfortable. He found his book inside his weapons pouch, turning it over a couple of times he felt a little guilty pang inside. Had his fear of loosing loved ones gone this far into his life?

Now that he thought about it, it seemed like he had even chosen the type of books he read for a reason. They had predictable stories, and they always had a happy ending. Even his books were emotionally safe it seemed. Looking at his book now, made him a little uneasy. He felt like it weighed him down, and no longer felt like reading it…or even looking at it. It seemed silly but he wasn't about to ignore it.

Clearing his mind he shoved the book into the drawer of his dresser and shut it close. He'd once more try and put his worries to rest so he could at least try to sleep, he still had a job after all. Kakashi laid down on the bed and stretched his limbs before speaking to himself. "It's for the children." his face breaking into a grin before letting sleep overtake him.

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The next morning Kakashi awoke at the crack of dawn, and went through his morning routine on auto pilot not really wanting to deal with his issues before a day of hard work with his team, and he planned to concentrate on their training.

He made his way out of the apartment and decided he would walk to the team's meeting spot. He still had two hours to spare, it just wouldn't be right to show up on time. But he didn't have anything to do, other than wander the streets aimlessly…which was definitely not an appealing option.

He could always go to the mission room and spend his time there, maybe he'd be able to catch Asuma and make sure about the flower dilemma. That last thought seemed to be a good way to pass the time, and make sure his cover wouldn't be blown by Asuma backing out on him. But before he could set off on his newest self appointed mission a firm, yet polite voice stopped him.

"Kakashi-sensei"

Kakashi stood, frozen in place as Iruka walked past him and turned to face him.

"Good morning Kakashi-sensei" Iruka bowed slightly, setting Kakashi's brain into motion once more.

"Morning Iruka-sensei" He put on his best smile, which really wasn't necessary, due to the mask, and nodded towards the teacher. He could feel his heart speed up and his stomach flutter as he waited for Iruka to speak, but it seemed like the Chuunin was waiting for him to say something because he continued to stare at him, a blush rising to both their faces.

After a few seconds of awkward silence Iruka looked away smiling to himself "I have class soon…goodbye Kakashi-sensei" and with that the Chuunin was gone, leaving Kakashi feeling a pang of regret.

That had been the perfect opportunity to say something…He could have at least asked the man out for coffee under the pretext of talking about his former students. But he just froze. The fact that Genma was right about his inadequacy came back to haunt him, mocking him even more now that he had missed his chance.

He felt something burn deep inside him as he promised himself that he wouldn't let a chance like that go past him again. He would get Iruka to like him, no matter what it took. With that in mind he set off after the Chuunin determined to make the first move.

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Well I know is a sad excuse for an update but, its all I've got right now. I apologize to the people who are following this story. I've been very busy with college and life in general but hopefully I'll get another chapter out of the way this coming week. Anyway I'm loving this writing practice 3!