Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this innocuous interlude. Oodles of respect for Masashi Kishimoto, the creative force behind Naruto. Please do have patience with me and with the ninja who keeps getting the wrong kind of attention.
NINE: HOKAGE'S ORDERS
After dinner that evening, Sukea slipped his arm around Iruka's waist during the walk back to their inn. Without much thought, Iruka leaned into him, lifting his face, expecting a hazy smile. But Sukea's gaze was sharp, his smile tight. "We have a tail," he murmured.
Iruka only needed a moment to process that. "Sasuke?"
"Hmm. You need to know that he's met Sukea."
That was a surprise. "How well does he know you?"
"Not well at all." Sukea murmured, "Nothing important."
So Sasuke hadn't made the connection between Sukea and Kakashi. Iruka shook his head. "How much do I need to know?"
"I interacted with Team Seven during their genin days, and I may have teased them a little." Sukea smiled crookedly. "It was hard to resist."
"He knows I'm on a mission."
"With a former Konoha jonin."
Iruka's heart sank. "If Itachi finds out … or worse, if word gets back to Kisame …."
"And now that you understand the particulars …!" Sukea stole a kiss and gestured toward a side street. "I see something that excites my journalistic fervor. Off that way. Catch up with you later!"
Weaving through the crowd, Sukea was soon lost to view.
Almost at once, Sasuke was at his side. "Iruka-sensei," he greeted.
"Sasuke," he returned softly. "Did you need me for some reason?"
"Who was that?"
"You know I can't tell you that."
"You seem close." Sasuke pivoted to face him. "Is he part of your mission?"
Iruka wearily said, "That's also none of your business."
With a peeved frown, he pointed out, "He could be a spy."
"You could be a spy."
Sasuke clicked his tongue. "If you can't tell the difference …."
"I can handle myself," Iruka protested.
But he wasn't listening. In fact, he looked to be making plans, and dread worked its way into Iruka's chest. The potential for disaster was manifold.
Sasuke couldn't find out Itachi was in Terranean.
Itachi couldn't find out that Sukea was a ninja.
Kisame couldn't find out that Itachi was a spy.
And there were so many other variations that could become the catalyst for disaster, but Sasuke fixated on something else entirely.
"I saw you."
Iruka sighed heavily. "I'm undercover. The last thing I need is attention."
"I saw you with him."
"Sasuke, I'm in a difficult enough position …."
"I saw how you looked at him."
Iruka missed a beat. "It's a mission. I'm undercover."
"Naa, Sensei." Sasuke's fingertips lightly touched Iruka's shoulder. "I'll make sure he's not going to be a problem."
"No." Iruka quailed before the set of Sasuke's jaw, the gleam of resolve in his black eyes. "Please, no. Don't meddle."
"I was bored anyhow." The touch became a tap, then a single pat. "You're in love with him, aren't you?"
"Is that what you think?"
With the barest smirk, Sasuke swore, "I'll make sure he's good enough."
And he was gone.
Iruka glanced up and down the busy street, unsure what to do next. He may have been lost in the crowd—beneath the notice of passersby—but he felt suddenly vulnerable. Retreating to one of the many buildings that lined the street, he put his back to sturdy brick … then eased into a quiet alley. As he'd hoped, Sukea was waiting.
"Well?" he inquired softly.
Shaking his head, Iruka whispered, "He's going to make trouble."
"So are we. Well, you. Hokage's orders." He eased closer and murmured, "She is very interested to know why Orochimaru is in Terranean. You get to ask Sasuke."
Iruka closed his eyes. "That would endanger everything I'm here to do."
"He approached you. Willingly." Sukea quietly added, "He might talk, since it's you."
"Don't make it sound like Sasuke trusts me. He's just bored. And for the record, you're the one he's stalking." Rolling his eyes, he muttered, "Albeit for my sake."
A slow smile spread across Sukea's face. "He's worried about you?"
"It's not funny."
Sukea eased closer. "That boy has some of the most convoluted reasoning I've ever encountered. Come on, give over. What excuse did he make to obscure the fact that he still cares about his sensei?"
Iruka sighed. "I told you. He's bored."
"Hmm?"
"And I must be convincing, because he's convinced …."
"About?"
For all Iruka knew, Sukea had overheard the entire exchange. There was no point in dragging this out any longer. "He wants to make sure you're good enough for me."
Sukea huffed a low laugh. "My cute students never fail to amaze. You didn't deny it, did you?"
"He dashed off before I could set him straight. Not that I can. You're supposed to be my lover."
"Appearances are so important." Sukea caressed his cheek and kissed his nose.
Iruka snorted, then sighed. "I'll have to explain to Ita–"
Sukea cut him off with a kiss.
At first, Iruka tensed. Had Sasuke circled back? What if Kisame had come looking for them? But all of Iruka's worries faded in importance. Because the person he needed to be right now wouldn't be distracted by anything but Sukea's insistent attentions. He gave in, as any real lover would.
"Very good." Sukea pressed another kiss to Iruka's lips. "You really can't tell?"
"Huh?"
"Kisame didn't notice either."
"Kisame was here?"
"No. I tested this out on him earlier. So I think we're good." Sukea stole another soft kiss.
Iruka's thoughts were slow to form. "You kissed Kisame?"
"No." Sukea chuckled. "Maa, Sensei. Don't be mad."
Most of his attention was centered on Sukea's lips. "Umm … what are you talking about?"
"I kept our old room. You remember the number?"
"Yes …?" Iruka said vaguely.
"I'll meet you there." And Sukea dispelled with a pop.
Iruka's jaw dropped. He'd just been kissed by a clone.
Worse, he'd kissed the clone back.
End Note: originally posted on February 16, 2022. 971 words.
