I do not own Naruto. Never will.

I thank my readers who somehow are brave enough to read this ... weird piece. I have no idea why I decided that Iruka can ...

Well, read on.

LIMITS

It bothered him how he felt the uneven and rough edges of chakra back at the Valley of the End - where he was sure it was Iruka who was practicing on the trapeze, though for what reason, he didn't know - whereas Iruka's chakra a few minutes ago was cool, smooth with the occasional dips and light ripples, like still water being disturbed. He was starting to think that he was guessing wrong, that it couldn't have been Iruka because no shinobi can suppress their chakra to levels where it would completely hard to distinguish them from a normal civilian, unless a sealing jutsu was used.

The only jutsu he knew that was capable of completely suppressing one's chakra flow to that of a normal civilian would be the ones used in prisons. He doubted Iruka could get a hold of something like that, not when he himself has been trying since he hit Chuunin at six.

It puzzled him yet mystified him at the same time.

Staring down at his cooling bowl of ramen, Kakashi shook his head. There was no point in wandering who the person was unless he went and had a look at him himself. If it was Iruka, he'd ask him directly.

Were you practicing on the trapeze a few nights ago? By the Valley of the End?

Kakashi rolled his eye at himself, quite sure that if voiced out loud, it would make him sound like some sort of nosy Jounin.

Which he technically was anyway.

Then he remembered that Iruka was going to take him out to lunch as a thank you. Another weary glance at his ramen and he decided that he must go find Iruka and suggest to him that it be dinner instead of lunch. Because he was curious about the Chuunin and wanted to know much about him. A thin person like him, even with training yet with that small frame, could not have carried that horribly heavy cupboard for more than a block or two with collapsing. Kakashi himself admitted that he can't carry something that heavy. It was like trying to carry three fully grown men at once.

But Iruka managed.

With those thin arms. Yet shapely and graceful, beautiful looking. But thin arms. Too thin for a shinobi. Too slender for someone who must have taken shinobi training.

Finishing the last of his ramen, Kakashi stood, paid for his meal and went about searching for Iruka.

XXX

Much to Kakashi's chagrin, he couldn't locate the man. Half way through his search, he was summoned by the Hokage's pigeon and an hour later he was on his way to the Earth country to deliver some top-secret documents to the Daimyo of the southern region. The trip to Earth was horrible, rocky and it was hot.

He had politely declined the Daimyo's offer for him to rest a few days in one of the many rooms of his palace since he didn't want to linger around the country more than he should. He accomplished the mission and every document was approved and intact, directly handed over to the Daimyo himself.

Time to go home.

Without even hesitating and only pausing in the city's many restaurants to grab a meal, he was on his way towards Fire once more. Of course, the mission wouldn't have been ranked B-class if things were to go smoothly without him being chased down. He managed to escape with the customary bruising from the fights and a cut or two here and there; nothing life threatening.

Days later, he was walking past the forest trees tiredly, dragging his feet. He could hear the roar of the waterfalls nearby, knowing that he has, more or less, reached Valley of the End. A fifteen minute break was more than enough for him to travel via the trees again. Just as he passed by the waterfall in to the thicket once more, he caught sight of the same person with the frayed chakra signature, practicing on the trapeze.

Kakashi was mesmerized yet again, as the young man rose to the air, flipped and maintained a very steady pose before grabbing the other trapeze. He watched as he flipped around the beam, climb the thick ropes only to flip back down, slide around the hanging piece of metal beam, all the while swinging back and forth.

All the while not channeling or using a single drop of chakra.

All the whilewithout a safety line.

When the man swung to the other side, Kakashi watched with horror, channeling whatever that was left of his chakra immediately , as the hand that was supposed to catch trapeze-beam missed. In a blink of an eye, the young man was hanging again, ankle hooked in between the adjacent angle the rope made with the beam. He was swinging dangerously back and forth, only his ankle holding him in place. Kakashi could see the dark hair pull free from the ponytail it was in. He could see the thin arms stretch and grab the beam, pulling the body weight up. He watched the swinging slow down to a gradual stop, as the man sat on the beam and hooked an arm around one of the ropes.

No, it can't be Iruka. His chakra signature is definitely not Iruka's. It must be someone else. His chakra is too messed up to have even gone through any form of shinobi training. No way.

Without even glancing back, Kakashi left. Sometimes, he trusted his senses more than he trusted his own eyesight.

That is not Iruka. I'm sure...

XXX

It was another few days later did Kakashi - with free time to kill again - finally managed to locate Iruka in the Academy playground. The kids were long sent home and the afternoon sun was just about so set. Iruka was sitting on the swing where Naruto used to frequent back when he was younger, a teacup in one hand, an arm draped around the rope of the swing.

Kakashi just had to stare.

He was also starting to doubt his own senses.

"Yo, Iruka-sensei." He greeted, offering a grin at the man, visible eye crinkling.

"Good afternoon Kakashi-sensei. How have you been?" Iruka asked.

Ridiculously polite, as always.

"So and so." Kakashi said, noting that Iruka's cup was long empty.

"I've been meaning to find you, but I keep missing you apparently. Every time I checked, you were out on a mission." Iruka spoke with a polite conversationalist's tone. It was always that tone for Kakashi.

It was really starting to annoy him just a little bit. "Really now."

"I was going to book a time with you. For lunch?" Iruka said, looking up at him. "If you still want it. My offer stands."

Kakashi shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down at Iruka. "I don't mind. Can we make that dinner? Tonight?"

"As long as you're free. Any preference?" Iruka asked, unblinking as he stared right back up at Kakashi.

"Do dolphins like sea food?"

"This dolphin doesn't mind." Iruka replied back just as coolly. "It is your choice."

Kakashi chuckled. "I wouldn't really want to eat sea food when a sea creature is being very kind to me."

Iruka looked utterly amused. "Then perhaps something different?"

Kakashi grinned under his mask and knelt down so he was within eye level. "How about barbeque then? I don't mind a little meat."

Iruka raised an eyebrow. "Neither do I."

"Barbeque at say, eight?" Kakashi raised his visible brow, completely calm in speaking.

"Eight then." Iruka nodded.

"Great. I'll be waiting." Kakashi stood up and placed his hands in his pockets once more. "You like swings, Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka was not expecting the question but shrugged a bit, lightly swinging back and forth. "It's nice to pass the time."

"How high can you swing?"

"As high as the swing can take me."

Kakashi raised his visible brow again. "Afraid?"

Iruka looked up at him. "No."

Kakashi noted that the Academy was completely devoid of any children save for the occasional staff or two passing by the glass windows of the building. "So how do you kill time? No kids around. Surely not just by swinging?"

"I train. Sometimes."

"Yeah? What do you train?"

Iruka sucked in a breath and stared at the leaves of the tree the swing was mounted on. "The usual. Weights, weaponry. That kind of stuff."

Kakashi had hoped Iruka would be more helpful in giving out details, but it seems the exact opposite. "Oh? Want to join me sometime? To train I mean."

Iruka stood up from the swing and stretched. "Maybe. Thank you for offering."

"I mean it."

"Of course. I meant my gratitude too." Iruka turned to look at him. The amusement in his eyes was very visible. "You're bored, aren't you Kakashi-sensei."

"Who knows." Kakashi shrugged, meeting the amused gaze with just as much amusement. "Sea creatures amuse me."

Iruka smiled a bit, dipping his head. "I am glad to have amused you then."

Kakashi smiled a bit. "Got something to do?"

"A bit."

"Need help?"

"That bored?"

Kakashi chuckled. "Maybe."

"No. Thank you. I think I can manage just fine. I will see you at eight though." Iruka smiled again, offering him a light wave of his hand before he started to walk away towards the Academy building, teacup in hand.

"My eight or yours?"

Iruka turned a bit. "Mine. If you're late, I'll head home myself."

"You make me sound bad, Iruka-sensei." Kakashi said, feigning a hurt tone.

"Prove you're not then. Meet me here at the playground at eight." Iruka chuckled as Kakashi watched his retreating back through the building entrance.

XXX

Kakashi, despite the image he put up, didn't really have it in him to show up two hours late. Instead, at eight-twenty, he waltzed in to the Academy playground, finding Iruka exiting the building himself, a bit tired looking; clothes slightly rumpled and hair tie just a bit loose.

"Yo!" Kakashi greeted, lifting a hand to waggle his fingers.

"Good evening, Kakashi-sensei." Iruka greeted, dipping his head in a polite bow.

Kakashi waited for him to comment on his late arrival but was disappointed when he got none. "So, ready?" He asked.

"All set. I know this lovely place." Iruka said and motioned at the Academy gates.

"Lead the way then."

It was a rather quiet walk, with a parent or two walking up to Iruka and greeting him. Kakashi was walking right beside him, for once his nose not in his book and paying attention to the attention given to Iruka by the parents who greeted him. He found it a bit annoying that Iruka, although still polite, was relaxed around these strangers. He found it annoying that Iruka was too polite around him while he joked and laughed with parents. Even with the store attendants who waved at him and asked him how he was doing was more relaxed than he'd ever be with Kakashi.

A few blocks later, when no one was bombarding Iruka with greetings, Kakashi spoke with just a little hint of sarcasm. "Very popular, sensei."

"It's the children. Their parents come to me often in concern for how they're doing." Iruka replied coolly, unperturbed by Kakashi's tone.

"Eight blocks and a half and still being greeted? You're too modest for your own good."

"Does it offend you?" Iruka asked, face turning to Kakashi. "If it makes you uncomfortable, we can take the roof."

"Whatever made you think that?" Kakashi blinked.

"I do not wish to be a horrible host, Kakashi-sensei. You are my responsibility tonight." Iruka looked on ahead. "I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable, sensei."

There it is again. That too-polite tone.

"Oh no. I wouldn't want to make things difficult for you, Iruka-sensei."

"Now why would you think that, Kakashi-sensei?" Iruka waved at another shopkeeper who shouted a greeting at him.

Kakashi glared at the shopkeeper without knowing why he did it. "Because I wouldn't want Iruka-sensei to be uncomfortable."

Iruka shook his head a bit, chuckling. "You shouldn't worry about such little things. I did insist on taking you out for a meal."

That would mean, 'Shut up you ungrateful bastard. Can't you see I'm already wasting time with you?' in Iruka-polite-speech ne?

"Ah but that is the thing. I do want your comfort around me, Iruka-sensei." Kakashi insisted.

"Let it be an equivalent trade then." Iruka replied.

An ever so polite, 'Didn't I tell you to shut the fuck up?' eh? This guy really doesn't like me.

Kakashi watched as Iruka laughed when a small boy from around the corner came towards him to greet him. Little Kumo-kun was in one of Iruka's classes and apparently adored Iruka as much as Naruto adored ramen. Kakashi looked at the boy, raising a brow at the babbling child who merely gave him an awkward glance before babbling again. It was a minute later did Kumo-kun wave and left them to continue on their way.

They finally stopped after two more blocks in front of a cozy looking barbeque house with a signboard outside stating who was performing in their small indoor stage.

"Looks like fun. You come here often?" Kakashi noted that it was mostly civilians who frequented the place; there was an occasional shinobi or two.

Iruka nodded. "But not any time recently. Mostly back when I was a teenager. I reserved earlier, so you can have a bit of a quiet corner as opposed to dining near the stage."

Kakashi blinked. "You did?"

Iruka pushed the entrance open. "You didn't seem like the type to enjoy eating in a crowded place. Besides, you have your mask to handle."

Kakashi followed him inside, rather surprised at the place's setting. The tables were situated around a dance floor, with the stage right in front. Most of the diners were in groups of either threes or fours, with an occasional large group here and there. He watched quietly as Iruka spoke to the waiter who led them to their table, leaving them with a menu and encouraged them to dance later on.

It was a rounded area, with artificial brick walls and red ceilings. There were dancing lights in the circular ceiling, and only one side with tinted windows. On the stage, performers played on their string instruments while a DJ mixed the output with the turntables. Kakashi was rather impressed by the choice and the menu had a variety of sizzling plates and barbeque to choose from.

"I must compliment you on your choice, Iruka-sensei. This place is very nice." Kakashi glanced back at the menu after studying the place.

"Thank you. I do hope you'll enjoy your time here. Whenever I do manage to come here, the crowds are usually great dancers." Iruka flipped to the drinks section of the menu.

"Hmm. Interesting." Kakashi mumbled, looking at the mix of drink.

Green Island? It says soda and mint. What the fuck is that?

"Found something you like?"

"Yeah. I think I'll have a Green Island and a number eight." Kakashi reread the contents of the number eight meal, reconsidered then decided that is what he wants. "What are you having?"

"Number six. And juice. As much I'm tempted to get beer, I have a class to teach tomorrow." Iruka closed the menu.

And lo and behold. He does have a bad boy side. Beer eh...

Kakashi just grinned under his mask. "Ho? Beer?"

"You should try their sake mix here. Three glasses and you're immediately drunk." Iruka motioned for the waiter.

"Taste good?"

"Like passion fruit. Really nice." Iruka answered before turning to the waiter and giving out their orders.

Kakashi watched with curiosity as Iruka spoke with a friendly manner to the young waiter, a manner that was never directed towards him. He was more casual, more open with a more honest expression on his face. Kakashi found himself not liking the waiter and glaring at him a bit.

When the waiter skipped away to the kitchen, picking up dirty dishes from the tables he passed by, Kakashi was still glaring. It was when Iruka leaned back against his chair and folded a leg under him did Kakashi turn his attention back to his host.

"How have you been these days?"

Great. What a stupid way to start small talk.

"I've been fine, thank you. And yourself?" Iruka replied coolly; automatically.

Kakashi frowned. "So and so."

"Good to hear."

That would be, 'I don't give a shit'.

"You always like this with people you don't like?" Kakashi asked, a bit tired of the too-polite charade Iruka was pulling.

The music changed and some of the diners started moving towards the dance floor. Iruka gave them a single glance before turning his full attention to Kakashi.

"What makes you ask?"

"What makes me different from everyone else you speak to? I'm curious."

Iruka just looked at him. "You are in a higher position, worthy of unbending respect and I believe you made that quite clear to everyone. You are worthy of such respect, Kakashi-sensei."

What you really want to say is that I merit your spit.

"It's getting boring."

"My apologies. How do you wish to be treated then?" Iruka asked, looking amused.

"You're getting a kick out of this, aren't you?" Kakashi didn't sound pleased.

"Considering how you're acting, yes, I am."

Kakashi saw the mirth in the Chuunin's eyes and shook his head. "I'd prefer if you were more casual with me. As opposed to being so -"

The loud cheer from the diners made both of them turn to look at what was going on. On the dance floor, a young man and woman were putting up quite a show with fast music. Kakashi had to raise his eyebrows, seeing as how those two were mere civilians and not shinobis, were able to move gracefully across the dance floor, the man spinning the woman and catching her as both danced a story of a young man chasing the woman for her affections. What surprised Kakashi more was Iruka was looking at them with recognition and that he was bobbing his head a bit to the beat.

The crowd clapped and whistled, Iruka himself clapping at the performance. Kakashi had an appreciating look on his face. "They're good."

"That they are." Iruka nodded in agreement just as the waiters came and set their food down in front them.

Kakashi had to admit that the food was excellent. The barbeque dish was tender and all around perfect for his taste. The Green Valley drink made him wince a bit. The glass was too tall to be a glass and resembled a vase instead. There was a puddle of green goop at the base of the glass, in which particles were rising in little bubbles towards the top of the clear soda. It looked menacing rather than inviting.

"It tastes better than it looks." Iruka said, keeping his eyes on his own plate that looked rather nice as well. His drink was just a normal glass of orange fruit juice with lots of ice.

"You tried it?"

"Yes, I did. Once. You'll like it."

Kakashi eyed the glass once more before taking a sip from the straw. The mind flavor and spirit of the soda made him feel just a bit bubbly. It wasn't that bad. It was actually rather unique in its own way.

"Not bad."

Iruka nodded and dipped some of barbequed chicken in to the sauce that came with his place. "Told you."

The meal passed by quietly, both engrossed in their own plate and hunger to actually bother saying anything since the food was just too good to ignore for boring chit chat. Kakashi was the first to finish - as always - and had to burp behind a hand in satisfaction. He looked like a cat that got a dishful of fresh cream. It was, by far, one of the best meals he's had.

While Iruka finished the last of his plate, Kakashi turned his attention to the dance floor. Nearly everyone was dancing, the dynamic pair earlier dominating most of the crowd's attention. Because he was so busy with protecting the village, he missed what it's like to be just a normal man enjoying life. Watching the people dance, he felt the slight spark of urge in him to be able to dance like that.

So free. But I can't dance to save my life...

"Do you want to dance, Kakashi-sensei?" Iruka asked, as he wiped his hands and mouth with the napkin provided.

Kakashi looked at him. "No. I don't dance. Do you want to?"

Iruka took a sip from his drink and was about to reply when two of the dancers from earlier passed by their table and skidded to a stop.

The woman looked ecstatic. "Umino?"

Who the hell is she?

Iruka looked up and smiled. "Never rusty as always. What brings you to Konoha?"

"You bastard!" The man said, laughing. "You were here all along and you didn't even say hi?" The man looked at Kakashi and lifted a hand in a defensive manner. "My, I hope we're not disturbing anything."

You won't be if you'd just drop dead.

"You guys like, on a date?" The woman asked.

Iruka shook his head in amusement. "Kakashi-sensei, these are my old acquaintances. Yui and Ace. Guys, this is a colleague of mine. Hatake Kakashi."

"Nice to meet you." Yui offered a hand shake.

Kakashi took the hand and shook it. "Like wise." He also took Ace's hand and shook it.

"So how come you guys ain't dancing?" Ace asked. "You should dance, Umino. Take Hatake and floor him."

Iruka glanced at Kakashi. "That's not really -"

"You dance?" Kakashi looked at him, dumbly.

"You mean you haven't seen him?" Ace laughed. "You poor sob."

Who you calling a sob you son of a -

"It's a rather professional matter than brought us here to dinner." Iruka said, still smiling at them.

"So it's not a date?" Yui blinked.

Iruka opened his mouth to reply but Kakashi cut him off. "It is."

"Then dates dance! Come on! Join us." Ace said, motioning for the dance floor.

Iruka looked hesitant. "Ace we really -"

"Why don't you go and join and them, Iruka-sensei?" Kakashi said, curious as to how Iruka will handle the situation.

"You don't mind if we steal him for a few minutes?" Yui asked.

"Not at all. Go on, sensei." Kakashi urged.

Before Iruka could even reply Ace was already unzipping Iruka's flak jacket and draping it over the chair.

Kakashi found himself not pleased by the action.

"Excuse me, Kakashi-sensei." Iruka said before he was dragged off to the dance floor by the eager pair.

The music had already begun by the time the pair stepped in. Iruka was sandwiched between Yui and Ace; his back to Ace's front and his front to Yui's. The dance started with Yui pulling Iruka close to her and away from Ace, who spun away while Iruka took Yui's hand and place his other on her hip. They twirled, face close to each other that Kakashi was sure they could feel each other's hot breath.

Ace joined the dance once more, pulling Iruka away as they both danced the same steps and twirled on their heels, dropping on their side to the floor before doing a wave-jump to get back on their feet. Iruka turned his back to Ace, who did a pull-like moving motion with his arms just as Yui joined the scene again, Iruka catching her lifting her up in the air, spun once and bent forward with Yui under him and in his arms.

Kakashi watched with a slightly open mouth as Iruka became a complete gentleman while dancing with Yui and a complete bad boy when Ace swept him away from Yui. He could play the role of a man so well, despite his soft and round feminine features yet pull off being the damsel when in a man's arms. His grace was fluid, movements effortless.

Kakashi started to get just a bit uncomfortable when Ace and Iruka started dancing extremely close to each other. That was when Iruka played the role of a confused man in love. Each dance step was a story, and the way Ace - who was taller in height and slightly bigger in built - handled Iruka while taking his hand and lifting him up in the air to finish the last dance step made Kakashi frown. Yui joined in last, after Iruka was put down to the ground, his arm moving back to hold Ace by his thigh while he lifted Yui's against his, other arm going around her to hold her close as a finishing pose.

Kakashi's frown deepened.

Must he touch him that way? If he was looking for balance to lift Iruka in to the air like that, must he hold him from the waist and inner thigh? The pervert. And that woman...

There was a loud cheer from everyone including the restaurant staff. The three bowed before making their way back towards Kakashi. Kakashi had to blink a few times before returning to his lazy posture.

"Thank you. That was really fun." Iruka said, a large grin on his face.

You looked like you enjoyed being the ham in a sandwich...

"Oh we haven't seen each other for a long time. Don't be silly. Although we should probably get going. The travel-cart to the next town leaves in about ten minutes." Ace said, glancing at his watch. "It's really great to meet you Hatake. A shame you couldn't join us."

"Oh watching is fine." Kakashi replied flatly.

Yui gave a bubbly laughter. "Well, great seeing both of you. Take care of yourself, Umino." She moved and wrapped her arms around Iruka's neck and gave him a firm goodbye-embrace.

Kakashi felt his brow twitch.

"You too, Yui. I hope we see each other soon." He released her when Yui stepped back and took in Ace's embrace who squeezed him close and held him.

Kakashi frowned.

"Just like the old days with Mrs. Umino. We'll both look forward to that." Ace said and released Iruka. He offered his hand to Kakashi. "We hope to see you too, Hatake."

Kakashi shook the hand. "Like wise."

Not.

They exchanged last goodbyes and the pair left the restaurant.

They were both quiet for a while. Kakashi took a long sip from his slightly warmer drink before he started talking. "Where did you learn to dance like that?"

"My mother taught me back then. She was very fond of the performing arts." Iruka said, waving at the waiter for a jug of cold water.

"She must have been very skilled to have passed down great techniques."

Iruka shook his head. "To tell you the truth, she only gave me the basics. I suppose I learned more after I started spending time with those two after the Kyuubi-war."

"I see."

"They travel around now. They teach dancing to those who are interested as their occupation."

"Oh. Right." Kakashi nodded. His mind replayed the way Iruka moved with Ace, how he allowed Ace complete domination over his body, to be treated with such gentleness and passion with their dance moves. He remembered how Iruka took care of Yui, how he held her with care like one would with porcelain.

Kakashi wanted to be Ace. He wanted to be Yui.

"Teach me then."

Iruka blinked at him, surprised. "Excuse me?"

"Teach me, to move like that. So that next time I haul something for you, and you treat me to food again, I can be your dancing partner." Kakashi looked determined.

"You could have copied the moves." Iruka said, still looking surprised.

"I was too mesmerized by how you moved."

Kakashi will never forget that moment, when Iruka looked away, embarrassed and blushing like a school girl caught doing improper acts.

I win this time…

TBC

Notes and acknowledgements:

Yui - Name taken from Fushigi Yuugi. I was watching Eikoden while typing this part out.

Ace - Name taken from One Piece. Earlier in the day, I was looking through his pictures/fanarts.

Green Valley - I'm not sure about the Valley part, but I was at this restaurant and looking through the drinks when I saw what my friend ordered. It's as the dsecription above says. Lots of mint syrup, lots of Sprite/7up all in one big assed glass. The goop floats in little bubbles. Not my type of drink, but not bad either. I personally prefer Cherry Coke.

As you all can see, Iruka is quite the dancer. This story is unfolding more and more on Iruka's mother and her background. There will be, believe it or not quite a few surprises later; I surprised myself even thinking it. Meh. But nevertheless, this particular dance was heavilly inspired by Step Up. To those who have seen it, I'm sure you'd recognize some of the dance steps described up there (in which the steps KILLED me). Another reference dance routines would be from Missy Elliot's Lose Control video.

And am I the only one who thinks that Kakashi sucks with his pickup lines and stupid innuendos? (laughs)