Hello there, so, I know I just disappeared out of no-where. That's because I decided to no longer post in this site, but I wanted to tell everyone before I just vanished, so this is my good bye from this plataform. If you wish to continue reading this fic you can do so on AO3, it has 58 chapters there and still counting. I'm waiting :)


"Kakashi-Senpai," Kakashi flinched, he did not like the tone of Tenzou's voice. Mainly because he knew the man had been itching to ask him why he wasn't begging to go home yet. Normally, he'd go home as soon as possible, and he was not above sneaking out if necessary. But not today.

Today Kakashi was glued to his seat, looking at his papers obediently and signing everything his assistant put in front of him. He thought he was doing a damn good job too. But of course Tenzou would notice his ulterior reasons, as usual. Sometimes his ability to read his thoughts and mood was uncanny, and Kakashi was certain Tenzou was some sort of witch.

"Yes?" He answered only when it became obvious that his assistant and friend wasn't going to let it drop.

"You're stalling!" Kakashi tried his best to look confused. He could try to look offended too, but that would imply that he knew what Tenzou was talking about, and that certainly wouldn't do, "Don't you look at me like that. You're stalling, and you know it."

"I'm doing no such thing. Can't a man work?" Tenzou stared at him like he was a petulant child denying some mischief.

"Yes, and the same man can go home and face his crush like a grown up."

Kakashi was appalled, such a word should never (and he'd like to emphasize, never), be used to refer to his relationship with Iruka, with anyone for that matter. He was so shocked that wild horses couldn't drag words out of his mouth. He was truly, well, flabbergasted. He felt heat rising to his face and he would bet money that he had more color than he would in his entire life.

Finally, and it took him some effort, he defended himself, "H-he is not my, my-the thing you just said" He couldn't say the word.

"Your crush? Yes he is. Look at you, all red and stuttering just because you just realised I'm right," Tenzou had a smug smile in his face and Kakashi just wanted to wipe it off, "Kakashi, go, talk to him. Everything will be fine."

Tenzou had spoken with such certainty that it took Kakashi's mind from it's little meltdown, he bit his lips slightly, thanking the mask for hiding such a vulnerable display. He couldn't stand his friend's expectant eyes, so he looked pointedly at the papers in his hand and took a deep breath. Kakashi really didn't want to give in, but he also needed to get his fears out before they consumed him.

"How can you be so sure? He might not even be home anymore." He spoke in such a small voice that he was afraid he was going to need to repeat himself.

"I'm sorry Senpai, but you are so dense," that wasn't exactly the answer Kakashi was expecting, so the confusion on his face now was truly genuine, "It's going to be fine. Go home, talk to him," Tenzou took the papers away from his hands, leaving him to clasp at the air as he turned away to get out of the room, stopping at the door and staring him like he was going to say the most obvious thing in the world, "He has a crush on you too, so don't worry too much, ok?"

Kakashi just wished Tenzou would stop using that word already.

"I'm not stalling." Kakashi told himself for the twentieth time as he watered the plants in his office, at home. Yes, he had arrived some thirty minutes ago, and yes - he knew for sure that Iruka was still at the library, but the plants needed some water and they just couldn't wait.

The fact that he was being watched made no improvements on his mood. Since he arrived Kotetsu refused to let him be alone. Said, "Tenzou said someone should watch you, what are you up to?", like he was some kid that needed a babysitter. The only reason he hadn't voiced his protests yet was because Kotetsu was being a good, very quiet, companion. Was, being the operative word.

"You're going to drown them," Kotetsu said, and Kakashi definitely didn't pout.

"Shut up, you know nothing about plants," he argued, as he continued pouring water.

"Kakashi, please, just go to your room and brood like an angsty teenager already, but stop harassing the plants," Kotetsu added, ignoring his very logical argument.

"Don't know what you're talking about, the plants are fine."

"They'll learn to speak and scream blood murder if you don't stop soon," Kakashi rolled his eyes, going to the next plant, "that's it, I'm gonna call Gai."

"Don't" the man was obviously frustrated, Kakashi sighed and resigned himself, puting the watering pot away, "I did it, see? I stopped. You can go now, they are safe."

"Yeah," Kotetsu answered, suspicious, "sure," Kakashi smiled, giving him thumbs up. "I swear to God Kakashi, If I hear water I'll come back and physically restrain you."

"You can try," was Kakashi's very mature reply.

As Kotetsu finally got out, Kakashi was presented with a new companion. A much more agreeable one. The little corgi trotted into the room, pushing the semi-open door with his nose. Kakashi instantly crouched, offering his hand so the dog could smell him, and smiled brightly.

"There you are, how's my little pumpkin?" The little Corgi smelled his hand, wagging his tail all the while, and pushed his nose against it as a greeting. Kakashi instantly melted, sitting on the floor and allowing the dog to climb up his lap, "Where are your brothers?" He asked when Akino settled, petting him lightly.

The dog, naturally, didn't answer. But he made a soft noise as if he wanted to, then - out of nowhere, he jumped from Kakashi's lap and sprinted away from him, stopping just before he went out of the door, as if he wanted Kakashi to follow.

And, because he was a very attentive owner, not because he was stalling, Kakashi followed him.

He would soon discover it was a silly mistake, as the dog took him immediately to the library. Kakashi stopped right at the door, slightly ajar, at that angle he could see Iruka. And then he couldn't move.

The teacher had his hair up in a messy bun, with strands of wavy hair falling in his adorable face. He was so concentrated that he didn't notice Kakashi staring, so he enjoyed the opportunity and just watched as the other worked. Well, not exactly, Iruka was actually reading. He was idly biting his lips, sitting cross legged on the floor. He was quite covered in dirt and just as Kakashi made that observation, Iruka wincreled his nose and sneezed. Cute.

Somehow, Akino took it as his cue, entering the room and going straight to Iruka, like he was on a mission.

Why is it that everyone decided to get Kakashi to talk with Iruka today? Should he hide? Maybe he should hide somewhere.

Iruka couldn't stop the flow of sneezes that followed, it got him so distracted that it took him a while to notice the little dog looking up at him. The puppy had big brown eyes and was staring directly at him, his paws pressed on Iruka's thigh as he moved his head slightly to the side, curious, ears perked up. He apparently decided that Iruka had been rude by taking so long to acknowledge him, so he barked, demanding a reaction.

It wasn't a threatening or particularly loud bark. It was a soft little noise that got Iruka smiling in a second, lifting his hand very carefully to pet the soft fur behind his ears. For half a second he was afraid the dog wouldn't let him, but then the corgi pushed his head against Iruka's hand and wagged his tail.

"Oh god, you are so cute," at the compliment the dog jumped up his lap, seemingly satisfied with the proper greeting. He arranged himself until he felt comfortable enough, Iruka froze, not wanting to make abrupt movements and scare the animal, "Uh, I can't get up with you on my lap, you know?" The dog made no efforts to accommodate Iruka's complaints, closing his eyes and snoring softly instead.

Iruka smiled, petting the dog's back and setting the book aside. He deserved the rest. He'd been cleaning the library all day long and seriously, if the dust didn't kill him, his back would. He hadn't been watching his posture, picking up heavy books and moving them around as he cleaned.

He didn't advance much on the organization departman, choosing instead to get acquainted with some of the titles and the layout of the place as he cleaned it all. Getting acquainted was what he was doing the moment the dog arrived, it was a very interesting title he was reading, but his mind wasn't on it.

To be honest, one of the reasons he didn't feel ready to begin the most logistics inclined work was that the only thing he could think about all day was his conversation with Tenzou. He wanted to talk with Kakashi, badly, even though he didn't know exactly what he was going to say.

Kakashi was a handful, that was a fact that Iruka had known for a long time now, but even with his abnormal ability to be infuriating, he was promised a chance. And Iruka wasn't one to give up easily.

He remembered Naruto when he was younger, he was a very bright and very energetic child. With traumas and fears that made him act out in such a way that Iruka thought he was going to lose his mind before his thirties. But, admitting failure and giving up on the boy was never an option.

The more Naruto acted out, the more he understood him. And it didn't take long for Iruka to see their similarities and understand how to get through his son's walls.

It was absurd to think this, but - in a way, Kakashi was acting out. His actions were reflections of his experiences, Iruka had no doubts now that the man was really trying his best, and had good intentions. He was ready to really give them a chance, to understand Kakashi and learn how to deal with his shortcomings, teach him. Learn with him.

He wasn't going to give up on, well, their friendship.

Because, even if Iruka was ready to give it a shot and let some walls down, he wasn't going to go nowhere near that tiny little voice in his mind telling him that maybe it was something more than friendship.

Iruka was taken from his musings by a subtle movement, the dog - still laying on his lap, had lifted his head and was looking expectantly at the door, as if he was waiting for someone to arrive. When nothing happened the dog raised his small body a little, doing the less amount of effort he could, and barked softly.

Iruka smiled.

"You can come in now, Kakashi." The dog resumed his nap, obviously satisfied that making Kakashi come out of his hiding was no longer his task. Iruka could swear he heard the man whispering "Traitor" before he finally appeared, leaning against the door as if to appear relaxed.

"I see you met one of the eight," Iruka raised a brow in question and Kakashi smiled, "Would you like to meet the others?"

In the end, they didn't speak about their fight, or how their relationship would go from now on. Iruka was sitting in a lovely garden, the sun setting and the birds singing the last melodies for the day, eight dogs surrounded him. Their proud owner announced each one's name as they sat and waited patiently for their time to go up to Iruka and say hi.

Iruka made sure to give all of them equal attention and scratches were distributed evenly. He soon learned that Bull was convinced he was a lap dog, Akino wasn't doing anything to hide his outrage at being destitute from his new nap place. Kakashi picked up the smallest of the bunch, Pakkun, that didn't seem keen on being held, and sat by Iruka's side, he seemed very tense.

Didn't take much for Iruka to understand that introducing him to the dogs was Kakashi's way of postponing their conversation. In doing so, Kakashi had also shared another little slice of his life and Iruka's heart felt as full as his arms, holding Bull so the dog wouldn't release his full weight on his legs, already drained of all the blood.

"I was really mad earlier," Iruka spoke softly, pretending not to notice how Kakashi flinched, "But, I trust you. And I know you did it because you wanted to help. You panicked because you weren't prepared, and it was a new situation you didn't know how to deal with."

"I'm sorry," Kakashi's voice was so small that Iruka almost couldn't hear him, he looked wanting to tell the other that everything was ok now, but he didn't find the words. Kakashi was looking at him so lost, a dog cradled in his arms like it was some sort of defense, the sun caressed his skin and hair in such a way that he appeared to be outwordly. Iruka swallowed, looking back at Bull and tightening his grip a little bit, "It was stupid, and I shound't have."

Iruka snorted, startling the giant dog on his lap and making him get up. He wasn't going to lie, it was a relief to be able to move his legs.

"Yes, it was stupid," Kakashi couldn't hide the distressed look in his eyes, Iruka smiled at him, "But it was also sweet, in a way," he folded his legs, hugging his knes as Kakashi processed the information, the man looked astonished at his words, and then reliefed, "But do something like that again and I'll make you regret it."

"You aren't mad anymore?"

"No Kakashi, I had a lot of time to think, and I promised I'd give you a chance. I can't expect you to never make mistakes," he stood up, offering his hand to Kakashi, "the library really needs a good update anyway, I'd like to discuss that tomorrow if it is ok."

"Is totally okay." Kakashi whispered, staring at his hand.

"I'm going now Kakashi."

The other looked a bit confused, and then jumped to his feet, ignoring Iruka's hand, "Oh, right, it's late, Naruto must be hungry."

"Yeah," Iruka smiled sheepishly, rubbing his scar, he couldn't help but look away when he noticed how Kakashi's eyes fixated on his nose.

"Should I take you home?" Kakashi was really trying to look relaxed, putting his hands on his pockets and slouching.

"No, it's okay, I'll be just in time for the train."

"Or, you could let me take you home."

"Or I can just go now and take the train," Kakashi's mask moved, Iruka could swear he was pouting, "Really Kakashi, walking a little bit and taking the train isn't the end of the word."

Kakashi ignored the first droplets of rain that announced the soon to come storm. He couldn't understand how everything had gone so right. Is not only that Iruka wasn't mad at him anymore, but the man had clearly stated that he still had the promised chance. He could still be in Iruka's life and be his friend.

Sure, the word friend brought a sour taste to his mouth for some odd reason, and something was clutching at his heart. But everything was good again.

When the downpour began the dogs had already looked for shelter, barking and yaping at the lightnings and the thunder that followed, Kakashi ignored all of this, sitting happily in the same place he was when Iruka had smiled at him, the rain didn't feel so cold, he was still warm from Iruka's presence.

He looked up, allowing his mask to be soaked, knowing he was alone he pulled it down, taking a deep breath and almost drowning himself. That was his cue to get out of the rain. His dogs followed him inside, barking excitedly at their reckless owner. He didn't bother pulling his mask up when Gai approached with a towel.

"My friend, is the burning love in your heart so urgent that you did not notice it was raining?" Kakashi rolled his eyes in response, drying his head.

"No Gai, I noticed it, perhaps I wanted to put the fire out."

"Nonsense, I can see you're happy, it burns brighter even. Tell me, have you and Iruka resolved your quandary?"

"Yes Gai, we are fine."

"Izumo found him in his way to the train station, he took him home so he wouldn't catch the rain," Kakashi looked at Gai in shock, just now realizing that Iruka had gone home walking just before the rain started, "be not alarmed, Kakashi, he is well and safe."

"Thank you Gai, I hadn't noticed, I should have...so much for a friend, huh?"

"Kakashi, relax," Gai smiled at him, holding him by his shoulder as if to ground him, "It was a tortuous day for you and your mind is occupied with a lot, he'll understand. And I'm sure you offered to take him home, you're a gentleman, I know you."

"I did, but it was before the rain and he said it was okay to go walking, I should have paid attention to the weather."

"What you should do is stop overanalyzing everything and go take a damn bath, you look like a wet dog and you will catch a cold," Kotetsu entered the room and immediately began to hurdle the dogs, ushering them to their room, "and if I hear someone whining about not getting down for dinner and not being hungry I'll personally drag you to the table and make sure you finish."

Kakashi found himself rolling his eyes again, he was sure he'd hurt them someday, and he would have his friends to blame.

Iruka entered his apartment ready to see a very upset, very hungry, Naruto. He was already preparing the tears of guilt and despair. Instead he saw his son sleeping, face flat on the table, empty cup noodle by his side, books and papers scattered around. He smiled fondly, grabbing the empty cup and heading to the kitchen, he needed a shower. And then tea.

He had the water boiling and Naruto's stuff organized before the boy gave the first signs of awakening. Knowing his son, he would probably take a bit longer to be fully functional, so he went ahead and finished their beverages.

"I'm home," he said happily while serving two cups of tea, "You know, I could swear I bought you a bed."

"mmcome home," Naruto slurred, "Was waiting you."

"I know, I'm sorry," Iruka sat in front of Naruto, pushing one cup towards him, "Let's have tea and go to bed."

"How was it?" The blonde sipped his drink, eying his father as if to make sure he was in one piece, "That boss of yours didn't give you a hard time again, did he?"

"No," Iruka smiled innocently, he had already decided to tell Naruto the truth, but it was late and it could wait till morning, "It was actually quite nice. But we can talk about it tomorrow, okay? I have something I want to tell you."

"What? Something happened? Tell me now" Naruto sat up a bit streighther, rubbing his eyes.

"Mm," Iruka mumbled around his cup, "something good, don't worry, I'll explain everything tomorrow, is bed time," Naruto made a face, making clear that he wasn't satisfied with his evasive, "also, i remember very clearly that I said we had stir fry and rice in the fridge," Iruka smiled "and I'm sure I added that you shouldn't eat another cup noodle this week."

"I'll be going now," Naruto hurried up "Good night dad."

"Night." Iruka smiled at him, not bothering with a scold, if he could lie, sure the boy could eat unhealthy food for one more night.

As soon Naruto was gone he banged his head on the table. He hated lying, even if he planned to come clean in the next morning. Is not that he never lied before, but it was Naruto, his son. He couldn't keep him in the dark like that, and certainly it wasn't a good exemple.

His phone vibrated and with a quick glance at the screen he could tell it was a message from Genma. So he ignored it, cleaning his kitchen and pretending that he never saw the message.

Then there was a bang on the door, loud. He wondered how long he would be able to ignore Genma without him waking up Naruto. Another bang. Not long, he supposed.

"Naruto is sleeping," he said as he opened the door, "would you be kind enough to not demolish my door?"

"I would, if you answered your messages, as a normal human being." Genma crossed his arms and stared at him, accusingly, "something you want to tell me?"

Iruka blinked, "why would I want to tell you som-" shit, "what do you know?" Iruka stepped into the hall, closing the door behind him.

"I, as a supportive friend, went to the cafe today. You know, your job? To see if you needed a ride since Naruto said you were doing overtime, and it was raining," Iruka sighed, shame beginning to grow in his chest, "can you imagine my surprise when the manager said you no longer worked there?"

"Look, I'm sorry, I-"

"I didn't finish Umino," Genma snapped and Iruka looked at him dumbfounded, "then I came home, worried sick - might I add, just to find you, sir, getting out of a very expensive car," Iruka opened his mouth to explain, Genma really looked upset, "Why didn't you tell me?" Once again, he tried to explain, and once again Genma didn't let him, "I was there from the beginning you know? I was the one that gave you the idea," Iruka closed his mouth very quickly, "and i'm so mad, but so proud."

"What?" Was the only thing Iruka could ask.

"Shit, my best friend is a sugar baby. Hatake Kakashi's sugar baby," Iruka stared at him, no longer ashamed, but astound, nonetheless, "why wasn't I the first to know?"

"Cause I'm not." He retorted caustically..

"Enough with the lying. You come with me and tell me all about it."

Iruka rolled his eyes, allowing the crazy man to pull him into his apartment, being received by a very worried Raidou.

"Is it true?" Raidou asked, not looking convinced. At least one of his friends was normal, "I won't judge, if it is," Semi normal then.

"It is not. I'm working for him at his library and that's it," while Genma didn't look convinced, and made it perfectly clear, Raidou gave a sigh of relief.

"How come?" Raidou asked, taking Iruka's hand and pulling him gently to the couch.

"He found out what happened at the school, and decided that he wanted to help," Iruka said pursing his lips, wondering if it was necessary to finish the sentence, he braced himself, "so he destroyed his library."

"He did what now?" Genma, who was going to get something to drink, stopped and did a double take.

"He offered me the job without thinking, so he made a mess so he wouldn't take the offer back. He also wants me to be his secretary and help his assistant."

"That's…" Iruka looked at Raidou expectantly, he was afraid his friend was going to say Kakashi was crazy, because then he would have to agree, "a lot" Raidou summed it up, taking the glasses Genma was offering and giving one to Iruka.

"Did you see his bedroom already?" Genma demanded.

"Sushh Genma," Both the Iruka and the angel sent to the earth to protect Iruka from his evil friend said simultaneously.

"You were late,"Genma pointed out.

"Yes, I obviously had problems with what he did, so I waited for him to come home, we had a lot to talk about. "

"But you are never laid...I mean, late," Genma smiled in a feral way, "especially if it concerns dinner with Naruto. I imagine the conversation went well."

"Genma, I feel guilty already. Just, stop," and Genma did. Looking at him, very apologetic.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Raidou gave him a comforting smile.

"I wanted to know exactly what I walked into before I spoke with you guys, also," He pointed at Genma in lieu of saying anything else, "and I'm afraid of what Naruto will think."

"He'll think he have an awesome dad, that got the attention of a very peculiar rich guy, and now is working for him, at his library," Genma said, surprising everybody, "Because he believes in you, and everybody knows you wouldn't take advantage of the situation, or accept Kakashi's offer."

"Thank you Gem, really," Iruka smiled, Genma too was a handful, but Iruka wouldn't have it any other way.

"So," Raidou took a sip of his drink, eying Iruka, "Where's the body?"

"What? Who's body?" Iruka asked innocently.

"What, you didn't kill him after he pulled this stunt?"