Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car.

A/N – The pictorial inspiration for this chapter came courtesy of PantieChee. The picture is entitled Flower Ninja. I literally took the scene in the picture and put it in the story. It was just too cute and so I had to pay tribute.

Warning – Reading this chapter may give you a case of the warm 'n' fuzzies. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Picture This

Chapter 8

It was a pleasant spring evening and Iruka was enjoying the warm breeze. He had his windows open and took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet fragrance of budding flowers.

"Delivery for Umino Iruka!"

He looked up from his book to his balcony where the shouted voice seemed to emanate. As he made his way to the open door, he heard the voice again, instantly recognizing it.

"Delivery for Umino Iruka!"

Iruka stepped out onto the balcony, but didn't see anything.

"Kakashi?"

A bouquet of flowers suddenly materialized from below the balcony. Ignoring the flowers, Iruka leaned over and looked down to see Kakashi hanging by his other hand from the balcony ledge, a smile on his face. Or so the curves in the fabric covering his mouth indicated.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm making a delivery."

"Stop clowning around and get up here."

Kakashi and the flowers disappeared only to rematerialize a few paces away from Iruka.

"Happy Birthday."

Iruka felt the flush on his cheeks as he reached out for the offered flowers.

"But….my birthday was….I mean….You didn't have to do this."

"You should always celebrate your life, Iruka, even if it's just once a year. And I missed yours while I was on a mission last week so here I am."

The corner of Iruka's mouth tugged up slightly and he bent his face towards the flowers, suddenly feeling very happy.

"Thank you, Kakashi."

"You're very welcome, Iruka."

The two stood on the balcony, silence reigning until Kakashi started to reach out for Iruka. Once his mission had been completed and he started to make his way back home, he'd come to the decision that he would take the risk and let Iruka know how he felt about him.

Kakashi's small movement broke Iruka's trance and he headed into his apartment, calling out as he retreated.

"What am I just standing here for? Here you bring me these beautiful flowers and I haven't even put them in water yet. Come on in, I'll just be a moment!"

Kakashi sighed and entered the apartment, following Iruka back to his kitchen where he found him filling a curved pitcher with water, the flowers already arranged in the container. He walked past Kakashi, back out into the living room and placed them on the table next to his reading chair.

"There. Perfect." He looked up to find Kakashi leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, head bowed. "Kakashi? Is something---"

"I want you to know that your friendship means a lot to me, Iruka."

Iruka stood there, confused, waiting for Kakashi to continue and explain his sudden statement.

"And….if there's anything you need or want…..or….I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't hesitate to come to me. For anything. Ok?"

Iruka nodded as he answered quietly, still unsure of where Kakashi's sudden mood change had come from.

"O-ok. Sure."

Kakashi raised his head and fixed his one visible eye on his friend. When it didn't seem like Iruka was going to say anything further, he pushed off the wall and headed for the balcony. Maybe he doesn't understand what I'm trying to say. Or maybe he does and is just being polite.

"Kakashi, wait."

Kakashi stopped but didn't turn around. Iruka took a step forward, not sure of what to say. He had called out to the juunin without thinking. He just knew, no he felt, that he didn't want Kakashi to leave just yet.

"Um…" Skilled eyes surveyed the man standing on the balcony and as he took in Kakashi's appearance, Iruka realized something. "Y-you look like you just got back to the village. I could….make you something to eat. That is, if you're hungry."

Kakashi turned and saw the sincerity in the big brown eyes and he felt a warmness spread through his body. Although I can tell he's uncertain about something. Me? Him? Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck and smiled.

"That sounds lovely, thank you. But I should probably wash up first."

"Oh, yes of course. Why don't you come back here when you're done and hopefully dinner will be ready?"

"I won't be long."

Iruka waited until the last little tendril of smoke dissipated before he sprang into action, searching his kitchen for ingredients to make a presentable dinner for Kakashi. As he pulled out pans and vegetables and began cooking, Iruka wondered why he was so happy and nervous to be cooking dinner for Kakashi.

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Kakashi felt energized. When he'd gotten back to Konoha he was tired and dirty and just wanted to get home, but he was determined to deliver Iruka's flowers first. And it had been totally worth it. He not only liked the flowers but invited me to dinner.

As he washed the filth of his most recent mission away he was careful of the newly acquired bruise on his ribs thanks to a certain overzealous Uchiha. Damn that boy. He needs to relax.

Kakashi rigorously scrubbed his face when a thought suddenly occurred to him. I'm going to eat dinner with Iruka. I'll have to…. He practically flew out of the shower and into his bedroom where he stared intently at his reflection in the mirror: mismatched eyes, long scar, and wild silver hair. He didn't have a single doubt in his mind about showing his face to Iruka. His worry was centered on Iruka himself. I wonder how he'll react. If he'll be….disappointed.

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Iruka stuck his head out of the kitchen. Did I just hear someone knock at the door? A few seconds later, he heard the gentle knock and raced for the door, hoping to not burn dinner. Who could be knocking on my door at this hour? When he flung the door open, ready to politely blowoff anyone, including Naruto, his mouth hung open, soundless, at the sight that greeted him.

If it weren't for the telltale silver hair and the Sharingan eye, he would question the identity of his guest. Kakashi stood before him dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt with his entire face visible. Even the normally wild hair was actually tamed and somewhat styled. I had no idea…..

Kakashi resisted the urge to shuffle his feet but couldn't stop his cheeks from acquiring a rosy tint under Iruka's scrutiny and he averted his eyes, looking for anything to distract him.

"Iruka?"

"Oh…sorry." Iruka hadn't realized he was staring at Kakashi's face and he smiled sheepishly before retreating into his apartment, gesturing for Kakashi to enter.

"I…I apologize. Please, come in. I wasn't expecting….I mean it makes sense….Oh no! The food!"

Iruka quickly ducked into the kitchen and Kakashi took a deep breath as he followed. That wasn't so bad. He leaned against the kitchen doorway and smiled as he observed the man in action. He had two pans cooking on the stove and apparently something in the oven which he kept a strict eye on. Wow. I get an honest-to-goodness meal. This will be quite a treat.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Um…yes actually. I feel bad asking a guest to help, but would you mind setting the table?"

Kakashi kept his frown from showing as he accepted the plates stacked with utensils and turned for the table. I'm a guest? Not a friend? By the time he was done doing as Iruka asked, the cook emerged with two steaming bowls, quickly followed by a large plate piled high with various slices of fish.

"Have a seat." Iruka smiled at the appreciative gaze in Kakashi's eyes as he took in the sight of their dinner. "What would you like to drink?"

"Iced water would be great, thanks." Kakashi sat down and continued to take in the wonderful smells of Iruka's cooking.

The chuunin returned with their drinks and the two settled in for a nice dinner.

"Itadakimasu……"

As Kakashi served himself, he noticed his dinner companion staring at him again. He didn't turn to face the chocolate eyes, his own nervousness threatening to break through. It's so much easier when I'm wearing my mask.

"What's so fascinating?"

"You. Oh! No, I mean…..your appearance."

Kakashi tried to keep his delight from showing, but when he looked up and saw Iruka's bowed head and flaming red cheeks, he couldn't suppress a light chuckle.

"It's ok, Iruka. Stop being so nervous and speak your mind."

Iruka looked up at the friendly smile and his cheeks became even more heated than they already were. But he heard the juunin's sincerity and saw that he was a bit nervous as well and it helped to make him feel more at ease. This has to be awkward for him too.

"Thank you, Kakashi. I am…honored."

"You should be. I don't eat just anyone's cooking."

Kakashi winked at Iruka and the two men couldn't help but chuckle. From there, dinner went smoothly with the pair falling into a comfortable give and take as they spoke of missions, students and things in general. As he ate, Iruka's eyes flashed to the flowers sitting on the table and then to the smiling man sitting across from him.

Kakashi just got back from a mission. He must be tired but instead of going to bed, he came here and gave me flowers. And now we're having dinner together. If it had been me----

"Kakashi…..did you file your mission report before coming here?"

Kakashi took a sip of his water before answering. He could hear the teacher in Iruka coming out. Great. Am I going to get a lecture now?

"The mission report is probably being delivered as we speak. I thought it would be a good learning experience for Sakura. Besides…..delivering your flowers and having dinner was much more important. Not to mention enjoyable."

Iruka's first instinct was to reprimand Kakashi's lack of responsibility in pawning off his job to his student, but he bit his tongue. In truth he was happy that Kakashi had come to see him.

"I'm….glad."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow in surprise and Iruka scoffed as he bowed his head and focused on his plate.

"Don't be so shocked. I'm not that rigid."

"Yes you are."

Iruka looked up, ready to defend himself, but all he could do in the face of the gentle smile and sparkling eyes was smile.

"Yes, I suppose I am. But for tonight…I'm glad."

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"Thank you for a lovely dinner, Iruka. It was delicious."

"You're quite welcome. And thank you for the flowers."

The two men just stood there in Iruka's living room, awkward in the silence. Iruka looked off to the side, Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, head lowered slightly. Finally Kakashi cleared his throat and headed for the balcony.

"Well….goodnight, Iruka."

Iruka stood there and offered a small smile and wave as he watched Kakashi disappear into the night. It felt nice to cook dinner for him. Iruka walked over to the flowers and his fingertips lightly caressed a pink bloom. It was then he noticed it. Buried within the bouquet was one red flower. It was small and overshadowed by the others, having a shorter stem than most. Iruka reached in and pulled it out, bringing it up to his nose. Its smell was subtle, but sweet.

"You're coming with me, little guy."

Iruka fell asleep with the red flower on his nightstand in its own small vase.

To be continued…