Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car.
The pictorial inspiration for the first part of this chapter comes from mangacat. It's called Kakashi in the Window.
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Chapter 9
Iruka was bent over his desk, grading papers. He'd been lax in keeping up with grading his students' papers and so he'd made a promise to himself that he wouldn't eat dinner until all the papers had been graded. Unfortunately he wasn't even halfway through when his stomach protested loudly.
"Ugh. It's going to be a long night."
After making it through a few more papers, Iruka heard a light tapping sound and he turned to his right to see Kakashi's face in the window directly next to his desk. He started, jumping out of his seat as Kakashi just smiled and waved.
"Kakashi?! What are you doing?!"
Iruka opened the window and Kakashi skillfully entered, not disturbing a single piece of paper on his desk.
"Hi there. Thought I'd stop by."
"Oh really? Just like that?"
"Sure. Why not?"
Kakashi kept his voice light and casual and his posture was relaxed, his hands in his pockets. But despite his appearance, Kakashi was studying everything around him. He was studying the room, trying to glean details about Iruka from its contents and he was studying Iruka himself. His true reason for appearing in Iruka's window was the result of overhearing Genma and Asuma speaking as he sat in the corner of a bar, nursing a beer. The two men were concerned because Iruka was tired a lot lately, apparently the result of the extra school work he was trying to juggle while another teacher was out on a mission.
So he'd abandoned his beer and headed straight for Iruka's apartment. And upon observing the teacher from afar before approaching his window, Kakashi could indeed see the fatigue in the dark circles under his eyes and the slumped posture as he sat at his desk.
"Kakashi, I don't believe you. But I'm too tired to argue with you right now."
Iruka slumped back down in his chair and propped his elbow in the arm of the chair and propped his head against his hand.
"Hmmm. You do look rather ragged."
"Gee, thanks."
"Is there something I can help you with?"
Kakashi's question had Iruka sitting up straight, looking at the man standing before him in wonder. Is he serious? Just like that? He shows up at my place, crawls through my window, and then offers to help me like some Good Samaritan fairy? Ok, not fairy. More like imp.
An image of Kakashi with wings and a crown of leaves invaded Iruka's mind and he couldn't help himself. He suddenly chuckled and looked away, turning back towards his desk and grabbing a large stack of papers.
"Actually, I could use your help. Follow me."
Kakashi did as he was told, all the while wondering what Iruka was thinking about that was so funny.
"I have a tremendous amount of papers to grade. Have a seat."
Iruka dropped the papers onto the kitchen table along with two red pens and then headed for the fridge, grabbing two beers. Kakashi sat down and pulled down his mask and lifted his headband, feeling completely comfortable around Iruka.
As Iruka sat down he did a double take at the man sitting next to him but said nothing as he shook his head. I wonder if I'll ever get used to seeing his face.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two hours, seven beers and several exasperated sighs later, the two ninja were done grading papers. Kakashi sat back with a groan and flexed his neck, trying to work out the kinks.
"I had no idea grading papers could take so much out of a person. The eye strain alone, trying to read their handwriting is grueling enough. But then you actually read what they wrote and wow."
Iruka chuckled and stood up, gathering the papers together.
"The mission reports you guys turn in are usually worse."
Iruka's laughter became louder when he saw the offended look on Kakashi's face.
"I'll be right back."
Iruka headed back to his office, filed the papers away for delivery the next day, and returned to find Kakashi exactly where he left him.
"I really appreciate your help, Kakashi. I can't imagine how long it would have taken me all by myself."
"I was happy to help."
"I wish I could offer you dinner but all I have is leftover pizza."
"Leftover pizza sounds good to me." Anything to stay with you a little longer.
"Oh, ok."
Iruka left to retrieve the pizza and some plates, unaware of the mismatched eyes following his every move, and lips curved in a content smile. I could get used to nights like this.
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Kakashi sat under the tree, enjoying the shade it offered and hiding behind his precious book, acting as if he had not a care in the world and wasn't paying his students a bit of attention. The truth of the matter was he wasn't even reading. If anyone paid attention long enough they'd notice he hadn't turned one page. His mind was otherwise occupied with a certain teacher and how to make him understand he wanted more than his friendship and worrying about whether said teacher would even consider him.
The sound of raised voices caught Kakashi's attention and he glanced up to see Naruto and Sasuke arguing with Sakura of course defending her beloved Sasuke. Actually it was Naruto who was arguing while Sasuke stood there, looking slightly annoyed.
They've got to learn to work these things out for themselves. I've got my own problems. How do I make Iruka see me as more than the guy who shows up on his balcony or window? How do I get him to take me seriously?
"Kakashi-sensei, aren't you going to do something about Naruto?!"
One blue eye looked up and regarded the angry girl with pink hair looming over him. She'll make some man very hen pecked someday. Kakashi let his gaze fall past Sakura to Naruto and Sasuke who were now rolling around on the ground punching and growling at each other. They look like healthy boys to me.
"Kakashi-sensei?! You're the teacher! Do something!"
A steel blue eye blinked a few times and then widened in comprehension.
That's it. I need to show him I'm not some lackadaisical pervert who shows up late and hangs out on peoples' balconies.
"KAKASHI SENSEI!"
Kakashi looked up at Sakura whose face was a deep crimson and her eyes glinted with promised pain. Kakashi stood up, slipping his book in his pocket and laid a firm hand on Sakura's shoulder.
"I'm trusting you as future ninja of this village to figure out how to work together and behave like adults. Now if you'll excuse me, I just realized I left the iron on."
And with that, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Sakura slack jawed and alone to deal with her fighting teammates.
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Since it was Saturday Kakashi wasn't sure where to find Iruka or how he was going to show him he was a responsible adult. He just knew that he had to do it while inspiration was still on his side. As it turned out, he was lucky enough to find him at home, reading.
Kakashi took a deep steadying breath and walked into the building, climbing the stairs to Iruka's apartment door.
KNOCK KNOCK
Iruka put his book down and headed for the door. I wonder who's here. Genma said he couldn't do anything today, so who--?
"K-Kakashi?"
"Hello."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm currently standing in the hallway speaking with you."
Iruka heard the teasing and saw the wry smile behind the mask and he just chuckled as he backed into his apartment, gesturing for Kakashi to enter. Kakashi wandered into the living room while Iruka went back to his chair.
"Have a seat. I wouldn't want you to speak to me while standing up."
Kakashi sat down on the nearby sofa and immediately shoved his headband up and pulled his mask down.
"That's very kind of you."
Iruka inclined his head in acknowledgement and waited for Kakashi to continue. I wonder why he's here this time. You just never know with him. This thought made Iruka smile. I like that about him. Usually.
Kakashi could see Iruka was waiting for him to offer an explanation or reason behind his visit and he suddenly found himself at a loss for words. I guess inspiration just isn't what it used to be. But he saw the small smile and it gave him courage.
"I thought I'd stop by and….and tell you that the children are doing well."
"That's good to hear. I worry that Naruto's pride would make things difficult."
"Yes, well, it does at times, but then again it's balanced by Sasuke's arrogance and brooding and Sakura's violent tendencies."
Iruka chuckled, remembering how Sasuke's face never changed during class and the numerous welts Sakura had helped to blossom forth on her classmates' heads.
Hearing Iruka's laughter relaxed Kakashi even further, leaving him with just a strong case of butterflies, instead of the nauseous feeling he'd walked in the apartment with.
"My other reason for stopping by is a bit Is there a problem with the children?"
Iruka's smile was gone and Kakashi wanted to get it back.
"No, no. This is a personal matter."
Iruka's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He's coming to me about a personal problem? He's willing to trust me that much? Iruka felt a sense of excitement and pride at realizing how Kakashi regarded him.
"I'll listen to anything you have to say, Kakashi."
Iruka had meant the words to sooth and encourage Kakashi, but it seemed to have the opposite effect as mismatched eyes just stared at him, unblinking.
"Kakashi?"
"Yes? Oh right, sorry."
Kakashi cleared his throat and looked down at the floor as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees.
"You see…I realize that I have a certain…..reputation…in the village. And that I…."
Kakashi ran his fingers through his hair and stood up, pacing the room, feeling the need to move. After all, it's not as easy to hit a moving target.
"Iruka, I….."
A frustrated growl and once again Kakashi ran his fingers through his hair. Iruka found he liked watching the nervous gesture. He has such long fingers and they're so graceful no matter what they do.
"I realize I'm not the easiest person to….I'm not perfect, Iruka."
"Kakashi, what are you trying to say? Aren't you the one always telling me to stop being nervous and just speak my mind?"
Kakashi let out a nervous chuckle as his own words were used against him. He hated that. He stopped and looked at Iruka, taking a deep breath.
"You're right, I should. It's just that this is….different. Important. And I don't want to screw it up."
He looked at the chuunin again and saw those warm, chocolate eyes gazing at him with such sincerity and patience he felt his whole body relax. You have such power over me, Iruka.
"I wanted to tell you how much I cherish your friendship, and……I wish to make it so much more."
Iruka felt his heart begin to pound within his chest and he was sure that the keen eyes of the man standing before him could see his clothes vibrating with the force of the thumping organ.
"Um….well…"
Iruka's mouth opened and closed enough times that he felt like a fish. Finally he exhaled sharply and walked over to the balcony and opened the door to get some fresh air. As he inhaled deeply an odd thought occurred to him.
"You didn't come in using the balcony."
Kakashi blinked a few times, his mind screeching as it shifted gears in the unexpected change in their conversation.
"Thought I'd try being conventional for a change."
Iruka turned to face Kakashi, his brows furrowed in confusion. Not just at why Kakashi used the front door, but why it seemed to matter to him. He watched, mesmerized as Kakashi approached him, coming to a stop within inches of the teacher.
Kakashi reached out and let his fingertips lightly trail over Iruka's burning cheeks, his eyes following the gesture. He leaned in closer and looked to Iruka for permission. The big eyes were at half-mast and so Kakashi closed the distance between them, pressing their lips together. His mind reeled with the feel and taste of Iruka's lips. They were warm and soft and tasted faintly of the tea he was so fond of.
Kakashi kept the kiss soft and brief and when he pulled back looking for some sort of response, he found Iruka's eyes closed. He let his forehead come to rest against Iruka's as his hands framed the tanned and flushed face.
"Iruka…..please say something."
Iruka wasn't sure he could say anything. Not just because his mind was a jumble of nonsense at the moment, but because his heart was pounding and his chest felt tight and breathing seemed to be a problem at the moment. He kissed me. Kakashi kissed me. Is this some sort of joke? A waking dream perhaps? No….there's no denying his presence. But I still don't understand…..
"W-why?"
Kakashi heard the hushed question and he wondered if Iruka had meant to speak the word aloud. Kakashi closed his eyes and kept his voice equally soft.
"Why what, Iruka?"
Iruka's eyes opened at Kakashi's question and he pulled back to look at the man still holding his face. Two pair of eyes met and Kakashi let his hands slide from Iruka's cheeks, bringing them up to run through his own hair and stopping at the end, grasping fistfuls of silvery-white hair in an attempt to hide his nervousness.
"Why…..me?"
Kakashi didn't need to think about his answer and he wasn't scared to tell Iruka how he felt. His only fear was being rejected.
"Because you're amazing, Iruka. You're kind, giving, unassuming, intelligent, funny and so many other things that make me feel…..light and happy."
"Oh."
Kakashi watched as Iruka stood there, seemingly lost in thought as he let his gaze fall to Kakashi's chest. What do I do? Kakashi wants to…date me? I don't think that's wise, but I don't want to just send him away. I like Kakashi. I'm always happy when I'm with him. But does that mean I want to date him?
Iruka looked up at the expectant face so close to his own. He has such a nice face. I know he doesn't think so, but it's the truth. And I don't want it to go away.
"Iruka? Are you ok?"
Kakashi let his hands fall from the back of his neck to his side, needing to do something while Iruka just stared at him, a small smile slowly transforming his face. That's a good sign.
"I…like you too, Kakashi. But I don't---"
"Do you like being with me, Iruka?"
Kakashi cut off Iruka's words with a question that positively reeked of his desperation. He didn't want to hear what was coming next. If Iruka rejected him, all was lost.
"Yes, I do."
Iruka's smile grew by a fraction and Kakashi once again had hope in his heart.
"Then all I'm asking of you, for the time being, is to spend more time with me."
"More? Like d-dating?"
Kakashi shrugged and tried to play things off casually.
"Not necessarily. But perhaps we could have dinner together, say…once a week?"
Iruka thought about what Kakashi was saying and even though it sounded a whole lot like dating, he found he couldn't say no. The truth of the matter was he enjoyed Kakashi's company. But maybe I should put a restriction on the kissing thing. That's not what friends do and I don't want to mislead him. I'm not ready for that, no matter how pleasant it was.
"Alright, Kakashi. I can agree to that. But no kissing."
Kakashi's heart soared and plummeted within a matter of seconds and he felt a little woozy. He blinked a few times, recovering his senses and offering a smile. Baby steps are better than no steps at all.
"Then it's settled."
To be continued….