Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car.
This chapter's inspiration was drawn from the cute picture by Ore-sama. It's Kakashi, Genma, Hayate, and Asuma just hanging out, chillin'.
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Chapter 14
"Ahhh!"
Asuma raised an eyebrow at his younger friend next to him who was stretching his hands to the sky, a content smile on his face. He scoffed as he lit his cigarette. Playing cards at Iruka's was the only extended period time of time he ever went without smoking, but the moment he walked out the door he pulled a cigarette from his top vest pocket.
He inhaled deeply and he and Genma walked along the empty streets of Konoha, back to their respective apartments.
"Sh. Did you hear that?"
Asuma strained his ears and finally he heard a breathy, low chuckle, followed by muffled coughing. He turned to Genma, questioning him, since he obviously had an idea of what, or rather who, was making the noise.
Without warning Genma leapt up to the rooftop and Asuma followed after him. Three roofs and a hairpin turn later Genma came to a stop, his arms crossed over his chest looking sternly at the figures sitting on the rooftop.
Asuma came to a stop and gaped, his cigarette falling from his lips.
"Kakashi? Hayate? What are--"
"What the hell are you two doing up here?"
Kakashi looked to Hayate for guidance on how to respond, but the younger ninja was looking off to the side, scowling, but with flushed cheeks.
Kakashi turned his attention back to Genma, taking a sip of his beer before answering.
"We're just enjoying the clear night."
"By drinking and smoking?"
Kakashi shrugged.
"Seemed like the right thing to do."
Kakashi could see Genma was getting angrier by the second and he hoped Hayate would speak up soon to avert what could possibly be a fight on Konoha's rooftops.
Genma tuned his attention to Hayate and although his face softened a bit, Kakashi could still sense how angry he was.
"I want an answer. Now."
Hayate sighed and turned to look up at Genma. He didn't look angry or embarrassed anymore, simply the cool, calm, and collected young man he was known to be.
"It's like he said we were just--"
"Damn it, Hayate! Don't bullshit me!"
"Genma…"
Asuma put a restraining hand on Genma's shoulder but it was shrugged off, Genma's gaze never straying from his target.
"I knew you would be mad so I didn't tell you."
"How long."
Hayate held Genma's gaze for several moments before speaking again.
"Almost a year now."
Genma's eyes went wide and his hands dropped from his chest to hang limply at his side. Kakashi had expected him to get angry and react violently, but instead he seemed defeated, hurt even.
"You….you stupid sonofabitch. You're…."
Genma gestured vaguely at Hayate but again his hand just fell to his side as if he didn't even have the energy for that.
"Sick. Yes, Genma, I'm sick. Have been ever since I can remember. And I'm sick and tired of people treating me like I'm some kind of fragile porcelain doll. I am a jonin of Konoha and master swordsman and anybody who doubts that can step up and try me out."
"But smoking…."
Hayate took a deep drag and exhaled as if provoking Genma and both Asuma and Kakashi exchanged wary looks.
"I happen to like smoking. Not much on beer. That's Kakashi's thing."
Hayate cocked his head in Kakashi's direction and that drew Genma's gaze to the silver-haired jonin.
"And you. What about Iruka? Does he know you meet secretly with Hayate on rooftops and drink the night away?"
"Actually, yes he does. I told him awhile back. So you can stop looking at me like I'm some morally devoid philanderer."
"Hmph."
Asuma stepped up so he was standing at Genma's shoulder. He placed his hand on a shoulder and was glad to see it wasn't rejected. He leaned in a little and spoke quietly, evenly.
"I think you need to speak with Hayate in private."
"I think he needs a beer."
Genma and Asuma looked to Kakashi who was holding out a beer can, dripping with condensation. Genma looked from Kakashi to the beer can to Hayate. He looked deep into the dark brown eyes and saw a strong man standing up to life by doing things his own way.
Genma reached out for the beer and opened it with a crack and hiss, drinking deeply. When he looked to Hayate again, the swordsman was smiling and his eyes were glittering and Genma felt his stomach flip over. Hayate was the only person who could affect him like that with just a smile. No physical contact was needed. Hayate was just that powerful in Genma's world.
He sat down on the other side of Hayate, shoulder to shoulder, his face very serious.
"I'm sorry you felt you couldn't tell me."
Hayate just scoffed at the mournful voice.
"But you know now and are still alive so I wouldn't worry about it."
Genma smiled and bowed his head, the jape easing his hurt a smidgeon.
"Hey, Kakashi."
"Hm?"
"Thanks, for…."
Kakashi knew what Genma was trying to say and he helped the man out. He understood how hard it was to express your feelings about someone you cared deeply for. Especially if there were others present.
"You're welcome."
The four men sat on the rooftop for a few more hours, drinking, smoking, talking, and staring at the stars. A few hours before sunrise the party broke up and everyone headed home.
"Hey. Mind if I walk with you?"
Hayate shrugged at Genma's offer, seeming apathetic about the question, but Genma saw the slightest of twitches at the corner of his mouth and felt his stomach flip again. The pair walked off together leaving Kakashi and Asuma to go their separate ways.
"Well, Kakashi, you just never cease to surprise me."
"Oh?"
"No offense, but being a great shinobi doesn't make you a great boyfriend. And I was worried about you and Iruka for awhile there, but you make him really happy and for that I thank you."
"Stop, Asuma. Between you and Genma I think I'm going to blush."
Asuma chuckled deeply and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah, well, don't get used to it. Especially when you join us for cards next time."
"Cards?"
"Yeah. I think you and Iruka have enjoyed your little bubble of happiness long enough. Time to join the real world and let everyone know, then talk to me about blushing."
Kakashi chuckled and nodded his head. He knew he would have to face the firing squad sooner or later. And things had gone a lot easier with Asuma and Genma than he thought. I think Hayate was my ace in the hole with Genma.
"I believe you're right. But may I ask you something?"
"Go for it."
"How accepting do you think everyone will be?"
Asuma had considered this dilemma before. He was worried for his dear friend and what a public relationship with Kakashi would mean. Iruka was beloved amongst ninja and civilians alike, but that didn't mean they would be accepting of him having a boyfriend. And then there's the added twist of it being Kakashi. He's a good guy, but not everyone knows that. Being respected and being liked are two different things.
"I'm going to take your silence as a warning of things to come."
"I won't lie to you, Kakashi. I don't think it's going to be easy. But I believe you and Iruka are strong enough to handle it."
Kakashi stopped and regarded the man standing next to him.
"Thank you."
The ninja just nodded and smirked around his cigarette.
"'Night, Kakashi."
"Goodnight, Asuma."
To be continued….