Warning: OOC, weirdness, sexual references and foul language. Now with added fluff. Any misspellings or wrong grammar is unintentional. I am my own beta. I could have missed some stuff.

I do not own Naruto.

ROOM-MATE

He became too quiet for anyone's comfort. The sudden change in attitude made his friends and classmates worry. It was a subconscious act; his mind was forced to gain such ability after having his psyche shatter in to so many fragile pieces more than once. Iruka did it without knowing and was confused whenever people asked him if he was all right. He immediately assumed it was because he was absent from his normally active schedule for a few days due to his fever and merely reassured them that he was fine, topping it all off with a smile that didn't really reach his eyes.

He didn't speak to Kakashi and kept himself confided either in the library or the Laundromat (during the evenings when it was usually empty). He did his reading and assignments when he was far away from everyone, returning to his room past midnight up until the weekend passed and his sessions started again. He didn't know why he was suddenly dreading seeing his shrink.

Ryuuken had a worried expression as he sat across from Iruka, a folder on his lap. "Are you comfortable, Iruka?"

Iruka was sitting as stiff as a board on the chezlong, not relaxing in the slightest. He was sitting so straight and rigid, hands on his lap, thumbs twirling around each other in a nervous habit. He couldn't relax and calm himself even when he tried, his chest constricting in to tight knots as he nodded in reply at Ryuuken's question.

"You've completely recovered from your fever?"

Iruka nodded again. "I'm okay."

Ryuuken gave him a look again before he smiled. "How was your weekend?"

Iruka thought of the dogs and his new piercing. He thought of Kotetsu and Izumo's colorful sex adventure and gave a little shrug. Everything else remained in the dark. "It was okay. I went out with friends after I was discharged. We had dinner and went to the tattoo and piercing parlor." He fidgeted a bit in his sit, biting down the voice screaming in his head to just get up and leave, that he didn't need help because he was fine. "I - uh - I got new piercing."

"Really?" Ryuuken smiled, nodding. "Did it hurt?"

"A bit. It's sorta' stings sometimes, the one on my nipple. But the belly-ring is okay." Iruka shrugged again, mentally hitting himself for shrugging too much. He forced his shoulders down and his fingers to remain still.

"That sounds quite painful. Why the sudden urge to get body piercing?"

Iruka tilted his head back and forth, trying to calm his rattled nerves and only ended up twitching some more. "Oh uh, this friend of mine he uhm - he wanted to tattoo his back. He also wanted his lover to get a piercing but his lover wouldn't agree. So I just got the piercing to help my friend convince his lover to uh - uhm get his belly pierced too."

"Oh I see. You must really care for them."

"They're my best friends." Iruka said with unshaking confidence.

"Sounds like it was a fun night. What else did you do?"

"I played with dogs. My room-mate brought in a stray. No pets are allowed in the dorms but he said he couldn't leave it in the rain. He took me over to his place that morning to see his other dogs. We played in the beach after breakfast." Iruka found himself leaving out important bits that he knew he should be telling Ryuuken. He knew that if he ever wanted to heal, he had to be completely honest with his doctor. "He's got lots of dogs. He even has one as big as a - a tiger. Or lion."

Ryuuken didn't seem to be pushing him but he did look surprised. "That big? Did it scare you?"

Iruka shook his head. "I didn't freak out. He's big and friendly. Sorta' like a - a big b-baby." Iruka's lips trembled as he remembered the dog Mizuki brought home one day. "But he's v-very friendly."

"Was he your favorite one out of all?"

"I liked all of them." Iruka answered quietly, tanned hands gripping each other tightly in an attempt to stop the thumb twirling.

"I see. So what did you play in the beach?"

Iruka thought of the orange Frisbee he never got tired in throwing around. He thought of how Miira and Koushi would bicker in their doggy way whenever they both reached the Frisbee at the same time. He recalled how Megane was too busy digging holes in the sand and trying to hide the Frisbee; he then proceeded to bite at Iruka's jeans (Kakashi's clothes actually) and drag him to the spot where he buried the Frisbee. Megane wanted them both to dig for it and soon all the dogs would be rolling in the sand, Iruka sandwiched in between all of them. He realized just how stupid they were to trust someone so easily. He realized how simple minded and loyal dogs can get once you feed them and give them enough belly and neck rubs.

"Frisbee." Iruka mumbled, frowning.

"Just the Frisbee?"

"Dogs are stupid." Iruka grumbled, moving to fold his arms over his abdomen because his fingers weren't listening to him when he willed them to stop fidgeting.

Ryuuken tilted his head to one side, arms relaxed against the armrest of his chair. "Why so?"

"They're ridiculously loyal." Iruka grumbled, remembering Goro and how he didn't even budge when Mizuki aimed the gun for his fuzzy head. "Wouldn't know when they might get hurt. Stupid dogs."

Whether Ryuuken was disturbed or uncomfortable by the statement, he didn't show it; he merely studied Iruka with a neutral face. "Why would anyone want to hurt someone who is loyal to them?"

"Many reasons." Iruka shrugged and winced to himself as he once again, put more effort in to keeping his shoulders down. "People get stupid when they're emotional."

The moment the words left his mouth, the words bounced back at him with a force he didn't expect. Iruka's face twisted slightly in to a mimicry of someone being tortured. He remembered the whine Goro made when he was shot and he took his last breath. He could suddenly smell the blood of the pet he and Mizuki nurtured and played with as it dripped down the kitchen counter (Goro was staring at the digital clock on the microwave again that evening). His clouded senses made him reel and clutch at the fabric of his baggy jeans in a death grip. He could feel the snack he had earlier churn in his stomach as he swallowed thickly in an effort to keep his food down.

"-uka?"

"Yes?" Iruka glanced up at Ryuuken's frowning face. "I'm sorry, doctor. What did you say?"

"I was asking if you had a pet before." Ryuuken answered, concerned frown masked away with a look of someone asking a simple and rather innocent question.

Iruka blinked. "N-Yeah."

"Dog?" Ryuuken watched as Iruka fidgeted uncomfortably and finally nodded several minutes later. "How big?"

Iruka remembered holding Goro up with one hand and how he grew up to be as big as three throw pillows put together. He measured the length with his hand, giving Ryuuken an approximate size and idea. "About this big."

Ryuuken acknowledged the hand gesture and nodded. "He must be friendly."

"He was." Iruka mumbled, hands fisting on his jeans again. "He was really nice. The kids loved him."

"What happened to him?" Ryuuken asked softly, waiting patiently as Iruka debated on how to answer the question. Ryuuken made a note of how Iruka started to cry (using a large amount of willpower to look like he wasn't) as the silence passed by.

"I lost him." Iruka mumbled, finally reaching up to wipe the annoying tears. "That stupid dog."

XXX

Iruka found himself slumped against his bed one week later after yet another session with Ryuuken. He felt no better than he did several days ago. He was finding it harder and harder to say things to Ryuuken that he was confident that he'd be able to relate easily when he decided to get help (it was when Ryuuken eventually expressed his concerns on the results of the imaging that Iruka started to really, really feel weird. They spent the entire week simply talking about Goro and nothing else). He hated his weakness and the disease of tainted memories getting the better of him. Shifting in his pillow and burying his head under it, Iruka bit his lower lip hard to stop the scream of frustration from escaping.

It was the first time in days did he stayed indoors; most of the time, he busied himself to the point of exhaustion (he read, did research, became an active free-help for the student council and dorm management and a lot of other menial tasks besides his studying - they always appreciated the help and never pressured him in to attending). He didn't see nor spoke to either Izumo or Kotetsu since his sessions resumed after his fever; they only exchanged the occasional cell phone text messages. He never saw Raidou either, even though the older man did send him the occasional messages, promising dinner sometime once he had free time in his hands.

The only person he did see everyday was Kakashi but it was always the back of his messy silver head. He only saw Kakashi when the man was asleep on his bed, face down. Even then, he made it a point to wake up extra early every morning before Kakashi roused.

Now, he just didn't want to leave the comforts of his bed. He wanted to remain under the covers all evening without a care in the world. He had homework, reading and a debate argument to do; he also promised the soccer fan club to help them in painting the new banners that evening. They were going to pull an all-nighter with pizza, sodas, ice cream and paint. The only thing he could do was blindly press the memorized keypads on his cell phone to send an apology to the fan club leader, saying something popped up and he couldn't make it.

The sound of keys jingling reverberated loudly in Iruka's ears, accompanied by the door creaking open and the strangely light footsteps. Iruka peeked from under the pillow and found Kakashi staring at him as the taller man set his backpack down. Iruka frowned and rolled his eyes from under the pillow, turning his head the other way and facing the wall instead. He could still feel the stare piercing his back and it was starting to really irritate the shit out of him. It took a lot of effort to just not throw his cell phone at Kakashi's nose just to stop him from staring.

When Iruka couldn't take it, he sat up and started putting his shoes on. He was in the middle of tying his shoes when Kakashi approached him and handed him a paper bag with Route-66's logo printed on it. Iruka looked up at him curiously, dropping the shoe laces and took the bag hesitantly. Kakashi made a head gesture towards the television on his side of the room, waving a DVD he was holding in the other hand.

It was a silent invitation and much to Iruka's chagrin, he found himself toeing his shoes off and joining Kakashi on the floor cushions. He leaned against the wall as Kakashi fiddled with DVD-player's remote, upping the volume and hitting the play button. The screen wasn't too big but it was enough entertainment. It was only then did Iruka notice that Kakashi didn't have any paper bag. Wordlessly, Iruka took out the burger from inside the bag and expertly split it in half (he's had too much practice halving burgers without the need of a knife without making things messy). He handed Kakashi the other half, slightly embarrassed.

"No, that's yours. I already ate." Kakashi answered, eyeing the burger and shaking his head.

Iruka frowned. "Just take it, you liar." Iruka grumbled making Kakashi raise his visible brow at him. "Take it before I stuff it down your throat."

Kakashi took it and chuckled, leaning back against an elbow as the movie started to play. Iruka kept his eyes on the screen as he ate his share of the large burger, mind drifting away from everything that took place around him that day, enjoying the mindless fun that was the movie. It was an action-comedy film about two completely different people trying to accomplish the goal of rescuing a princess and the ransom gold from being delivered to the princess' kidnapper. Iruka found himself curled on his side as he watched the picture on the screen, Kakashi outstretched beside him, the room filled with amused rumbling laughter from the both of them.

By the time the credits rolled in, Iruka was ready to fall asleep, stomach filled with wonderful food and mood uplifted by the movie Kakashi shared. He didn't want to get up from his spot on the floor, perfectly content with the floor cushion under his head as Kakashi hit the off the button.

"Liked it?" Kakashi asked, leaning back against the cushion and wiggling his socks-clad-toes as he stretched.

"Yeah." Iruka mumbled, feeling honesty ooze out of his system. Silence hung between them for several minutes until Kakashi shifted and sat up.

"You free this weekend?" Kakashi asked, casually gathering the empty paper bag and remote.

"Uhm, why?"

Kakashi looked at him and smiled. "I've got free passes to the carnival just outside the city. Uh ..." The boyish and almost bashful charm was making Iruka's stomach flip back and forth at the speed of sound. "It's a cheery place, lots of sweets and fun. I wanted to take you there."

Iruka found himself blinking slowly, as if trying to digest the fact that the shy attitude was directed towards him. "Me?"

Kakashi gave a small nod. "I just hope it doesn't rain."

Iruka didn't know what possessed him, but he found his mouth opening and giving an answer before he could even think of a proper way to turn Kakashi down. "Okay. Sounds like fun."

XXX

When Friday came around, Iruka was excited to get back to the city to meet his favorite (almost son) student. Although he tried to not show favoritism towards any of the students in the school he previously taught at and tried to be fair, he and Naruto has been through things together that other students could not mount up to. His excitement was filling the entire dorm room as he almost bounced on his sock-clad heels, rushing around and stuffing a change of clothes in to a separate backpack, double checking that he had everything as he hummed a merry tune. He was planning to stay over at the small apartment he owned in the city and return the next morning instead.

Like he promised Naruto, he did extend the invitation to Izumo and Kotetsu; neither could make it. Izumo had a research deadline and had no intention of sleeping all weekend till he was done with his paper while Kotetsu had a class conference to attend to and write a report about. Iruka understood the situation and didn't pressure any of his friends; he was still happy that he was going, even if he was alone. He was looking forward to meet up with the other staff that he used to work with anyway.

Iruka was in the process of stuffing his folded clean laundry in to his drawer, backpack and shoes ready and waiting to be put on, when Kakashi stepped in to the room and holding his cell phone to his ear. Iruka spared him a glance and small smile as a greeting. Iruka didn't give Kakashi any other sort of attention as he proceeded to stuff his drawer in a hurried fashion. He was hanging his folded and ironed jeans in the closet when Kakashi finally spoke up (he was puttering through his closet as well).

"What's the hurry?"

"I'm heading in to town. I want to get there before five. Won't be coming till tomorrow morning." Iruka answered, reaching for his empty laundry basket and tipping it over in the corner of the room while he proceeded to remake his bed, making sure that the sheets were straight enough that a light object would bounce off.

"Really? I'm heading to town myself. Gonna' spend the weekend over with the dogs."

Iruka turned to look at Kakashi and blinked, feeling genuinely curious about the dogs. "How are they doing?"

"Fine, it seems. Saw them the day before. No one's bitten anyone's head off." Kakashi chuckled, rubbing the back of his head in that almost bashful fashion of his. Iruka could feel warmth spread in his chest at the sight Kakashi was making. "Will you be spending the night over at a friend's?"

Iruka shook his head and slipped on his shoes. "No. I'll be going back to my place."

"Oh. Taking the train?"

"Yeah."

Kakashi kneed his closet shut and started to check his pockets for his wallet and keys. "I'm just about to leave. I'll give you a ride."

Iruka waved his hand and shook his head. "No, no. It's okay. Don't trouble yourself. The train station is right next to the school I'm heading to and it's quite fast."

"It's going to be packed. It's the weekend and everyone's going home." Kakashi picked up Iruka's backpack and handed it to him. "Come on. I'll drop you off. It's no trouble at all."

"Kakashi -"

"I insist." Kakashi said as Iruka reluctantly took the backpack and nodded. Kakashi pulled open his closet and took out a thick jacket with a fur-lined hood. "Here. Put it on."

Iruka shook his head, clutching the handle of his backpack too tightly. He glanced at the snug fit jeans he was wearing along with the short sleeved dress shirt that just fell below his belt line. "I'm not cold. Thanks."

Kakashi chuckled and shook his head, unzipping the jacket and moving to stand behind Iruka to hold the jacket for him to wear. "Come on."

Iruka found himself sighing and slipping his arms in to the warm confines of the thick jacket as Kakashi arranged the hood behind him. Iruka found himself melting in to the comfortable jacket, snuggling the soft black fabric, the smooth gray fur tickling his cheek. The jacket felt expensive.

"I can't wear this." Iruka said, feeling like he was invading more of Kakashi's privacy by simply wearing the perfect fitting jacket.

Kakashi rolled his visible eye at him and ignored what he said, pulling on a short high collared leather jacket on and pulled the door open. Iruka hoisted his backpack on one shoulder and followed Kakashi to the underground parking where the taller young man proceeded to greet the keeper. He waited patiently till Kakashi handed him the baby-blue helmet. Iruka wordlessly took it, no longer perturbed by the color as Kakashi guided him to his parked bike. Iruka proceeded to secure the backpack on his waist, tying the buckling up the strap around his middle and pulling the helmet on while Kakashi revved his bike and warmed the engine.

Iruka found himself admiring the fine engine once again, absorbed by the motor's steady hum and the shiny surface of the chrome rims of the wheels. When Kakashi patted the 'love-seat', Iruka blinked out of his daze and mounted the seat with ease, double checking that his backpack and helmet were strapped on tight.

"Hold on tight." Kakashi said and started backing up the bike.

Iruka hesitated before deciding that holding the fabric of Kakashi's jacket from the sides was enough. He'd have his heart in his throat when Kakashi drifted around the traffic that they were surely going to encounter, but it was better than having his entire front pressed up against Kakashi's broad back. Iruka couldn't help but feel like a woman sitting behind a very nicely built man.

"All set." He mumbled, nose twitching as the smell of the engine.

Kakashi turned to look at him, amused. "You sure you're holding on tight?"

Iruka glanced at his hands that was grasping Kakashi's jacket tightly. "I'm sure."

Kakashi chuckled and reached for one of Iruka's hand, guiding it so that it was around his middle before doing the same with the other; Iruka ended up being pressed against him. He was suddenly highly aware of just how broad Kakashi was compared to him. His slender arms were pressed tightly against Kakashi's warm sides, the smell of musk and mint filling his nostrils as his chin rested lightly against Kakashi's shoulder blade. "I wouldn't want you to fall off. Hold on tight."

Iruka bit his lower lip as Kakashi revved the engine once more. "I'm not squishing you?"

Kakashi laughed at Iruka's question. "No, you're not. Though I wouldn't mind being squished by you."

Iruka couldn't spit a witty rebuttal at what Kakashi said; Kakashi had kicked back and bike shot forward, speed gradually increasing as they made their way out of the gate. Iruka found his eyes closing on their own accord as Kakashi drove down the highway that would lead to the city. It felt like he merely closed his eyes a few seconds ago when Kakashi halted to a stop at one of the road checkpoints and paid the toll-gate fee. The scenery and other automobiles passed by Iruka in a blur as Kakashi drifted through the traffic. The only thing that existed was the roar of Kakashi's bike, his warm back and the fresh smelling scent that seemed to seep out of Kakashi's body like mist in a field of tall grass.

Iruka wasn't aware of just how comfortable he'd gotten behind Kakashi, chin resting lightly on Kakashi's shoulder, arms comfortably snug against Kakashi's firm sides (he could feel the muscles shift and flex whenever Kakashi turned the handles of his bike; he felt something warm pool in his belly at the feel of it). He could have fallen asleep if the trip didn't end so fast. Kakashi stopped by one of the parking lanes once they reached the city, turning his head slightly and pushing the visor of his helmet up.

"So where am I supposed to drop you off?" Iruka recited the street address of his apartment. "Then after that?"

"Oh I'll be walking. The school grounds are close to where I live." Iruka answered, a smile coming to his lips.

"I am dropping you off. You know that right?"

Iruka chuckled. "I know and I'm grateful. But I do want to walk in my neighborhood. I miss walking to school, that's all."

Kakashi eyed him closely before nodding. "I understand." He pulled the visors down and set off again, heading for the address Iruka told him.

The trip didn't take more than ten minutes with Kakashi good maneuvering and dodging traffic jams. By the time four-thirty came around, Iruka found the bike pulling over in front of his building entrance. He released his hold on Kakashi and got off the bike, undoing the helmet strap and handing it over to Kakashi.

"Thank you. Really. I can't express my gratitude in words." Iruka said, his words filled with sincere honesty.

Kakashi chuckled as he pulled the helmet off his head. "I just gave you a ride not give you the keys to your very own dream house." Iruka could only shrug and chuckle along. "So what time should I pick you up for our date tomorrow?"

Iruka blinked, confused. "What date?"

"You forgot."

Iruka blinked several times. "We have a date?"

"Yes, we do."

Iruka raised an eyebrow and undid the middle buckle of his backpack. "We're not dating."

Kakashi rolled his eye again. "You still forgot."

Iruka rubbed at his cheek before it clicked in his head. "Oh! The carnival!"

"Yes."

Iruka gave him an apologetic look. "Sorry."

"No problem."

Iruka chewed on his lower lip before giving Kakashi a shrug. "What time do you want to go?"

"Maybe after we grab some lunch? I'll pick you up at around two?"

"Okay."

"Okay." Kakashi nodded, pulling his helmet on once more. "What floor you on?"

"Sixth. Flat-B." Iruka answered, as Kakashi pushed his bike back a bit.

"See you tomorrow then. Have a good time." Kakashi said, pulling his visors down.

Iruka remembered the jacket he was wearing and quickly slipped his backpack off. "Wait! Here, take your jacket!"

"No. Keep it. Wear it tomorrow. It looks good on you."

Iruka stared and blinked slowly as Kakashi waved with two fingers and drove off down the street.

XXX

He had to stop by the main gates to take a good look at the school building. The concrete building remained off-white and blue color with matching blue windows. There was a line of cherry blossom trees along the gates of the school with a long stretch of green grass that surrounded the school grounds. Beyond the grass was the school quadrangle where parents sat and conversed with one another, students coming and going with goods being sold. Stalls were put up around and in the center of the quadrangle. The soccer and basketball mascots were handing out balloons to the small children that came with the students' parents. As Iruka stared further, he could see the stage that was put up for the occasion.

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he turned towards the building and entered the glass doors. He headed for the familiar hallway, taking his time in peeking through each and every classroom to admire the props of the students he once taught sometime in elementary. He was impressed by how grown up most of the kids he knew were. He took his time as students who recognized him came and greeted him, some even hugging him and offering him free goods (someone promised to keep a goodie bag aside especially for him).

He was very happy he came.

By the time he reached the classroom with the sign 'Haunted Ice Cream Parlor' painted in red on black cardboard paper, he felt the smile spread wider on his face. He pushed the hanging drapes from the door aside and found himself staring at a classroom decorated with skull-cut-outs, monster faces, bats, spiders and cobwebs. There were black and dark green drapes covering the blackboard with small red cut outs of what was supposed to look like blood splatters. The desks were covered in white table cloth with bloody-looking hand prints all over it (Iruka knew with one glance that it was dried red paint). The chairs were wrapped in the same type of motif, with black strips of cloth holding the white in place; Iruka figured it was supposed to look like an asylum's chair.

Iruka was rather impressed with the class' creativity.

"Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka turned to look down at the lazy face of the one student he never got tired of throwing chalk at. "Shikamaru!" He grinned, eyeing the getup Shikamaru was wearing. "Are you supposed to be a quack-doctor?"

"Witch-doctor. Naruto's idea." Shikamaru grumbled. "He's been waiting for you to pop in. Oi! Naruto! Look who's here!"

Iruka turned to look at the direction Shikamaru was calling out to and found a blonde head with fox ears pop out from behind several desks covered in black cloth with eyeball cut outs taped all over. There were scoops of ice cream waiting to be served on top the tables.

"Ah! Sensei! You came!" Naruto jumped to his feet, abandoning the ice cream scoop that he was holding in to one of the tubs Iruka assumed was behind the desks and immediately came up to him. The short blonde boy was wearing a dark red hakama over a yukata with golden patterns. It was a costume fit for a fox-god. "I thought you wouldn't make it!"

Iruka allowed Naruto to wrap his skinny arms around his middle as the boy proceeded to hug the living day lights out of him. "I promised to come didn't I?"

"I'm glad!" Naruto mumbled, burying his face in to Iruka's chest, fingers tightening around the fabric of his jacket. Iruka smoothed down Naruto's wild hair, expression softening as Naruto looked up at him with worry. "Are you better now?"

Iruka smiled. "Yes, I am."

Naruto hugged him again and this time, Iruka couldn't help but wrap his arms protectively around the small and narrow shoulders of the student he missed the most.

"Why don't you go show Iruka-sensei around and get changed, Naruto? I'll take care of your shift. You've been working enough for the past three days." Shikamaru offered.

"It won't be troublesome?" Naruto asked, peeking out from Iruka's side.

"Nope. Go enjoy yourselves. It's good to see you again, sensei." Shikamaru said, smirking up at Iruka before waving and taking Naruto's place behind the tables (he started to fix some of the ice cream orders).

Iruka was glad that Shikamaru seemed to be befriending Naruto because he wanted to as opposed to duty. Naruto tugged at Iruka's jacket. "What would you like to have, sensei? We make spooky ice-cream!"

Iruka grinned. "How about something on a cone that's strawberry and caramel? Freak me out."

"I know just the thing! Wait right here! Don't move a muscle! I'll be right back!" Naruto excitedly darted towards the table where Shikamaru was fixing orders at while two girls (Iruka recognized them as Hinata and Ino who waved and greeted him) served them to their visitors. Naruto returned a few minutes later with a large waffle cone with a scoop of strawberry ice cream with caramel syrup and strawberry chunks and dressed in his uniform. "Here ya' go!"

Iruka eyed the strawberries that was split in the middle and stuffed with blackberries through the crack; a parody of a blood-shot eyeball. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the ice cream he was about to eat. "This looks freakishly delicious." He took an experimental lick while Naruto rocked on his heels eagerly. "This is yummy!"

Naruto grinned cheekily and tugged at Iruka's sleeve. "Come on! I'll show you around!"

Iruka followed Naruto around while he enjoyed his ice cream, listening and laughing as he and Naruto conversed and visited all the other classes along with every stall in the quadrangle. They played in the game booths; Naruto had picked the basketball-shooting-game and couldn't get any of the balls in. Iruka managed to get two balls in and ended up winning two finger puppets. He gave Naruto one who wore it enthusiastically on his pointer finger.

As they walked down the quadrangle as the dance and plays started on the stage, Iruka took notice how some of the family who attended started throwing Naruto dirty looks, talking about him behind their hands, eyes reflecting angry emotions. Naruto tried to walk straight with his head up, grin plastered in place but as the evening continued on, Iruka noticed how Naruto's act was starting to wane. As the watched the play on stage, Iruka found Naruto cowering from the eyes that were like knives on his back. Iruka wrapped an arm around his shoulder and gave the blonde hair an affectionate ruffle.

Naruto clung to him like a child abused till the dance number was done. "So where can we get a good view of the fire works?"

"Roof!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Lead the way." Iruka chuckled.

It didn't take long for them to reach the rooftop. Naruto dropped himself on a spot on the floor so that he was overlooking the school's quadrangle. Iruka settled beside him and watched the crowd bustle around as awards were handed out to the best classroom and best acts. Naruto didn't look interested as to what was going on or whether or not his class won anything.

"Ne, sensei? How come you left school?"

"I'm doing my masters." Iruka answered, smiling. "I told you before, didn't I?"

"Is it to get a better job?"

"Yeah." Iruka nodded. "One day, I might start my own family. I want to be able to be in a more solid ground with higher income before that happens."

Naruto drummed his fingers on his knees, hesitating with his next question. "D-Do teachers get l-low pay?"

Iruka felt that he should be honest. "Depends on the school."

"Are you going to come back here when you're done studying?" Naruto turned to look at him, hopeful.

Iruka shook his head. "I have no plans of coming back here, Naruto. I'm going to look for a job elsewhere."

Naruto's face visibly fell; it was like all his hope was stripped away. Iruka felt a bit guilty. "Then where are you going? I'll still see you, right?"

Iruka reached out to ruffle the soft blonde hair. "Of course you will! I've got my sights set on the school for the special needs. You know the private academy near the park?" Naruto nodded. "I'm thinking of getting a job there. If it doesn't work out, I might apply in any of the private teaching center as a crash-course math teacher. Private or small-group study."

"I'm not good in math! You can teach me!" Naruto said suddenly, biting his lower lip when the words came out suddenly.

"You are good in math. You're just too lazy to solve the text book questions assigned to you." Iruka answered, giving Naruto a head-noogie.

When Naruto cried out in protest and started giggling, Iruka stopped. "I'll come and take classes with you! And I'll solve all the pages you assign! And I won't cheat! No calculators!"

Iruka couldn't stop the warm feeling in his stomach from enveloping him. "You've got the best private tutors teaching you and guiding you. And they know how your company is run better than anyone."

Naruto looked away, visibly pouting. "But they're not nice. They're always yelling at me. No one is like you, Iruka-sensei. I don't know why they're so cruel to me."

Iruka's heart went out towards the boy. "They don't mean it."

"Yes they do!" Naruto growled, digging the heel of his palm in to his eye and rubbing it. "They just think I'm a stupid heir."

"Well, you're not. You're smart and hardworking. You'll make a fine heir and take the company to levels no one's ever reached before! Didn't I tell you to stop thinking so lowly of yourself?" Iruka grasped Naruto by the shoulders and pulled the hand rubbing at the cerulean eyes down.

"If it was Iruka-sensei teaching me all the lessons on the company, I wouldn't hide and run away anymore." Naruto grumbled, head dipping and hair hiding his expression.

Iruka reached out and tugged Naruto in to an embrace, wrapping protective and paternal arms around the disappointed boy. "Sometimes, we have to suffer first before we can get stronger and achieve what we really want. What do you want to be, Naruto?"

"The best Head of the corporation ever." Naruto answered.

"Then you'll just have to get stronger with every step of the way. If people hate you, then you have to change them. It's not an easy road, remember that."

Naruto nodded and clung to him. Iruka felt bad for the boy; his youth was being robbed off him because of responsibilities and the people's blind anger towards things that was never Naruto's fault. The Nine-tails' terror and abuse to the community wasn't Naruto's fault or any of the previous Heads. Business competition came and went; it was a packaged deal that when Uzumaki Corps. climbed the top that any blow to the community will result in suffering for the head and the chosen heirs.

Naruto's fate was a cruel one; Iruka felt sad.

A whistling sound echoed as the sky was lit up by a splash of red and greens. "Ah, they started!" Naruto exclaimed, turning to look up at the sky as fireworks shot up and illuminate the sky.

They spent the next few minutes watching the colorful explosions, pleasant and appreciative smiles on their faces. When it was over and people started to slowly file out of the quadrangle to head home, Naruto stood up, stomach growling. Iruka's stomach followed suit and both of them ended up laughing.

"What do you say we head over to Ichiraku after you help your classmates clear up? I miss the ramen there actually." Iruka rubbed at his scar sheepishly.

"Yes! Ramen with Iruka-sensei!" Naruto whooped with joy and jumped in the air. "I'll go help them clear up fast! I'll meet you by the gates okay?"

Iruka got up and dusted his jeans. "Okay then."

They parted ways with Naruto rushing down the stairwell to get to work as fast as possible so as to get his ramen immediately. Iruka walked at a relaxed and leisurely pace towards the gates, moving to lean against the wall as students filed out with their parents and mounted their private SUVs and limousines. Iruka couldn't remember how many times he saw a bodyguard dressed in either suits or coats pass by in front of him to escort their 'boss' to the cars, but the sight amused him.

He was counting the SUVs lined up in front of the gate-entrance when a towering shadow fell upon him.

"Well, if it isn't Iruka-sensei."

Iruka turned to look a tall handsome man in his early-fifties, dressed in a suit with his wild white hair pulled back in a low and loose ponytail. "Jiraiya-san. What a pleasant surprise."

Jiraiya gave his hand a warm and firm handshake. "Saw the brat yet?"

"Yes. He showed me around school."

"Cried and begged you to come didn't he?" Jiraiya said, sighing tiredly.

Iruka's shoulders slumped. "He's going through a difficult time."

"He's never left that difficult time." Jiraiya shook his head. "There is little I can do. I handle the company's business outside of Fire. I've found possible candidates for a good mentor and teacher for him. You're on the list."

Iruka blinked, a flush rising to his cheeks. "I am?"

"The Head and I have decided that it'd probably be a good thing if he has someone like you in his life in a long term basis. His teachers keeps quitting on him."

Iruka frowned and shook his head. "I am honored to be chosen. But I -"

"It's not final, don't worry. He doesn't know it yet. But I figured I'd give you a heads up. You might end up being chosen. Think about it." Jiraiya said.

"Thank you, Jiraiya-san." Iruka said, bowing. It was then did Naruto appear, shifting the weight of his backpack on his other shoulder.

"Ah! What are you doing here?" Naruto shouted, pointing at Jiraiya.

"Taking you home." Jiraiya grumbled.

"I don't want to go home! I want to go with Iruka-sensei! We're going for ramen!"

Iruka placed his hands on Naruto's shoulders. "We can go next time, Naruto. I'm sure Jiraiya-san means well. There must be something important -"

Naruto wrapped his arms around Iruka's middle, begging. "I don't want to go! I don't want to go! Please don't make him take me home! I want to go with you!"

Iruka glanced helplessly at Jiraiya who was hiding a smirk behind a hand. "Go, go. Go with your daddy, Naruto. Give me your backpack. I'll have the limo drop you off wherever it is you two are planning to go."

"No! I don't want the limo." Naruto shrugged off his backpack as Jiraiya took it handed it to the nearby bodyguard that accompanied him. "I want to be normal like everyone else with Iruka-sensei."

"As you like." Jiraiya sighed and motioned to Iruka with his fingers to just give him a call if there's anything they needed.

Iruka knew well that they will be followed by body guards. "I'll take him back."

"Take care you two. Enjoy." Jiraiya gave Naruto's hair an affectionate ruffle and headed down the asphalt path towards a waiting limousine.

When the limousine drove away, Naruto tugged at Iruka's hand. "Let's go! I'm hungry!"

Iruka laughed as they jogged all the way to Ichiraku a few blocks away. The warm atmosphere of the small ramen-house brought memories back to Iruka. He slid in to a seat as Naruto babbled his order away. Iruka let Naruto order for him and proceeded to listen to the boy's enthusiastic talk of how he performed in taijutsu training. Even after their food came the pile of empty bowls between them finally halted from rising any higher, Iruka couldn't help but have a wonderful time and feel at home with Naruto's exaggerated talk.

They boy reminded Iruka of himself. Iruka could never forget the weight of the responsibilities he had to carry after loosing his parents and moving from foster home to foster - he had to work, had to study and somehow remain in the top five of his class while remaining a good and 'helping' son and a not so boring prankster so as to not be categorized among the 'geeks'. Some families just didn't like their children to be amongst the losers in school; Iruka was just unlucky enough to get saddled with such families. Orphans were usually looked down upon in the area Iruka grew up in, so most of the time he had to be the clown to be liked to survive. High school wasn't a very friendly place to people like Iruka.

But even after all that, Iruka doubted he can mount up to the amount of responsibilities Naruto had to carry. They may have been the same in hiding their pain and suffering to goofy smiles, wide grins and pranks but the brief laughs and sense of accomplishment (after playing a prank on someone successfully) was not enough to fill the pit of loneliness in their hearts. Iruka knew it best and he was sure Naruto knew it too.

Naruto yawned beside him on the park bench, rubbing at an eye sleepily. They took a walk in the park after having their stomachs filled with steaming ramen. After having some crepe from the vendor, Naruto slumped on the nearest bench, intent on relating his 'relationship' with the new transfer student 'Gaara'. Iruka knew that Naruto saw the boy as a possible friend and in every story Naruto related (no matter how exaggerated), there was always some truth in it.

"It seems like you and Gaara are getting along." Iruka said, watching as Naruto yawned again and covered his mouth with the back of his hand.

"He's cool. He's really quiet. Like Sasuke?" Naruto mumbled sleepily. "But I like him better than Sasuke. Sasuke is a jerk who's a show off. Gaara is just as smart as he is. But he's nicer. He's like me." Naruto leaned against Iruka's arms, snuggling in to the soft fabric of the jacket. "Like us."

Iruka pulled out his cell phone when Naruto closed his eyes. "Sasuke is not so bad."

"No. But he doesn't understand me. He doesn't try to. I don't know what to think when he's around. I just think he hates me." Naruto grumbled, voice quieting down. "That's okay. I hate him too." Iruka silently searched for Jiraiya's contact number on his cell phone memory, stopping when he found the name highlighted. "Can I sleep over with you tonight, Iruka-sensei? Like before?"

Iruka paused before he pressed the call button; his thumb moved to the red cancel button instead as he stood up and tucked the phone away in to his back pocket. "Come on, piggy back ride."

"I can walk." Naruto grumbled even though he stood up and already draped his arms around Iruka's shoulders and leaned against his back.

Iruka braced himself and lifted the light boy off the ground and started walking home. Naruto was too short for his age and was probably under weight. Iruka remembered when Jiraiya complained that Naruto didn't eat for three days just to spite the Head and give him a break from studies. Naruto was a natural rebel as he was a golden-hearted human being; he was always willing to help anyone and anything in trouble (like the pigeon with a broken wing he found in the school roof when Iruka was still teaching him. He took the pigeon to the best vet and demanded the bird be 'fixed'). The soft snores finally reached Iruka's ears when he stepped out of the park gates. He chuckled and hoped that Naruto didn't drool on Kakashi's jacket.

One of the body guards approached Iruka (they were always around to keep a safe eye on the heir or the Head would have their heads - literally) as he walked down the street towards his block. They offered to carry and take Naruto home but Iruka politely refused.

"I've got him. It's okay. He'll be spending the night up at my apartment." Iruka said, smiling at the black suited man.

When he reached his apartment and tucked Naruto in to his spare bed with newly changed sheets, Iruka gave Jiraiya a call to inform him that Naruto was with him and asleep.

"Just make sure he's at the head-office by ten tomorrow. He's got marketing classes."

Iruka frowned as he poured the freshly brewed coffee in to a large thermos and packed some snacks in to a box. "But it's a Saturday."

"Think I don't know that? He's been ditching classes all week. This is punishment for him."

"He's a child. Give him a break." Iruka reasoned, giving it one last shot. His attempts were always futile but it didn't stop him from trying.

"I know that. We all know that. But he's the heir. Give him a nice breakfast tomorrow. Talk some sense in to the boy. You're one of the few people he listens to anyway."

Iruka sighed tiredly, placing the lid on the box and closing the thermos. He took out several disposable cups from his kitchen cupboard and placed it in to the bag with everything else. "I can't make any promises. But he's got every right to be ditching. He's only thirteen."

"Not my call."

"At least give him Sunday off."

"If he cooperates tomorrow, he'll have Sunday off and art classes on Monday instead of advertising."

Iruka shook his head to himself. "I'll tell him."

"Good night, sensei."

Iruka said his goodbyes and took the bag with the flask and snacks downstairs where the parked SUV was guarding the main entrance of his apartment. He knocked on the glass and handed the small gesture of kindness towards the surprised looking guards. They didn't seem very accustomed to being handed refreshments while on the job, but Iruka could tell that the action was appreciated.

That night, Iruka fell asleep immediately.

XXX

The next morning Iruka related Jiraiya's message. Naruto sulked and grumbled while he polished off two plates of bacon and eggs and three helpings of flapjacks that Iruka prepared. Iruka had to rush down to the grocery store across his street to get some supplies since his fridge was empty before Naruto woke up.

"They always promise that. It never works out. Besides, my art teacher always wants me to study artists' history instead of techniques. My art teacher hates me."

Iruka sighed and tried again. "You just have to hang on for a bit longer. You know that this will benefit you later. Just a little patience won't kill you."

Naruto looked at Iruka and nodded, brows knitting together. "Fine."

"Promise? For me?"

Naruto chewed on his lower lip and nodded. "Promise." Iruka grinned at him and took out some fruit tarts he bought from the bakery that morning. He watched as Naruto's eyes lit up as he pushed the small box towards him. "When will I see you again, sensei?"

Iruka gave him an apologetic look. "I don't know. But keep in mind that if you're ever in trouble or if you need, I will try my best to come immediately."

Naruto poked his tart with a fork before taking a big bite. "Promise?"

Iruka grinned. "Promise."

TBC

Notes n' Credits:

Again, the idea of the school festival along with Shikamaru standing up for Naruto, the haunted house ice cream parlor thing was taken from a SasuNaru KakaIru doujinshi called Rocket. You can find the scanlation over at the aarinfantasy boards. It's a LOVELY and CUTE read. The situation fit in to my storyline too well. Credit to Saki Otoh for the wonderful inspiring doujin and to Acute Girls/Fire Works for the scanlation. Just so that people won't bite my head for not crediting.

Nothing much here to credit really, except maybe Fashion TV - I saw Iruka's jacket on one of the male models who had a pair of loose fitting jeans on and sandals (though I had to replace sandals with a pair of nice sneakers; Fire has freak and unpredictable weather). I can't remember who the designer was, but it looked fairly attractive on small framed people - like Iruka here in this story.

I can confidently say that the next update will mark HALF of the story content. It's nearly finished (because of the length increase). I am calculating about 5-7 more chapters. Thank you for all your support, readers. I am a review whore and I adore reading all your thoughts and suggestions. That counts as date number three! One's lucky, two is a coincidence and three is a charm (grins). I wanted to do some fluff and maybe give Iruka a little happiness for a chance; Naruto was the remedy.

So yeah ... uhm that's it. XD