Cozy corner: I'm very sorry for the lateness of this chapter. I got slammed with a group project, so I haven't had much time, sorry! Also I'm sorry for the slow pace of this story; I just don't wanna push things D: but it will spice up soon! Like 2-3 chapters soon! So enjoy!

Warnings: Meh, just kissing. If that bothers you, then get out.

Disclaiming: I don't own Naruto. Wah.

Xx

Iruka smiled to himself as he browsed around the market. He was having rather extreme difficulty finding some kind of dinner to make for Kakashi and himself. Iruka's smile widen, just thinking of his secret lover made his heart flutter. After seeing Kakashi come into the mission room to hand in his report, Iruka knew they would be having dinner at Kakashi's house, which altogether was exciting.

As he gazed at the vegetables, he remembered that Kakashi liked eggplant and broccoli. Opting to go with lemon chicken, broccoli and some rice, he purchased his items and headed off to Kakashi's place. Glancing up to the sky he knew that he would be there early and Kakashi would yet to be coming home, paying his respects still and checking up on the latest gossip with Genma. 'I still can't believe he is a gossip whore, even if no one knows much about himself.' Iruka snorted to himself at that thought and how hypocritical it was. Mentally shrugging to himself, since it was none of his business what people knew about Kakashi, he continued on his way down the busy market streets.

After a few minutes of dodging people and saying his hellos and even giving into a few conversations, Iruka finally arrived at Kakashi's house. He was always surprised from the size of the home. Two proud stories, settled at a corner, with a semi-small house settled next to it. Blinking to himself a few times, he made his way up the pathway and around the back. Usually one of the ninken was sitting in the back waiting for unwanted people. Peaking around the corner he was Akino, lounging on the wrap around porch, his shades gleaming in the sunlight. Smiling softly, and making his presence know he rounded the corner and as soon as he came into view Akino smiled his dog-like smile, and pranced over, letting Iruka stroke his fur, and he stepped onto the porch and slipped off his shoes leaving them outside.

As he pulled the sliding doors open and padded into the house making his was into the kitchen. He has been here a few times, mainly to help Kakashi home after a tiring mission, when he would just stopped at Iruka's apartment, looking for closure, than going straight home. As Iruka set the groceries onto the countertop, he began to rummage through cabinets, setting up to prepare dinner.

Xx

Kakashi had just left the memorial stone, and was walking into the market place, hoping to catch the latest scoop. He snickered to himself, he practically knew about everyone else, yet not many knew about him. Ah, the wonderful life of privacy, but the one person he didn't want to hide from was Iruka.

There was something about the shy Chuunin that Kakashi just wanted to tell everything and let Iruka comfort him, especially knowing that he would. The soft voice and softer smile, was just reassuring to him. Sometimes it scared him, making him feel like he needed to hide from Iruka and not let him find out about his dark past. Yet his heart screamed for him just to latch onto Iruka and never let go. As Kakashi continued his mussing he didn't pay attention to that evening's gossip nor did he notice he was already walking down his quiet street. He blinked to himself as he stopped in front of his door, and chuckled as he once again lost to his thoughts about the Chuunin that was hopefully cooking him dinner.

As he entered his home, he was greeted with the smell of chicken and vegetables. A couple of grunts and a few barks greeted him to his left as he looked at his pack that was lounging in the front room. Kakashi's eye crinkled happily at the pack and waved slightly as he slipped off his flack vest and sandals. Finally slipping of his headband, opting for a silk cloth, he made his way towards his kitchen, knowing his Chuunin would be there.

And he was correct, Iruka was busing himself with something that he was cooking on the stove, his back was facing him and it also seems that Iruka had yet to acknowledge Kakashi's presence. Smiling to himself, Kakashi made his way over, and wrapped his arms loosely around the Chuunin's waist and rest his chin on the other man's shoulder. He hummed softly, swaying himself and Iruka to a nothingness beat.

Iruka chuckled happily and looked over his shoulder, "Welcome home."

Kakashi smiled beneath his masking, "Why thank you very much." He unlatched himself for Iruka and stretched his arms over his head. "Will dinner be ready soon?"

"If your real question is if you have enough time to shower, than yes you do, then chicken should be about ten more minutes." Iruka answered still busing himself with the on-the-stove grill (1).

Kakashi nodded, and walked out of the kitchen, all thoughts on taking a shower.

Xx

After a few minutes later, Kakashi walked back into the kitchen as Iruka was setting the table. A platter of chicken, a large bowl with the broccoli and rice mixed together. Plates and cups are set out as well and Iruka is searching the fridge for something to drink.

After they settled, they began eating in comfortable silence. Iruka, respectfully kept his head ducked down and focused on his plate, so Kakashi didn't have to inhale his food, and could take his time eating. Kakashi could help but smile at his lover's respect.

"Maa Ruka, you can look now." Kakashi said as he rested his still exposed face on the palm of his hand.

Iruka blinked at his plate before looking up. His eyes widen suddenly and he ducked his head back down, trying to will his blush away, "I'm sorry Kakashi."

A soft chuckle rang through the kitchen, "It's okay Iruka, and I want you to look."

Iruka slowly looked up through his eyelashes, gazing at Kakashi's bare face. 'I knew he was handsome.' Iruka blushed at his own thoughts and he lifted his head, staring straight at Kakashi's face taking in his appearance. He reached out his hand, softly caressing the pale cheek. It was smooth from not being exposed from weather or weapons. His fingers met the rough end of the vertical scar that ran across Kakashi's right eye.

Iruka smiled letting his hand fall away, "I know your reasons, but it's sad you hid behind a mask. But thank you for showing me."

Kakashi's tried to fight from letting his blush reach his cheeks, already feeling it race up his neck, "Ah, thank you." He smiled, eye curving out of habit.

Iruka gasped softly, than snorted mentally, 'Of course he would have a gorgeous smile.' He blushed a bright crimson, Kakashi was always so good looking, and why was he surprised? He smiled in return stretching his scar and blush.

Kakashi's smiled soften as he reached across the table to grasp at Iruka's chin. Slowly he pulled the Chuunin to lean forward, his face inches from Kakashi's. Their breath mingled in the small pace between them, Kakashi gazed at Iruka who looked back through half lidded eyes. Quickly he closed the space between them, lips meshing and moving against one another. Kakashi swiped his tongue against Iruka's, silently asking for entrance. Once allowed to plunge into the moist cavern, Iruka gave a soft moan. Slowly they began exploring one another. Once oxygen became a need, they broke apart, bother equally flushed.

Iruka pulled back slightly, looking down, his blush never leaving his face. Kakashi gently stroked his cheek, "Stay tonight Iruka?"

Iruka jerked his head up staring at Kakashi, "Wh-what?"

"Stay tonight, I promise I'll behave, unless you don't want me to." Kakashi leered as he leaned back.

Iruka's blush intensified, as he fiddled with his thumbs, "I would like that… very much." He said with a small smile.

Kakashi chuckled happily, "Good."

Xx

1. I have one, it actually works quite well =)

Sorry again it took forever! Hope you enjoyed.