Ch. 2
Their first conversation was the most awkward anyone could possibly have had, and although love does not blossom that easily it was a good beginning.
It was 5 am the next day and Iruka stood patiently outside the Hokage's office.
"Umino-san right on time as expected."
"What is this meeting about?" Asked Iruka impatiently
"Well, I know I said you could take the summer off, but something's come up. I am sure you know about the severity of the lack in Konoha's defenses right now. There have been unconfirmed reports of a possible attack to destroy Konoha. I've decided the best way to deal with this without causing panic through the village is to send a team out to investigate these rumors. The group will consist of only two people; I can't spare more because of a sudden flow of missions. The jounin has already been briefed on the situation. He knows the locations and details. I can't believe he's this late. Well, you'll just have to let him know what I have told you. Do you have any questions Umino-san?"
"Just one who is the jou-"
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Here he is now. Come in."
"Moushiwake arimasen"
"Why are you late! Were you not informed of the time you were to be here?" Tsunade-sama wasn't really upset but liked seeing grown men squirm.
"My clock was off and thinking I had the time I ran 15 mi. and an additional 1,000 pushups." Blurted Maito Gai
"You kept us waiting, but we have no time to lose. This is Umino Iruka. Umino-san this is Maito Gai. What are you waiting for you have your mission leave while the sun is still down."
"Hai Tsunade-sama" answered both obediently
Wow I've never worked with Maito-san before. He sure did seem excited. Heh, he's quite a character.
Kakashi rose out of bed early as usual. His new found free time wasn't all what he had hoped. On his first day, ten min. in and already he was bored.
If only I had the guts to talk to him. Damn, I'll never do it if I just think about it. Today I'll do it... later today. NO! I know I'll delay it as much as possible if I don't do it now. Butterflies made his stomach turn. He felt a nervous nausea he hadn't felt in a while.
Okay I'll take off right now. I hope its not too early.
At 5:15 the jounin arrived at Iruka's door. "I can't knock. What is he going to think? Its too early, what will I say? Maybe I should go back. Yeah, I'll come back later" Kakashi hadn't noticed he was thinking out loud, and just as he was about to turn away Iruka opened the door. Iruka upon seeing the jounin jumped to attention and assumed it was a change in the mission. "Hello Kakashi-san, did Tsunade-sama send you?"
Kakashi not knowing what to say after being caught whispered a desperate "Yes."
"Oh, what is it? Do we have to be away longer? More information has come in? Is Maito-san alright?"
"Umm, well yeah, umm, the mission is going to take a whole week more than planned and new information did come in and umm…" Oh, man I'm a wreck what am I saying! I'm going to get in trouble for this.
"What else? Is the two man team still Maito Gai and myself?"
Without thinking Kakashi blurted out "Yes, I mean no, Gai had to get sick, I mean got sick and I was reassigned to take his place"
Sounding more official he added "WE are to move out quick, and you can fill me in on the way"
"But I though you were sick and healing a deep wound."
"Well, Gai-san is sicker than me so I was the next best choice, don't be late." And disappeared in a puff of smoke
What am I going to tell Trunade-sama? What did I do? Kakashi how bad do you have it for this kid? You don't even know him that well! Well I guess its time for another lie to fix the first.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Come in." Upon looking up from her stack of papers " Oh, Kakashi how's the wound? Better?"
"Yes I'm fine, but as I passed by Umino-san's apartment he asked me to report to you that because of the importance of the mission it would be better if he didn't go. He didn't look as if he was feeling too well." I think she believes me. I hope she believes me.
"Does he need to see a doctor?"
"NO! NO!... Umm I mean its okay he said that all he needed was rest and some time ALONE!"
Tsunade stared at him incredulously.
"Well, okay thank you. You may leave." Hmm something's a little off, but I'll chalk it up the wound and painkillers. I don't have time to waste.
I can't believe I pulled it off. Why does he make me act so unlike myself? Oh the things I would do for him…
Back at Iruka's apartment
That was a little odd. I wonder what caused the change. Well, orders are orders… and I'm done!
"Umino-san are you ready?"
"Let's go."
They took off towards the gates Kakashi leading the way.
Okay Kakashi where to now. What should I do? I really shouldn't have done that…
"Umm, Kakashi-san would you like to know about the mission?" asked Iruka
"No, its alright I got it." Kakashi replied nervously
"Are you sure? Because you are going the wrong way."
"Right, where are we to go?"
"I thought you knew."
I know the mission, but not the place."
What is Kakashi saying? Is he still sick?
"Well, Tsunade-sama said Maito Gai had most of the location details, so I assumed you knew them."
"Yeah... lets stop for lunch"
"Okay we'll talk then."
Iruka starded a fire while Kakashi fetched the food.
"Now, explain to me exactly what's going on." Iruka was getting suspicious
"Well, you tell me what you know and I'll fill in the blanks" Is he onto me? Why? Why did I do this? Using Naruto would have been a much easier way to get closer to Iruka.
"Well, the mission is to figure out if an attack is planned to take place by exploring the enemy's territory for odd movements. Maito Gai had the exact locations for spying on the enemy's leaders."
Trying to sound informed Kakashi said "Right, right yeah that's it, but umm, Tsunade-sama has another team also on this mission so we just have to explore the area"
"But I thought there were no ninjas to spare? Which is why you, who are injured, had to come along." Is he lying? I am so confused.
"Sorry Umino-san the rest is highly classified ANBU business." I hope this stops the questions
"Oh right." If ANBU is in on this why did they need me? Oh well I guess ANBU is low on nin as well.
"So, are you enjoying the food?"
"Its okay. Nothing like what I cook at home, but hey it sustains life." Joked Iruka
"HAHAHAHA" Kakashi exploded with laughter spitting some food onto his vest. The kind of laughter that is full of nervousness that only happens on first dates.
Iruka responded with a smaller laugh and continued his meal.
How do I get closer to him? Kakashi wondered. Umm I know maybe…
"Umino-san, do you want to have some after lunch practice?"
"Sure, I do need to warm up my aim."
Kakashi moved closer to Iruka and laced his hand on Iruka's leg as a test. Iruka looked up and smiled inviting the silver haired man to proceed. Kakashi's fingers played with the seams below the man's zipper. After receiving no resistance Kakashi pulled down his mask and leaned in for a kiss.
Kakashi was thrown back off the log he was sitting on. Iruka was on top of him when he opened his eyes. There was a strange look of concern or Iruka's face. "Are you alright? You were leaning into the fire. I though you were about to faint!"
"Oh, yeah I'm fine thank you for that. I guess I was about to faint for second there." Damn it happened again. While Kakashi was enjoying the young man's weight on him he blushed bright red.
"Are you sure you are okay to be doing this mission?"
"Absolutely I'm great." Kakashi hoped Iruka couldn't feel his enthusiasm. If he had his face gave no hints.
"I guess it would help if I got off of you. I'm sorry" Iruka raised himself up and offered a hand to the jounin.
I can't believe that this is the real Hatake Kakashi. I've heard so many rumors about how he has no sense of humor, quiet, and a genius and some what of a social wreck. So far he seems alright to me.
"I think we've wasted enough time for now maybe we should get going" Iruka said as he finished packing up.
"You are right we have no time to lose." Wow I almost believed myself.
This time Iruka led the way.
"Wow, what a view!" Blurted Kakashi
"What?"
Faking a louder voice and enunciating Kakashi yelled "I said 'So, what is new?'"
"Oh, nothing I was supposed to get this summer off, but things change. Otherwise its just the same old routine for me. You?"
"I guess the same thing. I go on missions and return to the same empty home. Pretty basic I know."
"You must be lying. I thought someone like you would have a pretty exciting life."
"What do you mean 'someone like' me?"
"Well, I assumed that because you are the 'copy nin' you know." They both laughed and continued without saying a word.
I think I may have made a friend… heh, me friends with Hatake Kakashi. Who would have thought…?
After a long silence
"Umino-san may I call you Iruka?"
"That's fine."
'Iruka' it rolls right off my tongue.
"If you don't mind me asking; why do you wear a mask all the time?"
"I don't mind and its just a part of me. I would feel naked without it. I guess I've worn it for so long I don't feel right without it."
"I can understand"
"Well, its almost nightfall lets stop and rest." Both came to a quick stop and jumped down to the forest floor.