Kakashi sat at the memorial stone, rubbing his cheek and staring at nothing.
Iruka was dating Genma.
That was kind of a shock. Kakashi, if previously asked, would have stated that the Genma was the last person in the entire village that Iruka would have been interested in.
But he'd gone on a date. And they'd kissed.
Kakashi sighed.
He wasn't interested in a relationship with the tanned chuunin. He wasn't interested in a relationship with anyone. But he had really been enjoying his…time…with Iruka.
And that was over. Iruka wasn't the kind of guy to be sleeping with Kakashi while he was in a relationship with Genma.
Face it, Kashi-kun. You're jealous.
I am not jealous, Obito.
I think you are, Kakashi.
All due respect, sensei, but shut up.
I think Iruka means more to you than you're letting yourself believe. Minato's ghostly voice was amused and understanding. I know it's been a long time since we died, but you have to let it go.
I'm fine, Kakashi snarled back at his imagination. I'm not jealous and Iruka's just another lay and why are you picking on me like this?
We just want you to be happy, Kakashi. Another voice, and one that Kakashi didn't really want to hear.
You're so alone, Kakashi. Why won't you let anyone in? His father sounded sad and tired.
Because you always leave me! Kakashi stood up and brushed his pants off. I'm leaving. I'm not having this discussion with…you. Me. Whatever.
He turned and left, pulling out his book. Behind him, the wind sighed through the memorial.
…
When he was gone, a quiet voice spoke. He really hasn't grown up much, has he?
Not really. Obito sounded amused. He's still such a child.
He's never really had a reason to, before. Minato said sadly. And he's been alone for so long…
We need to do something for him. Sakumo said decisively. I don't know about you two, but I really could use a rest.
No kidding, Obito said with a soft laugh. What happened to resting in peace?
Hard to do when the person you care about is in such pain. Minato sighed. We'll take care of it.
…
Iruka rubbed his towel over his hair and padded out of his bathroom, grinning. Genma was going to be here in about an hour for another date.
It was their fourth; Genma had taken him out to dinner again, followed by a night at the festival, and then a picnic by the lake. Tonight was another dinner.
Genma hadn't pushed at all. He was keeping his hands to himself, and Iruka was starting to get a little...miffed.
I wanted him to be respectful, but damn. Iruka laughed and tossed the towel onto the bed. Tonight was going to be the end of that, Iruka thought with a grin. If Genma doesn't make a move tonight, I'm going to start dating girls. I swear.
He dressed and stood in front of the mirror, studying his reflection in satisfaction.
He'd chosen to wear his leather pants and a loose, deep blue button up-shirt with a black mesh sleeveless shirt under it. His hair, drying nicely from his shower, curled gently on his shoulders. Time to get that cut, he thought with a grin. As a final touch, he added a simple silver chain and a silver dangle earring, which he hardly ever wore.
I personally think I look pretty hot, Iruka thought smugly. We'll see how Genma reacts.
…
Genma was right on time; Iruka opened the door on the second knock and grinned at Genma appreciatively. Genma was wearing a pair of dark brown slacks and a form-fitting slinky grey shirt. His headband was missing; he'd pulled his shoulder-length hair back in a casual tail.
Genma's eyes widened and he unconsciously licked his lips. Iruka mentally congratulated himself and grabbed his wallet and keys. "Ready?"
"Uh. Yeah. Let's go." Genma stuttered.
I'm so getting laid tonight, Iruka thought with a grin.
The restaurant was nice; edgily casual. Not a uniform in sight. Iruka and Genma chose a table near the back and talked over the menus, laughing. After the delicious dinner, they lingered, sipping sake and talking.
Genma was a fascinating man, Iruka was discovering. The top layer, the part that everyone saw on a daily basis, was only a thin layer over a very deep, surprisingly intelligent interior. Genma was funny, warm, smart and sweet.
And he likes me. Iruka relaxed against the booth, watching the play of emotions over Genma's face as he talked. Genma was being totally open with him; he'd let his jounin mask down and Iruka was seeing everything for real.
When the sake was gone, Genma grinned and stretched. "Do you need to get up early?"
"Nope." Iruka grinned and made a grab for the bill. Genma was faster; he snatched it up and mock-growled at Iruka. "School's out tomorrow and I'm off from the mission office."
"A whole day off?" Genma asked in surprise. "Wow. That's impressive."
"Yeah." Genma paid the waitress and they slid out of the booth. "I don't know what I'm going to do with myself."
"Hm." Genma slanted a sideways look at him, mischief…and something else…dancing in his black eyes. "I have a shift tomorrow night. So I'm free to stay up a while. What do you feel like doing?"
Iruka censored his thoughts and managed not to grin like an idiot. "Want to come watch a movie? I just picked up some new ones I've never seen."
"You have popcorn?" Genma asked. Iruka nodded and Genma stuffed his hands in his pockets, grinning. "Sounds like a plan to me, then."
…
Back at his apartment, Iruka made tea and popcorn while Genma shifted through his stack of movies. By the time he'd returned, Genma had three picked out and he held them out to Iruka.
Iruka picked one at random; if he had his way, he wouldn't be seeing the end of it anyway.
They settled on the couch, the popcorn bowl between them. The movie started and it was funny; Iruka found himself paying more attention to it than he'd anticipated.
Genma took the bowl and set it on his lap, his eyes glued to the television. The next time Iruka reached for it, he frowned and tore his eyes from the movie.
Ahh…seeing Genma curled up on the end of the couch, absently tossing popcorn into his mouth and laughing, made Iruka completely forget around the movie. Licking his lips, Iruka slid over and leaned against Genma.
"Hmm?" Genma cocked his head and grinned at Iruka.
"You're hogging the popcorn." Iruka gave him a cheeky grin and grabbed a handful of popcorn.
"Am I?" Genma laughed softly and suddenly shifted, pulling Iruka against him and looping his arm around Iruka's shoulders. "I'm such a jerk."
Iruka laughed and snuggled into Genma. "Mmm. Not really. I'm kind of surprised, actually. I thought you were more…"
"More what?" Genma asked lazily.
"More of a jerk." Iruka confessed. Genma laughed and turned his head, smiling at him.
"I really am, you know. I've been exceptionally nice to you. Don't know why. Maybe I'm just trying to get into your pants."
Iruka blushed. "Jerk!"
"I told you." Genma suddenly leaned forward and kissed Iruka gently.
"Mm." Iruka sighed and returned the kiss. When they parted, Genma gave him a wicked smile and brought his hand up to run it through Iruka's hair. "I can't tell you how much I've wanted to do that. Iruka…look. I'm a perverted bastard. If I'm moving too fast, tell me. Because I'm serious about liking you and I don't want to…"
"Genma, sometimes you talk too much." Iruka said with a laugh. Then he leaned forward and kissed Genma again.
A few breathless moments later, they parted again. Iruka sighed and sat up, taking the bowl away from Genma. "Genma, there's some things we need to get straight. I'm not…not…the innocent little sensei I know everyone thinks I am. Those rumors about me and Mizuki? They were…mostly…true. Although they did tend to get a little outrageous towards the end. I'm not a virgin. I'm not a slut, either. But I do want you, Genma, and you've more than shown me that you're serious. So, Genma, if it doesn't bother you…" He smiled again and leaned in, rubbing his nose against Genma's. "I want you, Genma."
"Shit." Genma blinked a few times. Then a wide, incredulous grin spread across his face. "Are you sure?"
"Can I make it any more clear?" Iruka asked patiently.
"Uhm." Iruka laughed.
Then Genma leaned forward and kissed him deeply, his hands sliding up Iruka's back. Iruka slid his body against Genma's, rolling his hips against the other man's body. Genma groaned and gripped his hips, shifting their bodies so that their erections were rubbing against each other. Iruka rolled again, his tongue dancing around Genma's.
Genma pushed him gently away and ran his hands through Iruka's hair. "Let's move to the bedroom, Iruka."
Iruka smiled and kissed him again, then stood up fluidly, holding his hand out to Genma. "Let's." he purred.
Genma grabbed his hand and allowed Iruka to pull him up, then wrapped his arms around Iruka and kissed him, pulling Iruka's hips against his. Iruka moaned softly and grabbed Genma's shoulders, digging his fingers into Genma's skin as they ground together, moaning into each other's mouths.
Suddenly Genma stiffened and pushed Iruka away. "What?" He snarled.
Iruka, momentarily taken aback, gaped at him. But Genma was turning away, glaring towards the window.
Iruka leaned around him and sighed in vexation. The bird currently sitting on his windowsill gave him a blank, beady-eyed glare and tapped the glass again, obviously seeking entrance.
"One night off. Just one fucking night off…that's all I ask." Genma stalked towards the window and threw it open, holding his hand out impatiently. The bird hopped into his palm and ruffled his wings back, cocking its head.
"Mission?" Iruka asked in dismay.
"Yeah." Genma untied the tiny message scroll from the bird's leg and unrolled it, squinting at the writing. "Report immediately to the Tower."
"Damn." Iruka leaned on the counter, sighing, still vibrating gently from desire. "Such bad timing."
"Yeah." Genma crushed the paper and flicked the bird, then turned and spread his hands helplessly. "Iruka…"
"Don't." Iruka smiled, running his hand through his hair ruefully. "I understand."
Genma crossed the room and grabbed Iruka, pulling him against his body. "To be continued." He said softly. Then he kissed Iruka passionately.
When he'd gone, Iruka collapsed on the couch, glaring at the movie. Damn it!