"Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka looked up from the scroll and blinked. "Raidou-san?"

"Hey." Raidou looked like shit. He'd obviously not been sleeping well; there were giant black circles under his eyes, and he leaned wearily on the desk, his hands in his pockets.

"Uhm. Have you seen Genma?" Raidou asked abruptly.

Wha…oh. Iruka set the scroll down slowly, trying to decide how to answer him.

Genma had broken up with Raidou just before their first date. And Raidou was clearly not taking it well.

Does he know we're dating? Iruka studied the other man's face and mentally shook his head. He has no idea.

Oh, Raidou…

"He's on a mission." Iruka said slowly. "It's an S-ranked classified; I have no idea when he's due home."

"Oh." Raidou slumped and looked away. Iruka, despite his growing feelings for Genma, found himself feeling sympathetic. "Raidou-san…you don't look well."

"I feel like an idiot." Raidou said quietly. "A real idiot. I need to talk to Genma."

Iruka hesitated, struggling with himself. This is really awkward, he thought with a sigh. Part of him wanted to encourage the obviously unhappy Raidou. Part of him wanted to make him leave Genma alone for ever.

Before he could make up his mind, another person appeared beside Raidou.

"Yo." Kakashi tucked away his book and gave Iruka a grin. "Raidou-san, Iruka-sensei. How are you today?"

"Fine, Kakashi-san, thank you." Iruka said with a smile. Kakashi stuffed his hands in his pockets and continued to smile.

The moment became awkward rather quickly. Raidou, drawing himself out of his funk, glanced between them and raised his eyebrows. "Ah. I…thank you for the information, Iruka-sensei. I'll see you around."

"Have a good day, Raidou-san." Iruka said quietly.

After Raidou left, Iruka glanced up at Kakashi. "Uhm…was there something I can do for you, Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi smirked. Iruka blushed and gritted his teeth.

"Let me rephrase that…" Iruka said quietly.

"Don't. I'm sorry." Kakashi said softly. Iruka blinked and looked at him, surprised. Kakashi looked suddenly, uncharacteristically serious behind his mask.

"Look. I'm…I'm sorry about…everything. I'm an idiot. I just wanted you to know that. I hope you're really happy. I mean it."

"Thank you." Iruka said after a moment. "Kakashi…"

"I'll see you around, ok?" Kakashi pulled his hands from his pockets and gave him a cheery wave, then poofed away.

Well…that was…interesting, Iruka thought. Wonder what brought that on?

…

I thought you were going to talk to him?

I was. Kakashi sighed and shifted, glaring at the trees. I tried. But I just…

Chickened out. Obito said flatly. Minato laughed.

Shut up.

Really, Kashi-kun. You're a grown man. Why can't you just talk to him?

What if I don't want to? Kakashi shifted his glare from the trees to the memorial. Why are you being so pushy? Can't you see that he's perfectly happy with Genma?

But you're miserable. Minato sounded aggrieved.

I am not miserable!

Yes you are, son. Sakumo said reasonably. You can't lie to us. You're miserable.

I…am…not…miserable. Kakashi felt his teeth grinding and closed his eyes. "Why do I even come here?"

Because you don't have anyone else to talk to.

Kind of sad. Obito said softly.

It's not…what…

You don't have any real friends. You don't have a lover. You don't have anyone. You're alone.

Thank you for reminding me, Kakashi thought sourly.

We're trying to help. Minato sighed. We're the only ones who know you well enough to know how unhappy you are.

Kakashi sighed. He momentarily wondered if they'd lock him up in the mental ward for this.

Fine. What should I do?