Isn't it wrong to give someone else hope when you already have a crush on someone? Well, we'll forget about that unrequited 'thing' then.

Chapter Two: The Date

"Why can't you just tell me who?" Iruka complained on his way to the restaurant Kotetsu was taking him to. The only thing missing was a blindfold and Iruka had seriously expected that after this much secrecy. Kotetsu didn't tell him where he was taking him, whom he would be meeting, hell, the only thing he knew was the date was male.

"Look pup, you're new at this and I get. But you should learn to trust your friend here more." Then he slung an arm around Iruka's shoulders and pulled him into a sideways one-armed hug.

"Look, doggy, first, call me 'pup' again and I'll make sure you never breed. And sec-"

"Feisty today, huh? He'll like it."

"And second, I may have never gone on a very blind date like this, but I'm pretty sure I should at least know a name." And he finally succeeded to push Kotetsu's arm off his shoulders.

The spiky haired chuunin ignored the brunet. "Hey. Here we are. I'm sure he's waiting for you inside. I don't think he's the type of person to be late on a first date." And he added pointedly "Unlike some people I know to have a habit of being late."

Iruka sighed. "You're not gonna compare this whoever to the Copy Nin now, are you?"

"Not as a ninja maybe –which he's a pretty capable nin- but as a person. You deserve a lot better than watching someone from far for the rest of your life, Ru." Then he ushered the brunet through the door and quickly disappeared before he could protest.

Iruka was speechless. He had no idea what to do, there were a lot of people inside and he had no idea who his 'date' was or what he looked like. And he didn't know what to say when a waitress saw him standing there and came to ask him if he would like a table.

"Oh, no, he's with me, thanks." Before Iruka could say anything, someone -apparently his 'date'- lead him to a table.

He finally got a look at the taller man who was taking a seat opposite of him.

"Genma-san?"

"Iruka-sensei." He smiled warmly. Iruka kept gaping.

"Uhm, sensei, wouldn't you sit down?" Iruka finally moved to the chair.

"Are you my date?"

"Ano, yes, but you seem too uncomfortable with me. If you don't like…" Iruka looked at the disappointed expression on the honey haired man's face then realized in horror. He was extremely rude to a person who came all the way, on daytime, just for him.

"Oh, no, not…I mean not uncomfortable, I'm just surprised. I wasn't expecting you Genma-san!"

The tokubetsu jounin chuckled nervously and offered "I'm your date Iruka-sensei, you can call me Genma." Iruka blushed at the nervous gesture.

"You too, Genma." The said shinobi smiled warmly before the waitress came to take their orders. They both ordered coffee since it was noon.

After the waitress left Genma leaned closer over the table as to give a secret. "Did you know where Tsunade-sama's most secret Sake stash is?"

Iruka smirked. "Of course. You mean the one in the missions office, under the trademark pile, right?" Genma was surprised.

"How do you know? Even Shizune doesn't know about that one!"

Iruka grinned mischievously. "Who do you think was the one that made all her stashes disappear mysteriously that day and drove her mad?" Genma's eyes widened as he gaped. "You did that? I know the ANBU Shizune sent to find all of the secret hiding places have been unsuccessful!"

Iruka nodded proudly. "You see, I can tell you more things if you promise not to tell anyone." Genma nodded eagerly and pulling the senbon out from his mouth, he put his hand on his heart. "I'll take the secret to the grave, sensei."

From there, the conversation went comfortably and fun. When Iruka realized it became dark outside he pouted.

"What's wrong?"

"What? Uh, nothing!" Iruka forced a smile. Genma raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "You were pouting when you looked outsi…oh." He followed his gaze and looked outside to see the last crumbles of sunshine leaving. And the tokubetsu jounin's face lit up with pleased surprise and a small smile cracked on his lips.

"You don't want to go." He stated more than asked.

The brunet bit his bottom lip. "No, I don't." he answered softly anyway as he shook his head reluctantly.

Genma's smile grew into a full-blown grin as he eyed the blushing brunet who was trying desperately not to look at him.

"Does that mean I get to see you again?"

Iruka's head shot up. "You want to see me again?" he asked hesitantly chewing on his bottom lip.

Genma smiled and focused his gaze on the floor as he talked. "I -Of course I want to." He looked straight into Sensei's eyes. "You're a good catch, Ruka."

Iruka blushed. "Uhm, sure…" he was watching the stains on the table intently as he smiled softly. "I'd love that."

Genma grinned happily. He watched the blushing brunet for a while in companionable silence but then jumped up as he remembered something.

"What's wrong?" Iruka looked worriedly at the suddenly tense shinobi.

"Iruka, I'm so sorry. I forgot. I have a mission tonight. I have to go see Tsunade-sama for orders and pack and I was supposed to be there before the sunset." He looked away with an ashamed expression.

Iruka chuckled with relief and amusement. He realized how stupid his worry was. The man wasn't just going to remember and say "Oh I'm sorry I forgot I'm straight. Sorry. Ja ne!"

"It's okay, Genma, I have papers to grade anyway. Let's go." Before he could say anything else the jounin disappeared into the back of the café to pay the bill. Iruka got up, gathered his stuff and decided to wait outside.

"Hey." The older man greeted with a smile as he came back. Iruka frowned slightly.

"I could've paid my share." Genma smiled and looked down at his feet then back at him.

"You can do that the next time." He smiled brightly and Iruka blushed again. "So, uhm, see you later?"

Genma smirked. "We will see each other soon sensei. Don't forget, you promised me another date."

Pink creeped on Iruka's cheeks again as he nodded slowly. Then like he realized something his face went serious as he stepped closer to the honey haired shinobi. Unconsciously laying a hand on Genma's chest Iruka almost pleaded. "Be safe."

Genma chuckled but smiled warmly. "I will be sensei. How could I not come back when I have a date with the sexiest shinobi in the village to look forward to." Then he cupped Iruka's cheek sweetly, looking straight into the brunet's eyes he promised in a low voice. "See you later, Iruka-sensei."

"See you later, Genma." And they parted for their separate ways, thinking about each other.

None of them had realized a single grey eye watching them the entire date.


A.N Please review ^_^

TjRythum thank you for reminding me to update! Luv ya! *grins*