Chapter 5
Ticklish spots and Trust
Yos! *giggles* everyone last time was rather gleeful at the cliff-hanger, It's like we enjoy Ruka being in trouble or something! *looks innocent*
SilkyOtter – yes! that's what I was going for! I wanted Toren to sound sort of Jamacan! Good to know my accent skills aren't that lacking *beams happily*
...
Toren paused and turned to look at the large, scarred man Iruka already knew stood in the shops doorway "Morino-sama" true to custom the big man bowed respectfully to the interrogator, nudging May in the leg so she and Tori would do the same.
Ibiki nodded to the three of them in polite, respectful response before the black eyes turned to the blushing chuunin and one thin eye brow lifted. A clear, non-verbal demand to know just what he thought he was doing.
Laughing Iruka sent the older man a cheeky grin that was only slightly strained "Uhh, hey. Sorry, thought I'd be back before you showed?"
From the look on Ibiki's face the big man did not like that answer; Iruka sigh.
"Come on Ibiki, its five blocks, I wasn't going to kill myself"
A deep growl came from the big man as he stalked over, coming to a stop well into Iruka's personal space as he stared down at the smaller man "You're under orders, not to strain your wounds, and if Tsuande knew you were out in this weather she'd send you back to the hospital where she could make Shizune keep an eye on you!"
Iruka flinched, knowing Ibiki was letting him know who had the power – and that he would tell Tsunade if he thought it necessary. Iruka sighed again, glancing over at Toren and the girls, who were watching the exchanged with some akin to fearful awe in their eyes.
Torne however got over his shock sooner than his daughters, as he stepped up, clearing his throat to gain the Jounin's attention. Iruka had to admire the storeowner, not many civilians had the guts to stand in Ibiki's presents – especially when he was pissed – and not crumple to the floor in fear.
"I apologize Morino-sama. I was the one to keep Iruka-sensei. If I had known he was too injured to be here I would have accompanied him home"
Shit
Iruka had a momentary panic. No, Toren would not be taking the blame for this.
"It's not your fault Toren, and Ibiki's exaggerating, If I was that injured Tsunade-sama wouldn't have released me" smiling gently at his old friend Iruka turned to send a glare at the big man before he grabbed the strong arm and pulled, forcing Ibiki to turn to face the family "And your being rude Ibiki. Toren, please meet Morino Ibiki, my Taicho and partner. Ibiki, this is Toren and his daughter's Tori and May, I've known them for years"
The last line was stressed in a low dangerous tone and underlined by short but sharp nails digging painfully into the tendon in the middle of the big wrist. Ibiki grunted and dipped to the side slightly but other than that showed no signs of the pain.
Straightening Ibiki nodded once again to the family "Of course, pleasure to meet you all" was said slightly faster and more strained then what would have normally come from the Jounin's mouth, but given the fact Iruka's thumb was still digging at the tender spot, it was to be expected.
Toren seemed surprised and a little more in awe to the change in attitude, as well as the fact the Morino Ibiki was being polite and equal with him of all people, May seemed to be thinking along the lines of this being the coolest day ever, and would no doubt use it in every way possible to dig at her little brother later.
Tori however, being the only other ninja in the room, saw Iruka's hand on the thick wrist and knew exactly what the chuunin was doing, having seen him do it to Kotetsu and Genma on more than one occasion. Iruka knew this would be all over the Mission Room tomorrow – that Ibiki was involved enough to look for him and that Iruka was familiar enough with the intimidating man to not be scared – and that it would mean he and Ibiki would most likely be shacked up as a couple within seconds of Genma getting his hands on the rumor, but once again, he really didn't mind.
Brushing these thoughts away Iruka slowly released the abused wrist, switching to stroking over the soft skin in a gentle caress. He was pretty sure Ibiki almost choked in shock.
"Well" Grinning brightly Iruka quickly snagged up his bags sitting on the polished counter "You need to start supper Toren, so we'll head out. I'll come by again soon?"
The tentative, almost question had Toren's head snapping around before a soft smile lit the dark face "Make sure ya do, Mixi and Chen will be sad they missed ya."
Iruka returned the smile as May crawled over the counter; arms open in the demand for a hug, which he gladly gave "Same, I'll have to catch them next time, tell Chen congratulations again for me"
"We will Sensei, and get better, we need help in the Mission Room so badly is sad"
Chuckling Iruka nodded in reply to Tori as he balanced the grocery bags in both hands and headed for the door, the shell shocked Ibiki snapping out of his stupor in time to overtake the smaller man and push the door open for him, snagging one of the bags from his grasp at the same time while nodding farewell to the family.
Iruka gave into a bubble of laughter just as the door swung closed.
Growling Ibiki fell in to step beside the younger man, sending him a glare as he did "I don't see what's funny, you just shattered my reputation"
"'Shatter' maybe a bit strong of a word"
"You broke the skin"
"I did not!"
The thin brows rose as Ibiki pulled his sleeve away from his wrist, revealing the crescent shaped cut. Iruka had the peace of mind to look shocked.
"I could have sworn I was being gentler"
A disbelieving snort was the only answer as a large arm reached around him to snatch the other bag from his grasp.
Knowing it was useless to protest, Iruka settled for looping one arm around the big man's elbow and pulling himself close to the large form. He didn't lean on the other man, just walked with him, grinning inwardly at the shocked but defiantly more than slightly pleased look that passed over the scarred face.
The walk home was quick, Ibiki insisting on helping Iruka up the stairs as, by that point; the younger man was having trouble keeping up with the uninjured man. He had to admit – unwillingly - that the day had been a little more than tiring, but one he didn't regret.
Coming up to the fifth floor apartment Ibiki pulled out the spare key Iruka had given him and proceeded in unlocking the battered door, Iruka still standing behind him, leaning slightly on the big man now when a door down the hall flew open. Revealing one of Iruka's neighbours, Aoba, who instantly brightened at the sight of the chuunin.
"Iruka-san! So it's true, your home!"
Iruka caught a brief glimpse of Ibiki's face as it darken in annoyance before he found himself lifted from the ground in embrace for the second time that day. Sighing mentally Iruka quickly returned the hug. He wasn't best buds with Aoba, but he liked the guy well enough. But Aoba was not Toren, or Ibiki, or Kakashi and he certainly wasn't female.
And it the current moment, Iruka didn't like being touched by anyone who wasn't one of the above.
Setting him back on the floor the tall man grinned down at the small brunette, not stepping away from him nor removing his hands from the slender waist as he did. Iruka felt his eyebrow twitch.
"Sorry I didn't stop by to visit before, been on a mission. Good to see you standing though, how are you feeling?"
Trying his best not to growl – Aoba was a nice guy, if a bit annoying, he just didn't have the patience to deal with him right then – Iruka attempted to casually step from the intimate hold, forcing himself to smile as he did "I'm feeling fine Aoba-san"
The man nodded, though Iruka had the feeling he would have regardless of the answer.
"Good, that's good. Hey, you need any help around the place, cause I could come over, cook breakfast in the morning and stuff if you-"
The rest of the offer was cut off when Aoba was suddenly pushed backward while Iruka was pulled from his hold and into Ibiki's. The interrogator sent the Tokujo a frightening glare as he pushed Iruka behind him and through the open apartment door.
"Iruka is under my care Yamashiro, now if you'll excuse us"
The door was slammed in Aoba's stunned face.
Making a low growling noise Ibiki trudged to the kitchen, Iruka's wrist still in his grip as he dropped the bags on the counter, still muttering dark thoughts, when suddenly he was yanked backward, a yelp of pain coming from the surprised Jounin as the strong arm was twisted to the side and down until the black eyes were level with narrowed brown.
"What the fuck was that?"
"Iruk-?"
Pulling on the arm harder the smaller man affectively silenced Ibiki, the dark eyes stating plainly he wanted a good answer and now.
"You heard me, just what gave you the reason to toss me – not to mention Aoba-san – around like that. I don't care that you're the fucking fearsome Morino, I wouldn't care if you were the Miskage! Just what made you think you had the right?"
The big Jounin seemed to have been stunned into silence for the moment as he just stared at the younger man, a million and one different thoughts and emotions flashing through the black eyes before Iruka blinked, letting out a small gasp before he let go and backed up so fast he rammed himself into the counter with wince worthy impact.
What the fuck was that Umino? You just attack the guy? What is wrong with you?
Mentally cursing himself Iruka kept his gaze on the floor as he waited for the Jounin to get mad, unconsciously curling in on himself in fear of the blows he knew would come.
"Iruka?"
Brown eyes snapped open at the soft tone; slowly he lifted them to meet concerned black.
"I-" Iruka struggled for the words "I'm – I'm sorry Ibiki, I don't know why I did that."
The black eyes seemed puzzled for a moment then they widened. One scarred hand came up to pinch the bridge of the crooked nose as Ibiki swore softly "Fuck, I'm such an idiot"
"What?"
Slowly Ibiki took a step forward until he could wrap large arms around the brunette.
"You've been so strong, both here and in Stone, I didn't even bother to think about all the normal trauma a torture victim goes through. You got over the panic attacks so quickly, I made the mistake of brushing aside the thoughts you might have more issues and for that I'm sorry"
Lifting his head to stare at the big man Iruka gave a very intelligent 'huh?' that had Ibiki smiling sadly.
"You'll still have some physiological trauma and grabbing you like that was stupid and unfair and you had every right to get mad."
"Oh"
Feeling very small and defenceless Iruka gave into the moment of weakness and leaned into the warm embrace. Wrapping his own arms around the broad form and holding tight. Realizing that Ibiki had been right, that he'd been trying to fight it, the fact he'd been tempted to leave his gloves on more than once and had pinned a blanket over the bathroom mirror were all signs he wasn't as ok with what had happened as he'd been letting people believe.
But what else was he supposed to do? He had to go on, it's what was expected. Hell, Sandiame hadn't even given him the day off after getting hit in the back with a giant windmill shrukin.
But Ibiki was right, he was right. And Iruka knew it, he'd known since they'd let him go home. He'd known it since they'd taken him off the painkillers and the memories of what had happened started coming to him in the night. He'd known it when he told Ibiki not to stay the night – so not to be a bother he had said but in reality he didn't want the older man to be there when he woke up screaming, trying to fight the hands that were no longer there.
He'd known all along and had tried to hide it behind his normal smile and cheeky humor.
Iruka felt more than heard the first sob as it wracked through his body as he collapsed in the strong hold. The world tilted and before he could process it he found they were in the living room with him curled up in the broad lap, Ibiki's calloused hands smoothing down his back as the big man held him close. The soothing mantra of 'its ok' being whispered gently as Iruka sobbed into the strong shoulder.
Iruka was sure how long they stayed there, with Ibiki running gentle hands through his hair while he clung to the big form like a life line, but eventually the tears stopped, leaving him shuddering in the Jounin's arms, trying desperately to block out the dark memories that were crowding his mind.
"I was scared"
Rich brown eyes snapped open at the soft words. Tilting his head slightly Iruka looked up at the older man; the black eyes were dark and haunted as they stared straight ahead.
"What?"
Sighing Ibiki turned to meet his gaze, one hand coming up to gently brush over the new scars slashed across the dark temple.
"In Stone. I don't think I've ever felt that helpless before. I was so useless. Just sitting there day after day, wishing somehow, something would happen to get me closer to you" Ibiki gave a humorless laugh "Never thought you'd be the one to give me the chance" the gentle hands still for a moment before they moved to shift him closer "Iruka I- I've never been in this kind of situation, and I think I've been handling it badly, I – I want you to trust me, I want to help you heal but – " the big man sighed before giving another laugh "But for the life of me I don't know how"
That made Iruka smile a little while he slowly loosened his death grip on the blue uniform "You are helping Ibi, by being here. By knowing that I'm not ok when I say I am, you are helping and I do trust you"
"Then tell me when you're in pain" the deep voice took on a tone of desperation "Don't just smile and brush it aside"
Iruka let the words sink in before he slowly nodded against the strong chest "I'll try"
Any answer from the big man was cut off when a soft 'click' came from the corner of the room before the living room window was slid open, light from the street lamps illuminating Kakashi's tall form as the Jounin slipped through the small opening.
Standing the white haired nin glanced around the room in confusion, the bi colored eyes falling on the couch as he reached for a switch on the wall "Why are you two sitting in the dar- Ru-koi!"
The copy nin hurried over, completely ignoring Ibiki as he reached out to touch the dark face, concern and fear clear in the grey eye.
"Ru-koi? What's wrong? What happened?"
Still in panic mode Kakashi slid on the couch next to Ibiki, not seeming to notice when he pressed his thigh against Ibiki's as he reached out and pulled Iruka's legs over his lap.
Ibiki expression was one of complete and utter shock with something akin to amazement as he stared at the younger Jounin; there was no annoyance – much to Iruka's surprise – though the strange expression did make the chuunin want to crack up. It took the big man a few minutes to get over his shock before he snapped back into 'fearsome Morino' persona, the scarred face darkening as he growled at the copy nin, who was still ignoring him.
"Hatake, what are you doing here?"
The grey eye turned and gave the specialist a scathing look "Dancing Mornio, what do you think I'm doing? Now what's wrong with Ruka?"
Kakashi spat the question out. Somewhere in the back of his mind Iruka noted that whole situation with the two powerful males glaring death threats at the other would have been much more intimidating and all round terrifying if they hadn't practically sitting on each other. Him still being sprawled over their laps didn't make the picture any less ridiculous.
But it was when Kakashi's gloved hand began gently stroking the bottom of his foot that Iruka lost it. Kakashi had always tried to find his ticklish spot, it had been a game for them, one usually played in bed or when Iruka came home from a stressful day.
Now, even as he stared the other man down with one eye, Kakashi seemed to subconsciously slipping into old habits, and it seemed that – after years of unsuccessful searching - he'd finally found Iruka's ticklish spot.
Laughter bubbled up from the young man, unchecked, clear, bright and probably the most real heard in a long time.
Both Jounin stopping in their silent fight to look down at the brunette wiggling in Ibiki's lap as he laughed – Kakashi's hand was still stoking the sensitive spot –like they feared for his sanity (the little that was left anyway)
"Iruka?" Ibiki voice was clearly worried and more than a little bit scared; it did nothing to help Iruka's current state of mirth. Struggling to breath he tried to form legible words.
"K-Kash-i – stop- it! T-ticklish!"
The copy nin looked extremely confused for a moment before it dawned on him and a grin crept into the grey eye "Oh, really?" quickly the gloved hands grabbed both feet and began tickling them with vigour, sending the brunet into another gale of uncontrollable laughter.
"P-please! N-no – m-more! Kashi!"
Still grinning Kakashi stopped his attack and positively beamed when Iruka sent him a glare.
"Better?"
"You're an idiot"
"But a loveable one"
Iruka growled and pulled his legs from Kakashi's hold, grabbing onto Ibiki's shoulder for support as he sat up, still cuddled in the big lap.
Kakashi's smile faded slightly as he watched the younger man struggle to get up, the concerned look returning to the grey eye "Seriously though, what happened? Is everything ok?"
Surprisingly it was Ibiki who answered the other man "He's fine Hatake, I over looked something's"
Kakashi frowned at that, obviously not liking the answer, even if it gave him something to hold over the specialist "Such as?"
Iruka cuffed the silver crowned head hard enough to make the nin protest. He was feeling much better already, between Ibiki's comfort and Kakashi's uncanny abilities to make him laugh all the darkness that had been trailing him seemed to melt away.
"Stop being an ass Kashi and go take a shower, you smell like mud and wet dogs. You know I love your pack but the fact you only bathe them twice a year still doesn't thrill me"
Laughing sheepishly Kakashi slunk toward the bedroom, disappearing through the door less opening. Lights flicked on and a few minutes later the sound of water running could be heard from the living room.
Sighing Iruka stared down at Ibiki who had yet to move from the couch, a thoughtful, almost sad look on the scarred face.
"Ibi? You ok?"
Looking up at the question Ibiki blinked, black eyes narrowed as if considering something "You're happy around Hatake"
Tilting his head Iruka nodded slowly "Well, yes. I've known him for years"
"You still like being with him, despite what he did?"
Giving a snort Iruka flopped himself down on the floor in front of the couch "Kashi's an idiot, everyone knows that, and everyone makes mistakes. The years of friendship I have with him would mean nothing if I couldn't forgive him once in a while; plus, one of the best things about Kakashi is – he always keeps trying. So even though I'm not running back to him, I'm not going to just push him away. I didn't do years ago, I won't do it now"
Ibiki nodded slowly, accepting this explanation though he still looked sad, making Iruka sigh.
"That's not what you were asking though. What is it? What's wrong?"
"He can make you laugh"
Iruka could almost hear the unspoken 'I can't do that 'hanging in the air and he smiled.
"Kashi's known me a long time, he's one of my best friends and we could both tell you some of the most embarrassing stories about each other. We're good at making each other feel better, that's why he come here after a mission – well, that and he can't cook - but Ibi-"
The Jounin glanced up at the pet name, which Iruka was pleased to note hadn't been protested to once, a curious look in the black eyes as Iruka shifted closer to lean against the strong legs.
"You're not Kakashi, and that's a good thing – I can only handle one of him and sometimes even that's too much – I like being with you because your intelligent, kind, warm and safe. You do make me smile Ibi, but that's not the only reason why I like you being here. You're not Kakashi, your Ibiki, and that's just fine with me"
Iruka paused, considering the wisdom of his next words before smiling again as he reach out to give the big hand a squeeze before hopping up and drifting back toward the kitchen, speaking over his shoulder to the big man as he did.
"Besides, I don't trust Kakashi enough to break in front of him"
I do with you.
He let the unspoken words hang. Ibiki wasn't Kakashi, so he didn't know like the other Jounin that Iruka didn't break in front of anyone. When he did he would disappear for a week and no one would be able to find him until he came back, acting like nothing happened.
Ibiki didn't know the level of trust he'd received – but he was Ibiki, he didn't know, but he suspected.
Iruka heard the big man heave himself from the couch just as he started to reach for the grocery bags.
"I'll cook supper Iruka"
The younger man shook his head firmly "No, I don't mind, besides, the whole trip to day was so I could pick this stuff up. I had something special in mind"
Ibiki's brow rose "Oh? Whys that?"
Iruka shrugged, not glancing up from where he was sorting the fresh ingredients on the counter "No reason, just Kashi getting back today and wanted to thank you for taking care of me" he sent the big man a smile "I'm not used to being care for – usually it's the other way around"
Ibiki returned the smile as he slid in next to the smaller man "I like being here. Anyway, can I help? What are you making?"
Iruka hummed thoughtfully as he pulled out the needed utensils "Mmm, sure, if you want and I was planning on making eggplant lasagna, with stuffed mushrooms. I know" he held up a hand when Ibiki made to speak "I have fruit salad and that strange custard you bought for me"
"It's not custard it's a powered protein with natural antib-"
"I don't need to know exactly what it is to know it's strange and if you wish me to continue to be good and eat it you will not finish that explanation"
Ibiki snorted "You're such a kid sometimes, you know that"
Iruka beamed brightly as he began slicing the eggplant "And proud of it. Survive a class room without being childish Ibi, I dare you"
The big man shook his head, laying down noodles and pouring the sauce over them as he did "I'll pass; they'd probably rebel against me and launch an attack"*
That had Iruka laughing as he pictured his class swarming the huge man, ball bats, dull practice weapons and spit ball shooters in hand as they tried to bring him down by sheer numbers.
"Probably, though it does give me an idea for a practical exercise, I'll have to talk to Tsunade-sama about that"
Ibiki shuddered "I don't know what you're planning but can you tell me when you do it? I want to out of village when the mayhem happens. By the way, doesn't lasagna take a few hours to cook?"
Iruka glanced over at the finished dish, noodles, sauce, cheese and eggplant all laid down evenly and waiting to be slipped in the oven.
"Normally yes, but I'll just add some chakra and it will speed it up"
"You mean I'll add some chakra?"
Sending the older man a glare Iruka forced down his exasperated sigh "No, I have chakra Ibiki, I'm healing yes, but a few jolts of chakra won't send me back to the ER"
Ibiki didn't look too thrilled but Iruka could tell by the look on the scarred face the Jounin knew there was no reason to argue and that he was right, he could use chakra.
Sighing Iruka returned his attention to the mushrooms he was filling with sausage and herbs. He knew Ibiki was protective – it was obviously a part of the big man's personality – and it was plain that his instinct had been doubled after watching the chuunin get hurt but Iruka was going to have to be clear in the fact that he wasn't someone to be taken care of – he needed equality, not a protector.
The sound of running water stopped, reminding both men of Kakashi's presents when they heard feet pad quietly across the bedroom carpet. Iruka glanced up in time to see the very naked copy nin stalk past the door, grace and power in every move, and he smiled.
Due to a shinobi's life style – one filled with injuries, freezing nights with strange people and surprise checkups – no ninja really had any illusions of modesty or privacy. If they did, they spent a good deal of their life's extremely embarrassed.
And since Kakashi had been thrown into the world of an active shinobi at age five he had absolutely no issues with this concept – none, what so ever. Even when they'd just been friends, with no thoughts toward ever dating Kakashi had been completely lax about personal space in Iruka presents – whether it was just walking into the bathroom when Iruka was in the shower or just helping himself to Iruka's clothes, like now.
Iruka had never really minded and he wasn't going to fuss now, though in hind sight, he probably should have warned Ibiki.
Glancing up Iruka stifled his laughter when he saw the wide black eyes and the telltale signs of a blush on the scarred cheeks. Obviously Ibiki had looked up at the same moment as him.
"He does that"
Ibiki snapped around, managing to regain his composure as he face the younger man "Pardon?"
Iruka bit back more laughter "Kakashi, he does that, it doesn't mean anything, he's just really not shy. It happens when you've been active since five"
Kakashi's call from the bedroom interrupted any reply "Ru-koi, do you still have my sweats? Or did you give them to Gen?"
"The box in the closet, far left. And stop calling me that!"
"Thanks and no"
Iruka snorted and rolled his eyes at the cheeky reply as he heard Kakashi rummaging through his closet. A few moments later the Jounin appeared, looking very casual in a soft, grey tank, one that was too big for Iruka but had been kept cause it was comfy, with black sweats – from the spare clothes Iruka had buried in the back of his dresser instead of getting rid of them.
A black bandana was wrapped around the pale face while the silver hair hung down over the Sharingan eye. Kakashi may have trusted Iruka enough to show his face, but not Ibiki.
Not yet anyway.
"Mm smells amazing Baby" sauntering over Kakashi hooked one arm around Iruka's slender waist and press his cloth covered lips to the dark temple, Iruka huffed and leant away from the kiss, swatting at the older man with a spoon.
"Stop that, and if I don't like 'Ru-koi' what makes you think you can call me baby?"
Kakashi just chuckled and moved so he could warp both arms around the smaller man, pressing his long torso against Iruka's back as he held the brunet lovingly.
"I'll wear you down. By the way, why do you have a blanket pinned over the mirror? Did you break it or something?"
Iruka felt a flash of panic well up in his chest as he glanced over at Ibiki, he could see Ibiki's frown – which had taken up residence on the scarred face when Kakashi had started touching him – deepen at the copy nin's words.
"Iruka?"
The deep voice was soft and gentle, Kakashi started in surprised to the tone – one he probably thought the big man wasn't capable of – while Iruka sighed, letting his hair swing forward to hide his face.
"It's nothing Ibiki I – I'm just not ready"
Silence stretched between them for a moment, Kakashi's arms tightening slightly around the younger man while Ibiki's expression softened.
Iruka sighed as he glanced down at his mangled hands. He would get over this, he knew he would he just needed-
"Hey Ibiki" Tori's words flashed through his head It had just seemed funny at the time but the more he thought about it now, the better it seemed "Do you think Tsunade-sama would let me pull some shifts in the Mission Room?"
"What?" Ibiki started and dropped the spoon he'd been using to stir Iruka's 'custard' "Iruka I-"
"Not long ones!" Iruka cut the 'you'll strain yourself' speech off before it could start "An hour or so at the most, I won't get hurt and you know it, but it would give me something to focus on, instead of just hanging around here all day"
And would probably be the biggest step toward heal, mentally at least. Being around shinobi again and doing something would pull his mind away from the dark memory's and force him to get over it and move on.
Ibiki understood, he could see in the black eyes. After all, Ibiki had been in his position before, knew that alone time wasn't always the best option. Ibiki had told him bits and pieces of his own recovery after a month spent in Mist and Iruka had already realized his mental issues and the ones Ibiki'd had were extremely different.
After returning Ibiki hadn't trusted or wanted to be around other people at all and this afternoon had shown Iruka had no issues interacting with others; but then he'd always been a people person. Were Ibiki'd needed time and space to heal and readjust, Iruka needed to be around others.
That's how he healed and he realized that now.
Ibiki sighed while he fished the spoon from the sauce pan "I'll talk to Tsunade tomorrow, during your physio therapy"
Smiling Iruka pulled away from Kakashi's embrace to quickly hug the big man "Thank you"
He could hear Kakashi shifting uncomfortably behind him but paid no mind, knowing that the other Jounin was simply confused by seeing this gentle side of Ibiki, something very few people would even dare to believe existed.
Just like Kakashi's sweet side, a thing of fairy tales to most – but he'd shown it earlier that night.
Slowly but surely – the images the two men had of each other, were changing.
...
*In reference to 'The Classroom Challenge' where Iruka's dares the other shinobi to teach his class for a day. Ibiki did ok till the kids stopped being scared of him and drove him into the supply closet. I love that story.
In case it's not blatantly obvious, I love cooking, so much that I have to consciously restrain myself from going into cook show detail when Iruka starts cooking, it's that bad. So be grateful *blushes*
hope you guys enjoyed!