Chapter 10

Difference

*cackles* Hurrah! the world didn't end! I get my presents after all!

But, ONWARD! And if anyone out there is in the middle of the chaos we call Christmas, my heart goes out to you. Hope this gives you the little breather you need.

….

Bird song and gentle breathing were the first things Iruka heard when he woke.

This was followed by the feeling of warmth, hard muscle and soft skin pressed up against him from both sides. There was no room to move, not that he wanted to, he was quite cozy there, with two pairs of legs tangled around his, Kakashi's arms were wrapped around his middle while he snuggled into Ibiki's huge chest.

The reason none of them could move however was due to the size of Iruka's bed, one person: fine. Two people: cozy. Three people: squished – they'd have to buy a bigger bed.

They. Iruka grinned at the word, yes, they. Kakashi and Ibiki had just proven that this could work, if they put the effort in and now that he knew they could, there would be no escape.

There was a sigh and he felt Kakashi shifting behind him, the sharp nose pressing up along his back and sending delicious shivers up his spine. Kakashi continued to nose his way up the slender body, making Iruka arch into the touch. He loved it when Kakashi did this and the copy nin knew it, exploiting the younger man's love to be nuzzled every chance he had.

It was a common way for Kakashi to wake up, like a puppy wanting to snuggle.

The lean body shifted again and Iruka felt Kakashi's mouth come into play, kissing his way up and down the dark neck as a pale hand moved to stroke at the slender waist – only to make contact with the rock hard muscles of Ibiki's stomach.

A muffled yelp came from the Jounin as Kakashi rolled backwards – and out of the bed. He hit the floor with a painful thump as Ibiki sat up, blinking as he gazed around blurrily. Iruka let out a little whimper of protest at being dislodged from his warm pillow.

"What happened?" The deep voice was rough from sleep as the big man turned to stare down at the pouting Iruka.

"Nothing, we need to get a bigger bed so Kakashi wont roll out of it" reaching up Iruka tugged at the big arm, trying to convince the Jounin to forget about it and lay back down.

Sadly he didn't, bracing his arms on either side of Iruka instead so he could lean over and smirk down at the copy nin sprawled on the floor "Comfy Ha-Kakashi?"

Iruka's brow rose at the obvious change in name but brushed it aside. Kakashi hated being called by his surname anyway.

A muffled "Fuck you Morino" was heard from the floor and Iruka grinned.

"Mmm, not a bad idea Kashi"

Ibiki burst out in roaring laughter while Kakashi sputtered on the floor, dragging himself up to glare at the two men still on the bed.

"Evil. Evil twisted being" the jib was directed at Iruka but said with a grin, the sign Kakashi was mostly joking.

Smiling himself Iruka leant in around Ibiki's arms and pressed a gentle kiss to the thin lips "Love you too idiot"

The action seemed to stun Kakashi for a moment as Iruka propped himself up on his elbows so he could kiss Ibiki too, grinning when he pulled back.

"Well aside from Kashi falling out of bed and ruining the moment, I like waking up like this"

Both Jounin remained silent as they stared at him with unreadable expressions, Kakashi's carefully blank while Ibiki seemed thoughtful. Iruka mentally sighed, obviously this wasn't solid yet, he'd have to work on that.

Yawning Iruka smiled as he smoothed his hands up Ibiki's chest, making the big man shudder before he slipped out from under the big frame and off the bed, stepping over Kakashi on his way to the closet. Showing no embarrassment to the fact he was still naked and very aware both men were ogling his ass as he walked.

Perverted Jounin.

Grinning he began sorting through the shelves, making sure he bent over as he pulled out a soft green tee and black shorts. Slipping both on he knelt down to dig through the gym bag full of Kakashi's spare cloths. Ones that had been left at his place for use after a long mission when the copy nin was too lazy to drag his ass back to his own place and to stubborn to check himself into the hospital. Iruka had considered throwing them out after the break up but hadn't been able to do it, shoving the bag as far back into the closet as he could instead.

He was grateful now; it was fun to think that at least a small part of him had known, to some degree, Kakashi would be back, that they'd been too good together for it too just end like that.

Digging deeper he pulled a pair of black sweats and a tank top of the same colour from the bag and threw them over his shoulder in the general direction of Kakashi, smirking when he heard them make contact with the copy nin's head.

Ignoring Kakashi's protest Iruka continued to dig, searching in vain for something that would possibly fit Ibiki but having no luck. Sighing he shoved the bag back in the closet and pulled out grey robe Kakashi sometimes used instead, it would be small but it was the only thing that might fit the big man.

"Here Ibi" walking back to the bed Iruka held out the robe to the interrogator "Its small but the biggest thing I could find, Kakashi's too skinny for any of his stuff to fit you"

There was a low growl from Kakashi who was dressing on the floor but Iruka just whacked the silver haired man over the head. "You've got a skinny ass, deal with it. What do you two want for breakfast?"

The last part was said casually over slender shoulders as Iruka strolled to the kitchen, gathering up their laundry on the way out, feeling pleasantly relaxed and wonderfully happy.

Humming softly as he filled the kettle then moving to the fridge, peering inside before deciding fruit porridge sounded like the best option. He listened carefully while he sliced the fruit, trying to keep tabs on the two men he'd left in the bedroom but it was surprisingly quiet. Well at least they weren't fighting.

Tossing the fruit into a pot Iruka set it on high, string slowly as he added the sugar and barley, when Kakashi strolled causally from the bedroom. The copy nin quickly ducked into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around the small man, pressing his nose into the crook of Iruka's neck as he breathed deep, humming happily as the Chuunin's scent filled his senses.

Iruka smiled softly and let him, enjoying the feeling of Kakashi's arms around him as the older man slowly began to sway side to side.

"So…"

Warm breath tickled his ear and Iruka grinned "So…?"

Kakashi's chin moved to rest on his slender shoulders as the copy nin pressed his pale cheek against the scarred one.

"There's a new sushi restaurant in the gardens. Genma says it's good"

"Mmm?"

Iruka grin widened when Kakashi growled playfully at his act and he received a quick nip at his ear before he was turned around to face the Jounin who was regarding him with exasperated affection.

"Can I take you on a date tonight?"

Iruka bit his lip as if thinking, even though they both knew he was free and a sushi restaurant would have things he could have, even on his current restricted diet. Kakashi rolled his eyes and waited, letting Iruka play his game.

His mistake.

Grinning mischievously Iruka leant to look around the copy nin at Ibiki who was exiting the bedroom, looking actually very good in the robe – though that may have been due to the fact it left the strong scarred calves and forearms bare to view while the rest of the material stretched tight across the hard chest and biceps.

"Hey Ibi"

The big man glanced up; a question look on his face as he tied a bandanna over his scarred head.

"You free for dinner tonight? I think Kakashi just offered to pay"

Ibiki's brow rose while Kakashi gaped at the younger man like a fish.

"Uhh, I believe so" Ibiki answered slowly as he settled down on the couch, black eyes still watching to the two men in the kitchen uncertainly.

"Great! What time were you thinking Kaka?" Iruka beamed up at the Jounin who was doing a great 'hit by a cart' impression.

The nick-name snapped him out of it, the silver hair waving back and forth as Kakashi shook his head before he sagged slightly and gave Iruka a look somewhere between annoyance and affection.

"Any time after six"

A quick glance at Ibiki showed a hesitant nod in agreement and Iruka beamed at them both before turning back to the pot of bubbling fruit, giving it a quick stir, knowing Kakashi would have seen the happiness is his eyes when they'd agreed.

He heard Kakashi sigh tolerantly before moving away to set the table and he grinned.

Tonight should be fun.

….

This shouldn't be this hard!

Ibiki paced back and forth across his bedroom floor, feeling like an idiot as he sent another glare at the small pile of cloths on the bed.

He was annoyed and embarrassed and nervous – and he hadn't felt any of those emotions in years. Least not to this extent or this strongly, or for such a silly reason.

It was half an hour before six, the decided time they would met for their date.

Date.

That one word sent a strong mixture of fear and excitement curling in his belly – was that normal? Ibiki couldn't remember but he didn't like it. He was Morino Ibiki damnit! He didn't get nervous, or scared! Come to think of it he'd never gone on a date either…

And his first one just had to be a threesome. Could he pick them or what?

He had no clue how Iruka'd talked Kakashi into the date, or why he himself agreed. It was psychotic! Crazy! It wouldn't work!

Would it?

Ibiki sighed, running a hand over his bare head and wincing when he felt the edges of the scars, then went back to staring at the small pile that was the only remaining civilian clothes still in good condition he owned. He could have sworn he had more but all his searching had proven him very wrong and that he definitely needed to get out more if pretty much his entire wardrobe consisted of uniforms.

He had only found two pairs of socks even – now that was just sad.

After sorting through the sad little pile he'd discovered there was really only two options to choose from as the amount of clothes that were actually suitable for public use – meaning they weren't torn or stained or so old they were see through, his sleeping and gardening clothes – had dwindled to a pair of black pants. Shorts that looked like they used to be actual jeans before they were cut at the knee. A sweater that must have been given to him by his mother when she'd still been alive cause she was the only person he could think of who was that colour blind. And a simple blue shirt with three-quarter sleeves.

Really there was nothing to think about, there for no reason why he should still be standing there in his underwear, seconds slipping away as he stalled.

Part of him was happy, Iruka had accepted him, shown he wanted him as more than a friend and that someone who wasn't a freak with a strange fetish or a masochist who just assumed he was their type could actually desire him. Last night had been incredible, it was the only way he could describe it but – but now they, Kakashi and himself, were face with a big choice.

They could back up and state that last night had been a one-time fling of insanity then try and talk Iruka into giving up his crazy idea and pick one of them or – or they could go along with it and give this whole thing a chance

Could it work? Iruka seemed to think so.

If anything, Iruka would be the only reason it could work, drawing them both in from their attraction to him but – no, Iruka wouldn't do that. He wouldn't ask them to invest in a threesome relationship purely for his gain. Iruka was a lot of things, but he was not selfish, that was very obvious.

No Iruka would give up everything he had before asking for something like that so he must actually believe that this would work, that he and Kakashi could actually come to like each other.

Ibiki sigh, at the start of the week, he would have pegged Iruka down as psychotic and just plain bonkers for ever thinking the three of them could become a threesome but now – well, he still thought Iruka was crazy, maybe there was a method.

Maybe Iruka had clued into something that he and Kakashi were ignoring.

A quick glance at the clock had Ibiki yelping in shock as he realized he only had five minutes left to six. Scrambling he threw on the black pants and blue shirt before finding a simple grey bandanna to cover his head, then a sprint to the bathroom for some cologne that he had found under the sink.

Dashing for the door Ibiki paused, debating a moment before he grinned and gave into the temptation, grabbing the blue sneakers no one knew he owned instead of his boots.

Satisfied his appearance was as good as it was going to get he slipped out the back door of his little house, pausing to refill the bird-feeder on the deck before heading off in a lazy run toward the town gardens.

…

The world was going to end.

Hatake Kakashi was – early.

And kicking himself heartily for it.

Kakashi sighed and slouched back against the side of the restaurant, casually shoving his hands into his jacket pockets and bending one leg at the knee, resting the foot against the wall behind him.

It was quarter too six, officially he'd been ready for the past hour – his pack's fault. All eight dogs had decided he was Hopeless and would Mess things up Spectacularly if left to his Own Means so – they had 'helped'.

This had mainly consisted of various civilian garments being thrown at him for an hour while Guruko, Uhie, Pakken and Shiba all yelled at him – at the same time of course – about what to and not to do, reminders of what Iruka liked -i.e. chocolate, not flowers, no dirty jokes unless the chuunin started it - and more until his head was spinning.

Surprisingly it had been Bull who'd helped the most, picking out an outfit that was comfy but sexy – the two most important things to Kakashi – while the other dogs had tried to pair together boxers with sweaters, dark red with bright green and mis-matched socks the black beast had quietly nosed him in the shoulder till he'd looked over and taken the simple pairing of light blue skinny jeans, camo tank and black jean jacket.

Adding his mask, an eye patch and his dog tags Kakashi had been pleased with the overall result, which he was sure would have Iruka in his arms by the end of the night.

Then the idiotic dogs – who stressed the point that he could not be late for this date or they would let him die on his next mission – had done a rather believable performance to make him think it was a half hour later than it really was and had sent him flying out the door in a panic, the only thought making him pause was the sudden realization that he didn't own any shoes other than his uniform sandals as Bisuke had eaten his runners last month.

So now he was fifteen minutes early. Damn mutts.

Kakashi growled quietly to himself in annoyance as he watched the passing crowd through hooded eyes, it was the only source of entertainment he had as the furry bastards had taken is Icha Icha, cause Iruka would get mad if he read on the date.

He could see their point, even if it was damn annoying.

Least the gardens were a nice place to wait. The Jasmine Flower restaurant was located in the middle of Konoha's central gardens and had huge willow trees surrounding it. The building itself was a small hut like thing with tall, ivy covered fences closing in the restaurant seating area which was outside in a mini garden of its own, under the shade of the willows and Japanese maple trees. He couldn't see inside the fence just yet but he could hear the sounds of running water, most likely a small water fall somewhere, and could smell a variety of flowers, not only the places namesake but a good deal more, as well as the scents of food drifting from the small kitchen. They smelt heavenly good.

Kakashi felt his mouth watering as he caught a whiff of eggplant with- something, he wasn't sure what but he would find out; maybe get Iruka to share it with him. They'd liked doing that before, getting different dishes then splitting them, and Iruka always like trying to figure out how they'd been made so he could attempt to recreate then later.

Then later, Kakashi's hand closed around the delicate item in his pocket, he would give then younger man his gift, something to show Iruka that this was for real, this time it was a promise. Iruka and Iruka alone. He had a feeling this whole threesome thing was a precaution as Iruka didn't really know Ibiki that well – yes they'd been through something horrible together but Iruka hadn't really been 'in it' at the time and how much could you really get to know someone in two weeks?

He had years with Iruka in his favor – well, maybe not favor, but they knew each other damnit! Kakashi knew Iruka was still in love with him, the younger man just didn't trust him, with good reason yes, but Kakashi was going to change that.

It was a little strange to think he was planning how to get Iruka as his boyfriend again when they'd already gone to bed, but come to think of it that's how it started last time too, he convinced Iruka of his physical attraction then moved on to the mental.

Last night- last night had been a one-time thing, something that had happened cause Iruka had needed it to heal and, sure, he accepted now that Ibiki was an ok guy. Someone he could be friends with in time, but he was still the best for Iruka, and was sure they could find someone else for the Bear. Then Iruka wouldn't feel guilty and they could go on with their lives, maybe get a house on the edge of the village. Some place with a yard for the dogs but close to the school for Iruka.

Kakashi smiled at that, plan falling into place as he watched the willow leaves sway in the light breeze.

"Kakashi?"

Sighing, slightly disappointed Ibiki had shown up before Iruka, Kakashi glanced up at the approaching man casually, nearly chocking with shock when his mouth went dry. Once again he was struck with the irony of his own obliviousness.

He'd seen Ibiki, naked last night, hadn't he? Though in hind sight he had been more focused on Iruka at the time but still!

Kakashi found himself stunned motionless as he watched the huge six foot man lumber toward him, power clear in every stride. It was strange to watch actually, Kakashi's over active mind supplied, as usually he was the one being admired, gaped at.

He was quite tall for the average person, added to the hair, pale complexion and reputation Kakashi had always known he'd stand out.

But now, as the muscular monstrosity came closer and Kakashi became even more aware of the fact he had to look up to keep eye contact – something he'd stopped doing at sixteen, when his growth spurt had taken him higher than all of his older team mates – he realized just how small Ibiki actually made him feel.

Like all his power meant nothing in the face of this man, whose scars proved that he was strong past all bulging muscles and fearful persona.

Staring up at the scarred but calm face Kakashi felt a shiver run through his body that had nothing to do with the breeze or even the small amount of attraction curling in his belly that he was determinedly ignoring.

It was fear, not for the power Ibiki possessed. No Kakashi was pretty sure in a physical fight, he would win. It was the sudden realization that this - this was the man that Iruka trusted; possibly more than the chuunin trusted him at the moment.

And for the first time in years – Kakashi felt out matched.

…

Checking on Naruto Wiki it says Kashi's about 5'11'' while Ibiki's six and a quarter, Kashi's also 145ish pounds while Ibiki's a couple pounds shy of 200. I love this pairing probably because of this, their size differences are huge, and while that's not a big deal with Iruka, Kakashi's usually the hard ass 'more impressive than anyone one else' in the pairings so I love playing up the fact that Ibiki is indeed much bigger than him. *giggles*

oh, and if anyone's interested, I just put up a Christmas story. check it out if you'd like.

Please review! (I count it as a gift)