Disclaimer: I own nothing but their souls.

First Kiss

-4. No Better Than Reality-

Kakashi glanced up from his book and at the chuunin standing beside him, laughing pleasantly at something Genma said. He frowned and looked back down into his book.

'Takeo gently tilted Miko's chin towards himself, her eyes glittering with hope as she faced her hero.'

Kakashi looked back towards the teacher, who was now leaning against a tree, the corners of his lips curved in a pleasant smile. The kind face turned towards Kakashi and he hastily looked away.

"Kakashi-sensei," Iruka called, coming towards the jounin, pleased to see the usually unsocial man here, "Are you enjoying the festival?"

"It's ok," Kakashi said shortly, burying his face back behind his book. Iruka shook his head, a smile on his lips.

"Your stories are better than what reality could offer, huh?" Iruka said softly, looking back out at the lights and bustling people, "I understand."

'A tear slid down her cheek as he brought their faces closer.

"Don't cry, my sweet. I'm here now…you're all I've ever wanted," he whispered, kissing the tear away.'

"What about you?" Kakashi asked politely.

"What?" Iruka asked, turning back towards the jounin, momentarily lost in thought, "Oh the festival. Yes, a lot of work went into making it successful, you know?"

"But are you enjoying it?"

'Miko smiled gently, lifting her teary face towards Takeo's as he pressed his lips against hers, drawing a gentle moan from her lips.'

"I…," Iruka paused, watching a small boy laughing as he pulled his father along towards a lantern store and pointed at one shaped like a frog.

Kakashi looked up from the book and glanced at the teacher, then in the direction he was looking.

"Iruka-sensei?"

"Wha- Oh, yes…it's lovely," Iruka answered dismissively, a sad smile in his lips as the boy ran off with the lantern as the father laughed and called for him to wait up.

"Missing Naruto?" said Kakashi, shutting his book softly and slipping it into his pocket. He turned to find Iruka leaning back against the wall and staring at the ground, his face hidden in shadow.

"Mm," he said quietly.

Kakashi's hand lifted of its own accord, reaching towards Iruka, before he stopped himself and dropped his arms to his side.

"I do too," he said softly.

"You must have so many people who've…," Iruka started, uncertain if he was pushing the boundaries.

"We all do," said Kakashi, gazing down at the little chuunin who was usually so cheerful.

"Loneliness…is easily underestimated, isn't it…," Iruka mumbled quietly.

Kakashi took a deep breath and placed a hand on Iruka's shoulder. The teacher look up at him in surprise before a small gasp escaped his lips as he was pushed back against the wall as Kakashi leaned in and pressed his body up against the smaller man.

"Kakashi…what- mmh?" Iruka managed before a pair of soft lips pressed against his own, as strong hands held his hips against a firm body.

Iruka was frozen in surprise for a brief moment, before the delicious sensation of Kakashi's gentle mouth caressing his own brought him back with a little moan. He wrapped his arms around the taller man's shoulders and pressed back, parting his lips slightly to allow the jounin's tongue to enter into his mouth, his back arching forwards at the deep groan from Kakashi's throat.

They eventually parted, out of breath, as Kakashi pulled his mask back over his face as Iruka smiled dazedly up at the taller man.

"Sometimes, reality is a whole lot better," Kakashi said quietly as he leaned against the wall besides Iruka, as they enjoyed the rest of the festival together.