Chapter 3: The Encounter

What did I say? Iruka thought to himself. He'd just vanished when I mentioned his mask… I didn't realize he was so sensitive about it… Iruka had just laid in his bed staring at the ceiling, so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even notice.

"Hey." Kakashi was crouched in his window.

"Oh, hey Kakashi." Iruka nearly jumped three feet, startled. "W-what are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm sorry for barging in so late, I just wanted to apologize for disappearing earlier." Kakashi said sheepishly. "Can I come in?"

"Huh, oh, yeah sure." Iruka replied, sitting back down.

Kakashi entered the room taking a seat on the bed next to the brunet.

The two men sat there in silence staring at each other for a long moment, finally Kakashi spoke, "I shouldn't have snapped at you earlier, I'm sorry. It's just… it's a touchy subject is all." They both fell silent again.

Why do I even care? Kakashi began thinking to himself. I've been asked dozens of times. I spent a whole week with Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura trying to see what's under my mask, they even went as far as trying to remove it once or twice. I didn't even flinch, let alone care… why him? It's just like when I specifically asked Lady Tsunade to have him on that mission… the mission that almost cost him his life… stupid… I've always been rather fond of him… always kind of wanted him… always wondered what it'd be like to be his… he's so kind hearted and nice to everyone… he even respected Naruto, grew close and protective over him even though the nine-tails inside him killed his parents… I can't help but to wonder what it'd be like to be with someone so understanding and well wonderful… but it's always just been wondering… just a thought in the back of my head… but lately I find it's getting harder and harder to control myself… all I want to do is be near him… to touch him… hold him… I think… I think I'm in love with him… so why did it bother me when he asked about my mask…? Kakashi bit his lip blushing. I want him to take it off of me…

"Kakashi?" the brunets eyes narrowing a little.

"Hmm?" Kakashi blushed and even darker shade of red, thanking the heavens, Iruka couldn't see it under his mask.

"Why did you get so weird when I asked about your mask earlier?" Iruka asked his concern clear on his face.

"It's personal really. After being a member of the Anbu, I guess it just became a habit to keep my face covered. The mask kind of became part of my wardrobe if you will." He replied rubbing the back of his head. "As for why I got defensive, well I honestly don't know, I guess it's a touchier subject than I thought it was heh."

"Well, it's your business, not mine." Iruka sighed. "It's alright, I understand, truly."

"Thanks Iruka." Kakashi nodded smiling under his mask. "I should probably get going, it's getting late, I'll let you get back to whatever it was you were doing." Kakashi got up to take his leave.

"Yeah." Iruka smiled. "Don't mention it. I'll see you later."

There was a knock at the door.

"Are you expecting anyone? At this hour?" Kakashi looked at the brunet.

"No." He looked over to Kakashi puzzled. "I'm not."

The two men walked to the door, opening to find Shizune standing there. "Iruka sorry to disturb you, but… Oh Kakashi you're here as well! Perfect, the Hokage would like to see you both in her office right away."

The two men nodded leaving towards the Hokage's office with Shizune.

xXx In Tsunade's office xXx

"They're here milady." Shizune panted as she announced herself as they walked in.

"Thank you Shizune." Tsunade looked at the two Shinobi standing before her. "Kakashi, Iruka, I need you to deliver these documents to the leader in Quarters of Tnazaku. The documents must be delivered by tomorrow evening. And since it's a full day's journey, it's imperative that you leave immediately, and you cannot rest until the documents are safely in the leaders hands. Once the documents are delivered you can return to the Leaf at your leisure." She explained.

"Yes ma'am." Iruka replied taking the documents. The two men took their leave. "Meet at the gates in twenty minutes." Iruka said as they went their separate ways to pack.

xXx later that night xXx

It's been over an hour… Iruka thought to himself. Where is he…? He's always late… Uhg he's so….

"You look annoyed, Iruka!" Kakashi said jokingly. "What're you waiting for, let's go."

Iruka sighed.

As they were running the forest, Kakashi sensed chakra… an all too familiar chakra…

"Stop." Kakashi put his arm out stopping the brunet dead in his tracks. "There's someone…" he pointed at a bush. "There!"

Two men emerged from the bush, both men dressed in white robes with giant purple bows on the back.

"O-Orochimaru…" Kakashi's eyes went wide. "Sasuke!"

"What do you want?!" Iruka demanded.

"Long time no see eh, Kakashi darling?" Orochimaru laughed, smiling a toothy grin. "How've you been, I believe the last time I saw you, you had a beautiful…"

"SHUT UP, YOU SNAKE!" Kakashi screamed, throwing his fist into the pale man's face knocking him over.

"How dare you!" Sasuke glared at the copy-nin. "Are you alright?" he looked over to Orochimaru.

"Yes, my love, I'm fine." Orochimaru replied as the two leaf ninja's eyes went wide. "We were just passing through; it just so happens that we ran into you. We'll be on our way now, Kabuto is waiting. I'll be seeing you soon… Very soon Kakashi darling." The snake licked his lips seductively as the two rogues vanished.

Kakashi just stood there, frozen, fear stricken into his eyes.

"Kakashi?" Iruka whispered.

"Let's go, we've fallen behind schedule, we need to pick up the pace." Kakashi replied, hi eyes filling with anger.

Iruka nodded, and they both started running.

Finally they reached Quarters of Tnazaku, delivering the documents, sending word to Lady Tsunade that Orochimaru is lingering in the nearby areas, surrounding the Leaf. After a hot meal, the two men went to their designated sleeping quarters to get some rest before beginning their journey home.

I wonder what that was all about. Iruka thought to himself, as he lay down on his bed staring up at the ceiling. That look in Kakashi's eyes… The fear and anger… It scared the shit out of me… Did something happen between them? And what was with Orochimaru calling Sasuke his love… The thought made his skin crawl as he shivered involuntarily. What an eventful day… Wait… W-what did he mean when he said he'd be seeing Kakashi soon… Very soon… Something about the way he said it… It's as if he's planning something… but what…? And why do I feel this sudden urge to protect Kakashi, I know I owe him my life… but I mean, I owe Asuma my life from way back, when we were still Genin… But the need to keep my Kakashi safe is… My Kakashi... Iruka closed his eyes, placing his hand over his forehead. Why would I call him that…? Eh, it's just a fluke I guess… But all the same, it's my obligation to keep him safe… Even if it costs me my life.

xXx

Kakashi sat on his bed trembling.

What is he doing here…? And what has he done to Sasuke…? He thought to himself jabbing his fist into the bed. What did he mean when he said he'd be seeing be very soon…? I mean, I know he and I had a rather rocky relationship when we were younger and that our breakup was violent… but that was a long time ago… I'd just made Chunin when we were together… that was nearly fifteen years ago… maybe he just meant he was going to attack the Leaf and said that as a warning… either way it could be bad… I have to inform lady Tsunade immediately… Whether Orochimaru is after me or planning an attack on the village, it won't be good… If he's after me, he'll terrorize the village until he gets me… And when he gets me… I can't let him get his hands on me again… I just can't.