Leaves in the Wind

Chapter Twenty-Five: Adventures of the Tea Kettle

Kakashi silently followed Iruka into the Chuunin's dim apartment. Since they left Yasuo and their little spat behind, Kakashi had been radiating a cross mood. However, this very subtle tweak in his aura was something only Iruka was able to sense. The Academy Sensei had spent years deciphering underlying emotions, and it had become a talent that was uniquely his. He was proud of it. Iruka's time with Kakashi had allowed him to see through a few delicate layers of the Jounin's carefully designed façade, and at this point, he could 'read' him in some sense of the word. That was why Kakashi's shift in mood was so irritating.

Kakashi didn't look cross. He certainly didn't act cross. He simply just was, and the silence had begun to eat at the Chuunin. Their argument over Yasuo's role in the situation seemed to have been the spark. Despite the fact that the damn Jounin had gotten his way, he remained stubbornly irked about something. Perhaps it was something Iruka had said to him, or the fact that Iruka had fought for Yasuo at all. Whatever the reason, it was more effective in driving Iruka insane than the birds.

After slipping off his sandals, the silver-haired ninja crossed the living room in his usual, lazy stroll. He sat down, without word or look, and he pulled out Icha Icha Paradise, expertly flipping it open to a page. Something was certainly on his mind; Iruka could feel it. It was in his posture, in the way he tilted his head just a fraction more than he normally did, in the way he gripped the book with one extra finger.

It grated at Iruka's frazzled nerves. He started toward his room, but stopped halfway down the hallway, remembering that Isamu was still in there, probably asleep. The man had come over for a visit and Kakashi had interrogated him, which made him pass out only twenty minutes later. It further pressured Iruka, triggering a craving for the soothing warmth of freshly brewed tea. This, in turn, led him to his kitchen. He got as far as the cabinet housing the porcelain pot before he twitched and turned to glance at Kakashi. "Would you like some tea?"

"No thanks," The Jounin murmured. He turned the page. The motion had been with his thumb, not the opposite index finger. It contained an extra twitch of the wrist to get the sheet to land properly.

Iruka's grip on the handle tightened. "Kakashi…"

"Mm?"

He sighed, looking away and pressing his forehead against his cabinet. His eyes closed. "What's wrong?"

This made Kakashi blink and lift his grey eye from the poppy red book in his hands. "Excuse me?"

"I'm an academy sensei, Kakashi." He shouldn't have to remind the bastard of this. "What. Is. Wrong?" Iruka remained sure to keep his voice low; he didn't want to wake Isamu.

"Nothing," Kakashi continued reading. Iruka turned, gazing skeptically. "Yasuo-kun is willing to risk associating with the Harogami Brothers."

"I do believe I was there when he said that," the Jounin informed.

Patience was a necessary virtue for a Shinobi. Dealing with Kakashi, however, required an amount that a rare few possessed. "Kakashi, you're upset, and we're both aware of this. So stop trying to beat around it."

Kakashi responded to this with a polite smile that barely touched his eye. "I'm not upset."

Iruka shivered. "Kakashi."

"Hatake Kakashi -if you're so interested in repeating my name over and over." He returned to the book. "It has more syllables. Makes it more interesting, I'm sure."

"I can feel it, Hatake Kakashi."

"You feel lots of things, don't you, Iruka."

The Chuunin slid out of the kitchen to loom near the couch, watching Kakashi read. "Yes, I do. And I'm not immune to anger or regret."

"Ah, well, that's good, Iruka-kun."

"Is it the Harogami brothers?"

"Yes, Iruka, the Harogami Brothers are a problem," he muttered, turning the page.

Iruka moved Kakashi's feet and sank back against the couch cushions. "Possibly the reason you're irritated?" He raised a brow.

"Mm. Maybe." Somehow, Kakashi was very good at Academy Student Response #1. The man's eye lifted to his feet, quickly contemplating the situation. He pulled a foot inward to give Iruka more sitting room.

The Chuunin observed the gesture. "Or would this irritation center on our argument?" This question only gave him a shrug. Iruka grunted, rising and stalking back into his kitchen. He wouldn't take any more of this without having some tea. "Do you want anything to eat?"

"No."

His eye twitched. He watched the water sit.

"You're irritated," Kakashi observed.

And he was struggling to resist the urge to strangle Kakashi with his hitae-ate. "That's fairly accurate, yes. Yes, I am irritated. Do you realize why?"

The Jounin paused as if to contemplate. "Your stove isn't on again?"

"NO." The stove was immediately turned on.

"Ah, I see." Kakashi stared at his book, then back at Iruka. "Could it, perhaps, be because you've also run out of tea leaves?"

The Chuunin growled audibly and shot Kakashi one of his sensei death-glares. He violently flicked the dial on the stove, then yanked a kitchen chair out and plopped down in it. "It doesn't help."

"Naturally, making tea without the stove turned on and without any tea leaves is a task that not even I can accomplish. Now, Isamu-san may be able to, but I would never." A page turned. "However, I'm getting the feeling that isn't what's eating you."

"Correct." Iruka slouched further in the chair, head tilting back, eyes closing. He sighed. "…You win."

Kakashi frowned.

It was like one of his students prodding at him with a stick. "What! What is it?"

"What's what?"

He watched the Chuunin lurch forward, forehead colliding with the table with a loud 'Thunk'. Iruka remained like that for a while. "You're worse than Naruto…"

"Really now, you can be so harsh."'

Iruka grumbled into the wooden surface.

Kakashi fell silent, watching Iruka for a long, silent moment. Finally he looked away. "Sorry."

One brown eye opened, peering into the living room at Kakashi. It vanished and Iruka rose, pushed the chair in and rejoined the Jounin on the couch. "If I didn't find some amusement out of this myself, you wouldn't be lying on my couch right now." He scratched at his scar.

"I know…"

"-I'm assuming it's because you remind me of so many of my students. Stubborn, avoidant…"

"I'm in luck then."
"It's taking a lot of self restraint not to punish you," Iruka muttered offhandedly.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, a gleam illuminating his eye. "Well, forbid I ever push you enough."

The sensei snorted, almost laughing. "You'd try just to see what happens."

Kakashi grinned. "You know me too well."

"Well enough to feel you're still irritated."

And thus they fell back into silence. Kakashi shifted, placing his left leg on the ground, propping his right knee against the couch back. "Yeah, well…" He lifted his book again.

"What's threatening you?" Iruka pressed, leaning forward.

Iruka's companion desperately fought to keep his shoulders from tensing up. Quite unfortunately for him, he'd grown so used to relaxing around Iruka that he couldn't stop a slight twitch. "I'm Hatake Kakashi. I don't feel threatened."

"Your shoulders are tensed."

"So I've been a bit stressed lately," he snapped defensively.

"Lately being directly after I mention a threat." Iruka leaned back this time, regarding the man with a critical eye.

"What are you getting at, Iruka?"

"You feel threatened by something." His tone softened. "You may be Sharingan no Kakashi but you're still human."

The Jounin's brows furrowed as he stared down at his book. He turned the page. "So?"

"Which means you're capable of fear and anxiety just like I am. Or, for that matter, Yasuo-kun or anyone else in Konoha." Iruka frowned at the book.

"And why are you telling this to me?" He muttered lowly.

It really was like talking to Naruto sometimes. Iruka lifted a finger to his temple and pressed gently -a classic Academy Teacher reaction. "Because you feel anxious or oppressed or who knows what by something; if not the Kuro brothers then I don't know."

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed at the page. "Could you please stop analyzing what I 'feel', Iruka?"

"I wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't bothering me. By all means, I am capable of being selfish and right now, I'm interested in getting rid unnecessary stress." He pointed. "You're pushing your stress on me, even if it isn't intentional."

The book snapped shut and Kakashi's stare turned upwards to him. It locked on with such intensity it made Iruka's insides crawl.

Iruka stood again. "Sorry. I'll leave you alone…"

Kakashi's hand shot forward and curled around Iruka's wrist. "No, wait, it's Ok."

"Kakashi, please." Followed a deep sigh of exasperation.

The silver-haired ninja stared up at Iruka and knew he was immediately faced with two options. He could say nothing and Iruka would just walk away, or he could… "I'm just not used to being threatened," Kakashi admitted in a very low murmur.

This seemed to satisfy the Chuunin, who seated himself and leaned back into the couch. "That's almost hard to believe. Of all the Shinobi you've fought, and you've never felt intimidated…" Iruka realized that he probably contradicted everything he'd just said, but if it got the Jounin talking again, he'd run with it.

Kakashi laughed lightly, shaking his head slowly. "Oh, I've felt intimidated before." He immediatly wondered how Iruka tricked him into this conversation. "Just not as often or with as much urgency as other shinobi."

"You're not immortal after all!" Iruka laughed as well, reaching out to lightly punch at Kakashi's shoulder. "I apologize for dragging this out of you, but I've had too much of-" he gestured with both arms wide, "-all of this. I can't take any more…"

"S'fine," Kakashi's eye flickered away from Iruka.

There was a long, palpable pause before the Chuunin slowly turned his gaze on his friend's face. "Are you…threatened by me?"

"No, of course not." Kakashi shook his head.

Iruka's expression turned solemn. "I see." He turned away and- "I don't believe it…" he held back a snicker.

Kakashi pulled his other foot to the ground and he sat up properly. The book was shoved in his back pocket and he stood up. "Look," his voice had fallen to a low mutter, "I'm going to go spend some time at the Hero Stone if you need me."

"N-no," Iruka placed a hand over his mouth and gestured for Kakashi to sit next to him. "I'm so sorry, Kakashi!"

The Jounin glared.

He was pulled down to the couch again. A pair of arms twined around his neck, and Iruka sighed into his shoulder. "It's just…"

Kakashi was tense, and his hands lifted to Iruka's arms, trying to pry him off. "Iruka, I don't want to hurt you, but I'm only going to tell you once. Let go of me."

"Kakashi, please. Sit with me, rest."

He gripped Iruka's upper arms and was able to force him off with startling ease, then turned to look at him. "No."

The Chuunin bit his bottom lip. "I apologize for the comment. But I wasn't expecting something like-" He paused. "I can't understand how I could be intimidating to you. Perhaps to a classroom of Academy students." A remorseful smile tugged at his lips as he lightly brushed his fingers against Kakashi's clothed cheek. "You are the one who intimidates me," he said softly.

The Jounin looked away from Iruka. His right hand brushed away the touch. "It's the most ridiculous thing that's ever happened, but when we were arguing, you'd said if I did anything, you'd kick me out of your apartment." He sighed, shaking his head slowly. "And I actually shut up." Granted, it had been for an instant, but it had been an instant of confusion, frustration, and a hint of anger curling around his stomach. "It's stupid."

"It's normal." Iruka offered him a warm, consoling grin. "Even you're capable of that." This earned him something akin to a pout. "But if it comes to it, this conversation never happened. We were just sitting here waiting for tea that I don't have to boil." The smile persisted. His eyes flickered to the hallway leading to his room. He thought he had heard shifting but couldn't be sure. His companion didn't seem to notice anything, so he dismissed it.

Kakashi had found himself in a very tough and rather embarrassing situation. Thus, he did what he always did. Icha Icha Paradise was in his hand and he leaned back into the couch, flipping it open. "Ok, fine, that works."

Iruka placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, kissing the man's temple before respectfully withdrawing. "I'm sorry." This had the desired effect of a small grin. The Chuunin was satisfied with how the tension had sorted out, and so now he went back to his usual irritations. His eyes narrowed at the book Kakashi had pulled back out. "If I didn't know you'd just go down to get it, I'd throw that thing out the window." Iruka paused, then laughed. "I think I might be jealous of a book."

"Jealous of Icha Icha Paradise?" The man lifted an eyebrow and grinned slyly. "Well, you might have good reason to be. I can get good action from this book any time I want." He held it up informatively.

A deep, rich blush colored the sensei's face; oddly enough, he couldn't quite face the leer he was receiving. That was a blatant Hatake Kakashi style challenge. "Huh. Well I suppose you don't have any need for me then."

The grin persisted. "Mm. I'm not so sure," he waved a hand in the air as he spoke. "I'll have to set aside some time to refresh my memory."

"No, no, you're obviously busy. I won't interrupt." Iruka turned his back to the man.

Kakashi's hand reached out and gripped the back of the Chuunin's shirt, yanking him backwards. His muffled breath tickled Iruka's ear. "I'm a firm believer in distractions."

Nimble fingers peeled at his mask. "Distractions detract your attention from what's important." Iruka's lips brushed against Kakashi's as he spoke. The man had an unbearably adorable blush in his cheeks. "You should try focusing on something. You might find it-"

Kakashi yanked Iruka to him and locked lips. He pulled back slightly. "Enjoyable?" he finished Iruka's sentence.

Iruka nodded, tracing the Jounin's jaw-line. He leaned in, initiating another kiss, hands roaming with a shy, characteristic hesitance. Kakashi responded with a forceful, yearning action as his tongue slipped into Iruka's mouth. As he drew back, his teeth pulled on the man's bottom lip. He chuckled lowly, letting his hands ghost over Iruka's waist, brushing across his sensitive stomach and sides. The Chuunin shuddered, sliding a hand beneath Kakashi's shirt to rake his fingers against scarred flesh. He garnered a rattling breath from his companion as he drew his lips along Kakashi's neck, pausing once or twice to bite gently.

The Jounin's self restraint snapped and he took Iruka, pushing him down on the couch. The Chuunin's shirt had been lifted up half way, just slipping with the movements of Kakashi's hand. The silver-haired ninja leaned over him, kissing under Iruka's chin and trailing down his neck, biting hard.

A hoarse moan erupted and silver-haired nin found himself crushed against heating skin. "Kakashi, you idiot…" The bites continued, building up slowly, moving across his neck to the other side, up to his ear.

Kakashi nipped him once again, pulling lightly at the soft flesh, being very sure that a defined mark would be left behind. As Iruka arched his back and threw back his head, the hitae-ate pulled against the cloth of the couch, slipping loose. Kakashi brushed it off and kissed his forehead.

Iruka looked up through heavily lidded eyes. He wet his lips before proceeding to run his tongue over his partner's, simultaneously attempting to smooth down the man's wild hair-

"Iruka-san, I was wondering if you'd allow me to make some of your t-" Isamu stared down at them, stunned into silence.

Both gasped and Kakashi rolled of so quickly he landed with an ungraceful thud on the ground. They had forgotten that Isamu was still at the apartment. How did he let that -of all things in the world- go unnoticed? And also, how in the HELL did he let his guard down so far as to let Isamu sneak up on him like that! The transvestite's eyes were wide, locked on Iruka, as if he hadn't expected anything less from Kakashi. It gave him enough time to quickly fix his mask in place "Oh, damn…" he muttered to himself, letting his heart rate fall to a reasonable level.

Iruka was unfortunately -or fortunately- unable to speak and instead, merely gaped, red faced and as wide-eyed as Isamu.

"Actually, I think Yasuo-kun might need company, yes? I think I shall make tea there. Thank you, Iruka-san, for use of your living space." Isamu bowed lowly. He hid his mouth behind the large sleeve of his kimono. "Bye-bye." The man spared them both a cheerful, frantic wave before vacating as quickly as possible; meaning, for shinobi, that he was gone after they'd blinked.

They heard snickering on the stairwell mingling with the clacking of sandals.

Kakashi lifted a hand and placed it on his head as if to stabilize himself. His eye flickered to the still frozen Chuunin. "…Iruka?" he chanced.

"…Yes?"

The Jounin held his place, sitting on the floor. "Are… you Ok?"

"….Yes…"

They blinked and Kakashi cleared his throat, pulling himself to his feet as if an enemy had knocked him down and now he was making some grand gesture. "Alright then…. I'm sure… he's not going to let it slip to anyone…"

The sudden notion that the other Konoha Shinobi would find out was paralyzing. However, Iruka had no choice but to trust Isamu with his new found knowledge. "Isamu-san keeps secrets…" Iruka stared at him blankly.

"Ah…" It wasn't that Kakashi worried about what Isamu would say or think about him. Honestly, he knew he could get away with anything and everyone would keep their mouths shut if they'd like to breathe air again in their life. Either that or they respected him. Kakashi was more concerned for Iruka, who didn't have it so easy.

So it was official, they'd been found out. They were extremely careless this time around and they got caught for it.

Kakashi stepped forward and held out a hand to Iruka to help him to an upright position.

The Chuunin caught it, rising hesitantly. "Huh…"

The Jounin then smiled down at Iruka. "You know, I could go for a drink right now."

---

"Freedom."

Iruka flinched. Perhaps he was inebriated, but the birds were speaking to him again. This merited a side glance to Kakashi and a hastily mouthed, 'the birds are talking again…'

A stone was promptly chucked at the tiny bird on the road. It screeched indignantly, but it refused to fly away; it hopped after them.

"Why won't you spread your wings and fly with me?"

"Still talking…" Iruka muttered, bending over to try his hand at shooting the damn thing.

It hopped out of the path of the projectile, proceeding to follow when the danger of being stoned had passed.

The Chuunin had promised himself he wouldn't get drunk; perhaps enough to be considered 'relaxed' but really…he hadn't meant to drink so much. Kakashi had just kept handing him cup after cup and he'd just kept taking them against his better judgment. As for the Jounin himself, he was perfectly stable.

Had Kakashi even bothered drinking any himself? He…couldn't remember…

"Bastard bird," Kakashi muttered. He walked over to the avian and stared down at it. These creatures had long surpassed his limits of irritation and it was now bordering upon homicidal intent. The Jounin kicked it and the bird went sailing through the air and into the wall.

"I don't appreciate those who attack innocent creatures."

Both men paused for a fraction of a second. The man behind the birds had addressed them directly. A black bird above their heads glared down at them through dark beady eyes.

Kakashi's attention momentarily flickered to Iruka, who was swaying very gently. This had been precisely why Kakashi didn't have anything to drink himself. He looked back to the bird. "Yeah, well I don't appreciate it either."

It squawked at them.

"Kakashi, don't instigate him…"

"I might get angry."

The Jounin produced a kunai knife, but did nothing more than hold it at ready. He glared. "I wonder what black bird tastes like with Ramen."

"Probably disgusting. Just ignore it…" Iruka grabbed his arm, forcefully dragging him forward, a slight stumble in his steps.

"You already know what it tastes like, scarecrow."

Kakashi shrugged his arm away from Iruka, but didn't turn to comment. They were headed back to the Chuunin's apartment right now. It was about four o' clock in the afternoon, and the main streets were bustling with activity. That was why they had decided to take the back rout to Iruka's place. The Chuunin couldn't possibly stand to run into one of their fellow shinobi when he wasn't on top of his game.

"I'll be waiting for you when you sleep." This was directed at Iruka only. His brows furrowed but he said nothing to his companion. As of late, his obviously jutsu instigated nightmares had returned. He no longer cried out. These terrors were more subtle, almost intoxicating. Iruka felt drawn to the faces and voices in the shadows, and thus, he would sink deeper in until morning light forced him back to the waking world.

And, like now, the guilt would come to haunt him. This sensei had been antagonizing him directly for the past two days. Nothing threatening -physically, at any rate- but it was grinding his nerves thin. Thin enough where he'd get himself drunk after that bird-

SQUAWK!

Tea. Or something hot to calm his nerves. That's what he needed. "We have to go back," he stated aloud. "I have no more tea in my apartment." Had he been sober, he would have been greatly disturbed by the fact that he almost resembled Isamu during one of his maddening tea cravings…

Kakashi stopped and sighed, lifting a finger to his temple. He opened his mouth to say 'no' but Iruka turned to look at him with round, pleading eyes. The Jounin gave up and nodded. "Alright, fine."

As expected, birds followed them. Some flew but most appeared on rooftops or power lines, watching expectantly but making no move on Shinobi nor citizen. Other people were watching the birds now. Those who had heard about the incident at the hospital and weren't denying the occurrences were carefully, fearfully, scanning the skies. Whispers of two deadly missing nin with the ability to control birds had spread fast among the ordinary denizens of the hidden village. Some were dying for glimpses of the white haired twins while others, who had seen them when they'd been peaceful medical ninja, boasted about their strange appearance and behavior.

Iruka was bordering on a quiet, contemplative drunkeness by the time they reached the nearest vendor. Of course, Kakashi was left paying for the leaves but only after Iruka had attempted to do so himself. The Chuunin had forgotten which pocket his money was in. After finding it and spilling it, he was hastily trying to pick it up, irritated and flustered. Kakashi gave up and paid.

The birds watched them move out. Their attention flickered briefly in the opposite direction of the two as shouting followed a figure hastily moving through the crowd.

"Someone stop that woman! She stole my tea kettle!"

Iruka halted.

Clakka, clak, clak, clak, clak.

Bright pink flashed by them, long black hair trailing out, whipping in the air, chimes tied at the end making no sound. Golden eyes locked with Kakashi's for a moment and thin lips formed an 'O'.

"Get back here you thieving bitch!"

"Yasuo-kuuuuuun!"

Iruka blinked, double taking the situation. "I-Isamu-?"

The Genjutsu master screeched to a stop, whirled around and tossed the kettle over his shoulder. "It's your turn!" He immediately changed his outward appearance with the complimenting puff of smoke. Isamu had pulled on the guise of an old man.

An extremely angry vendor grabbed Isamu's arm. "Where is she?"

"Who?" The old man furrowed his eyebrows as he gazed up at the shopkeeper.

"A woman in a bright pink kimono. With sunflowers on it. Where did she go?" Getting no answer, he glared at Iruka and Kakashi. "You seen a woman with a kettle?"

Kakashi blinked and looked around. He immediately spotted Yasuo slipping into the crowd, loosing himself in the throng of people. The boy had been holding the pot under one arm. "Ah," he looked back at the vendor. "I apologize. I didn't see a woman with a pot."

"Did she pass it off to anyone?" The man was eyeing all three men suspiciously.

Iruka stared back at him. "I…. Sorry, no one." Both ninja stared at Isamu for a moment, and then back at the man looking for his goods.

"Yo!" Yasuo appeared next to Isamu. He was holding a loaf of bread in his hands. "Got it for tonight," he held it up. All shinobi knew it was the kettle. The boy paused, blinking at the angry man. "Pardon but is something wrong?"

The vendor, severely vexed and perplexed by this point, merely shook his head, shooting them all mild glares. "No…but if you see a woman in a pink kimono with sunflowers on it, report her. She's a lifter, the whore."

Isamu patted Yasuo on the head. "My grandson will find this thief." He cracked a smile, proudly displaying his lack of dentures.

The vendor raised a brow. "I'll give you a reward if you do."

Yasuo exchanged glances with Isamu. There was a moment of silent communication, and Yasuo nodded quickly. "Sure, I'll do it."

Iruka looked vaguely horrified, but only the shinobi around him could see this. To the vendor, he was a slightly flushed, politely smiling individual.

Isamu laughed like an old man should; hoarse and amiable. "Which shop are you at, eh?"

"Specialty tea shop next street over."

"Ahh, ahh. Remember that, Momo-kun."

'Momo-kun' nodded obediently. He shot Iruka a glance and hid a cringe. He politely handed the 'bread' to his 'grandfather' and stepped back from the group of shinobi. "You know, I think I'll start looking right away." He nodded his head towards Iruka and Kakashi, his image blurred, and in an instant he was gone. The boy had gotten much quicker in the past few days.

Kakashi couldn't help but find this remotely amusing.

"Isamu-san…"

"Yes well, all part of his training."

"I fail to see-"

"Coincidently," The transvestite-turned-old-man leaned in toward Iruka as the vendor vanished into the throng of people. "He broke my teakettle earlier. I almost think it was on purpose, the little sneak. However, two birds, one stone, eh?"

Iruka glanced upward.

Isamu followed his gaze, seeing only birds. "What?"

"Nothing…Kakashi," The Chuunin tilted slightly to the side. "Let's go."

Kakashi nodded shortly, glancing once to Isamu before taking Iruka's arm to stabilize him. He ignored a sly look from Isamu. "We've got to be going now, Isamu. Train Yasuo well, alright?"

"Hey, hey, what do you take me for? Of course I'll train him well! So well in fact, you won't recognize-!"

"Bye…" Iruka dragged his sober companion behind him, slicing through the crowd.

Locked on both retreating Shinobi, golden eyes flickered for a moment, and there was a slight inclination of Isamu's lips before the man blinked, stared blankly at an old woman with a fish, then turned on his heels.