HUD: Whoo! Damn, I am on a roll. Two chapters, in like, four days. I think the end of the world is coming. Enjoy!
Eros smiled, his dark eyes flashing and catching barely exposed candle light. Kakashi felt his breath catch in his throat at the sight, suddenly far too intense and intimate even for their current positions. The man's mask glistened as he spoke.
"Here you are, all this time, waiting for me," he whispered. His soft breath ghosted over Kakashi's exposed navel, and the programmer barely contained his low moan. He could hear pounding in his ears from his rushing blood and heartbeat. "I've had you waiting for far too long..."
"I'd wait - " Kakashi paused, voice hoarse. He swallowed and started again: "I'd wait forever for you, Eros. Always."
The man's smile turned into a smirk, his eyes dancing with mirth and delight. "I suppose I'll reward you for your dedication." Kakashi felt his jaw go slack and fresh lust flared in his abdomen from the breathy words and accompanying action.
The pounding in his ears increased as Eros dipped lower, fingers trailing Kakashi's sides and skimming his sharp hipbones. Kakashi literally couldn't breathe as Eros parted his lips and swirled his tongue around -
"Eros - "
Kakashi awoke with a jolt and groan. He blinked, wiping sweat from his brow as he surveyed his spacious room. Sunlight spilled in to illuminate the room, unlike before, and he was disappointedly alone with an unhappy case of morning wood pressed into the mattress. The pounding wasn't blood rushing his ears, but a rhythmic loud knock on his door.
"What?" He snapped, angry at being awoken from his far too pleasant dream.
"Kakashi." It was Sasuke. What the hell would Sasuke be knocking on his door for - oh. "Are you just getting up?"
Kakashi rolled onto his back and flicked his eyes to his lap in a sense of unspoken irony. "No," he lied.
"Liar," Sasuke snapped. Kakashi rolled his eyes - Sasuke had definitely picked up on his sardonicism over the years. "You know it's eleven-thirty, right? We need to leave now to get to the library."
"Fuck," Kakashi hissed, throwing back his duvet. Pakkun grumbled from where the pug had still been napping. "Traitor. You were suppose to wake me."
"Don't fuss at Pakkun because you forgot your alarm," Sasuke said cooly from the other side of the door. Kakashi opted to ignore that one.
"I'll take a quick shower and we'll go," he called. He could hear Sasuke roll his eyes.
"Sure," the teen answered. "I'll be in the kitchen." Kakashi waited until he heard Sasuke walk further down the hallway before opening the door for Pakkun.
"Feed Pakkun!" He called, and the dog took his sweet ass time leaving the bed and trotting to the hallway. "Hurry up, man. I'm gonna be late."
Pakkun, for all his life of being a dog, was far too expressive and huffed, slowing down just the tiniest bit. Kakashi sighed and scooped the pug up and carted him outside the door. "Don't expect princely style all the time."
The dog eyed him dubiously, as if to say we both know that would never happen. Kakashi, being the sap he was for the pup, knew he was right. Still, he waved him on and shut the door again before bolting for the adjacent bathroom. It was a good thing he was nude so he didn't have to fuss with clothes, and his erection had sadly wilted minutes ago by his nephew's voice.
Normally, after any Eros dream (which were far more frequent than Kakashi wanted to admit), the programmer would lock himself away for a long, hot, dirty shower. Today, he did not have the luxury - he scrubbed soap and shampoo as fast as possible. The mirror didn't even have time to fog over.
He had no time to shave, but his slight stubble was hardly noticeable as he ran a hand along his sharp jaw line. Kakashi brushed his teeth quickly and rinsed with mouthwash while he towel dried his hair. He hated seeing the long scar run down his left cheek, a reminder of his mistakes and sorrow - he carefully adjusted his hair to fall over while it dried as he did everyday.
Kakashi pulled on jeans and a sweater, slipped on his shoes and socks and grabbed his mobile before taking the stairs two at a time. It was eleven forty-five when he reached the kitchen, where Mr. Ukki had a tumbler of warm overly-sweet coffee for him in hand. Kakashi smiled his thanks and then he and Sasuke were out, peeling out of the driveway with a little less finesse than Kakashi usually held.
Once they were on the highway, Kakashi finally breathed. "Thanks for getting me up."
"What made you sleep in like that?" Sasuke asked. "I heard you go to bed pretty early last night."
An amazing dream about the literal man of my dreams, Kakashi thought, but said: "My stomach was bothering me last night."
"Oh," Sasuke said, believing him. "It wasn't Mr. Ukki's food, was it? I ate more than you and I feel fine."
"I imagine it was the combination of alcohol and being drug through the mud by Pakkun," Kakashi grumbled, slightly annoyed at the reminder. He hated bathing at night, it made him sleep far too deep, and it seemed that every time there was rain, that dog wanted to push his buttons.
Sasuke made an agreeing noise but said nothing more. They rode in silence, Kakashi occasionally sipping his coffee (thank gods for Ukki - he knew just how he liked it) and Sasuke sitting with his hands clenched into fists. Kakashi knew this was going to be stressful for his ward, but there was a reason he was going to be there.
Their relationship wasn't a stressed one, but it wasn't entirely open, either. Kakashi had barely been a part of his life until Itachi left, sending cards on holidays and gifts on birthdays. Kakashi regretted it, knew that Obito would want him to be an actual uncle and not just wear the title, but Kakashi knew he wasn't exactly easy to get along with.
Mr. Ukki was a childhood acquaintance, someone who had been serving the Hatake family for years. He knew Kakashi's hardships, his thoughts - he knew what made him the man he is today. Still, the butler urged on more than one occasion for his young master to meet some people, go out with other programmers. One in particular, Gai Maito, seemed to want to be his friend and insisted relentlessly. With Ukki's help, Gai had worked his way into Kakashi's odd schedule, and they went for drinks on a semi-regular basis. Even for all his patience, Gai was a man to take in small doses.
Is it really so bad that I just want to be alone with my computer? Kakashi lamented to himself. His thoughts drifted to his nine 'o'clock choice of entertainment each night and barely suppressed an aroused shudder. Don't answer that.
Kakashi pulled his Charger into the parking lot of the public library and picked a spot near the back. He turned off the car and paused, hands still on the wheel. "Remember what we talked about?"
"Yeah," Sasuke answered. He kept his eyes forward, as if the old architecture of the fifty year old library was suddenly fascinating. "I do."
"Are you going to take my advice?" Kakashi asked. Sasuke sighed audibly and looked over at Kakashi. His eyes looked suddenly vulnerable, and Kakashi was very much reminded of the boy's age.
"I don't think it will matter, but I'll do it," he said, tone open and honest. "I don't know what's wrong with me, Uncle. I just...I'm not myself."
"I know, Sasuke," Kakashi said, dropping his palm to Sasuke's knee in a comforting gesture. "Just try it for a bit, see how it goes. If you still don't understand, I'll explain on the way home."
Sasuke nodded resolutely, guard again back up. Kakashi gave his nephew's knee a squeeze before letting go. "Let's get in there. I totally wasn't trying to be late today, but I'm sure that teacher of yours is going to try to mount my head to the wall."
Sasuke snorted in his version of abrupt laughter, and Kakashi felt some tension ease from the teen. They stepped from the car and Kakashi checked his mobile. He was only fifteen minutes late, which was great for him, but he was slightly disappointed at not seeing a text from Iruka. He had thought the teacher would spam his phone for his tardiness until Kakashi changed his number.
The reason why shocked him - Iruka and the Uzumaki kid weren't even there. Sasuke and Kakashi shared a disbelieving look. No way was Kakashi late but still the first one actually early. Kakashi told Sasuke to sit at an empty table while he checked the private study rooms and the second floor. He came back fruitless ten minutes later, and was curious to see Sasuke still sitting by himself.
Kakashi plopped down before his nephew and grinned. "This is definitely a first."
"Yeah, for you and Mr. Umino," Sasuke said, hardly able to hold back his surprise. "He's usually so punctual it's frightening."
"He seems the type," Kakashi agreed. His mobile buzzed softly against his thigh, drawing his attention.
We're running behind, Mr. Hatake. I'll be there in ten. Kakashi snorted slightly. "They're running late."
"Obviously," Sasuke drawled. Kakashi grinned at him and typed out his reply. It's Kakashi. Take your time, Iruka. He didn't wait for a response as he dropped his phone back into his pocket.
"Well, we can pick where to sit," Kakashi offered. "I found a sweet spot on the second floor in a corner."
Sasuke nodded and stood, shouldering his messenger bag. Kakashi led the way up the double flight of stairs and to the corner he had found. There were two tables pressed into a slight alcove made by bookshelves and the wall with a large window for natural light. The tables were wide enough apart that Sasuke and Naruto would have plenty of space for their books while still being slightly private. Kakashi decided he would take the other table, away but still well enough within earshot should something go array. He would be listening in, after all - Sasuke needed some serious help, and this was definitely something Kakashi could help him with.
Kakashi settled into the chair closest to the window. When Sasuke started to sit across from him, he shook his head. "Nope. You and that bright kid are sitting at the other table."
Something easily described as panic flittered across Sasuke's face. "Why?"
"Because I said so," Kakashi said with a wink. Sasuke would know, but any other the action would fail - Kakashi's hair had dried nicely, and hid his left scarred eye wonderfully. Sasuke rolled his eyes but walked over and sat down. "There you go. Now, look like you're doing something."
Kakashi ignored Sasuke's exaggerated huffs in favour of looking out the window. He got a clear view of the parking lot and the park across the road, occasionally looking away from the playing children to check his phone. Iruka should be here, by now. Kakashi watched each approaching car with more than a slight eagerness.
Finally a red Honda pulled into the parking lot. It drove towards the back, close to Kakashi's Charger, and parked a few spaces down. The lights shut off and the driver stepped out. Kakashi felt his throat go dry.
Iruka stood up, not at all his usual kept together self. His hair was held back by a hand as he bumped the door close with his hip. He was talking to Naruto, now clambering from the passenger seat, and gestured to the trunk. The teen nodded and walked around as Iruka dropped something to the asphalt. Kakashi read the swear on his lips as he bent down, car blocking him from Kakashi, before straightening back up and tossing what looked like keys towards Naruto. The actions had caused Iruka's hair to escape his grasp, and Kakashi was rewarded with a front row seat of one of the best views of his entire life.
Iruka, usually so polite and sharp with his ridiculously perky ponytail, was unknowingly revealing a completely new side of himself to the programmer's watchful eye. His dark hair was much longer than it appeared, swinging down nearly to the middle of his shoulder blades and framing his face beautifully. Kakashi wanted nothing more than to get a closer look, to memorize everything, but then Iruka was finally taming those long locks and the high ponytail was back. Kakashi swallowed against the sudden lump in his throat. He had a thing for long, dark hair.
Naruto finally fished their bags from the trunk and handed the keys back. Iruka pressed a button and Kakashi could hear the horn from the car arming itself. The teacher took one bag from the teen and smiled, ruffling his hair. Naruto huffed and pushed his hand back, but his grin gave away his delight.
Oh, Kakashi's mind suddenly went to a very dark place when they stepped from his sight. The teacher was dressed simply, a low-neck navy sweater over a white undershirt and khakis, almost literally the epitome of innocence, but all Kakashi could think of was snatching out that hair tie and watching those long strands spill onto his shoulders, running his fingers through them, imagining the texture, the smell. It was obvious that Iruka took pride in his appearance, so Kakashi was willing to bet his signed first edition of Icha Icha Honeymoon that his hair smelled delicious and felt like silk.
Given that he had been interrupted from his earlier amazing dream about Eros, Kakashi was more than a little wound up. Worse still, he could hear the slight chime from the door of the library opening, which meant he had exactly three minutes to will away the sudden insistent pressure his jeans was putting on his swelling cock.
Fuck me, he thought, exasperated. Kakashi hated being a sexually deprived hermit, dammit; porn only got him so far.
Sasuke was eying him wanly, which wasn't really anything new - Kakashi, on more than one occasion, heard his nephew asking Ukki if he felt like Kakashi's sanity was slipping. In retrospect, that should bother any sane person, but Kakashi couldn't spare the synapse in consideration let alone contemplation. Besides, he had sixty seconds left and counting.
Kakashi kept his eyes fixed outside on his Charger as he heard foot steps draw on the marble staircase. Fifty - Pakkun in a tutu, fifteen steps left, mass string theory mixed with astrophysics, forty. Oh, this shouldn't be so hard; he shouldn't be so hard - three steps at thirty, Ryan Seacrest, that worked surprisingly well. He heard Sasuke shuffle from his seat and knew they were in view. Kakashi gulped. Fifteen seconds and he still needed something - ah.
Gai in his bright green gym spandex.
Done and done.
Kakashi turned his face back, smiling in triumph. Iruka and Naruto were nearing the tables, and Sasuke flicked his gaze over to Kakashi. He caught it and winked, inclining his head slightly to show his intent. The teen gave the barest of nods and stood a second after Kakashi. Iruka gave a surprised smile and ushered Naruto closer.
"I apologize for our tardiness, Kakashi," Iruka said sheepishly. He had slung his bag around his shoulders, bunching up the fabric of his sweater around his waist and revealing the cotton undershirt tucked into his khakis. Kakashi let his eye drift up lazily, settling on the teacher's softly blushing face. "I hope you weren't waiting long."
"Maa, Iruka," Kakashi said dismissively, shrugging his shoulder lightly. "We'll consider us even, then."
Iruka snorted lightly. "I hardly think my one dalliance can count us 'even' for your hundreds."
"I would say that's an exaggeration - "
"But we both know it isn't," Iruka finished, lips pulled in a teasing smirk. Kakashi kept his surprise hidden well, he felt - was Iruka flirting, or was he still a bit too wound up?
"I plead the fifth," Kakashi answered cheekily with a flirtatious flash of teeth. There was an opportunity here that he felt needed his attention. The teacher simply removed his bag and dropped it into an empty chair at the table Kakashi had been sitting at as he avoided the programmer's gaze. It could have been Kakashi reading too much into the man's jibe, hoping to see something that wasn't there, but the still-present flush now along his neck filled Kakashi with a smidgen of anticipation.
"Iruka?" Naruto asked, pulling Iruka's attention. "Where am I sitting? With you?"
Kakashi almost felt bad for the kid. His voice was small and guarded, the complete opposite of the attitude Kakashi had watched him walk in with. Whatever had happened between Naruto and Sasuke really did a number on him; he looked at the zipper pull of that infamously orange jacket. Iruka turned fully from his bag and dropped a hand on his shoulder.
"You'll sit across from Sasuke," Iruka said, ushering the boy to his seat. Sasuke had sat back down and now found his biology book incredibly interesting. "Good afternoon, Sasuke."
"Hello, Mr. Umino," Sasuke answered immediately. "How are you?" At least he's still got some manners, Kakashi thought. Iruka smiled tiredly.
"I'm doing just fine," Iruka answered, his tone switching to the quiet comfort of a trusted adult. Kakashi was surprised to see some tension seep from his nephew's shoulders.
"I'm glad. We were worried," Sasuke said softly, and Kakashi could almost facepalm when he noticed Iruka flinch. He hadn't been worried, per say - perhaps more on the side of curious interest.
"My apologizes," Iruka said again, his voice still calm. Naruto was fidgeting in his seat.
"How long do we have to be here?" Naruto asked too loudly. Sasuke held a finger over his own lips and shhed him. Naruto ignored him.
"However long it takes for you two to get through half of what you're behind in," Iruka said curtly. Naruto groaned but pulled out the same textbook as Sasuke. The other teen flicked his eyes to Kakashi when Iruka patted Naruto's head in comfort.
Like this? He seemed to ask, eyebrows raised, and Kakashi nodded. Sasuke blinked quickly and looked away, helping Naruto find the page. After Iruka was sure they were set, he turned away and walked the few feet between their tables to where he had left his bag.
"Those two, I swear," Iruka mumbled. He rummaged around in his bag a few moments longer, pulling out a collapsible binder and grade book. Kakashi settled back into his chair when the teacher sat, his back to Naruto. "I trust you can keep a good eye on them from there?"
"Oh, sure," Kakashi said. He leaned himself closer to the wall which gave him a clear view of the teens over Iruka's shoulder. "I doubt we'll have much trouble out of them. I spoke to Sasuke last night."
"How did it go?" Iruka asked distractedly as he opened his binder. Kakashi kept his gaze on Iruka's hands, moving quickly and surely as he flipped through the tabs and pulled out a small stack of papers. What else could those hands do with the same confidence?
"Well, actually," Kakashi answered, intertwining his suddenly twitching fingers on the table. "I think I know what his problem is."
"Which is?" Iruka pushed his sleeves further up his forearms, exposing more tan skin than Kakashi thought he'd get to see in that innocent teacher getup.
"A secret," Kakashi whispered. That finally pulled Iruka's expressive chocolate eyes to his.
"A secret?" He echoed. Kakashi leaned forward a bit.
"Yeah," he said, tone conspiratorial. He could just smell whatever shampoo the younger man used. "But I need to test a few things first. I'll get back to you."
Iruka blinked, curiosity seeping into his eyes. "Will you now?"
"Yeah," Kakashi answered, winking. He realized belatedly that the action was lost with his hidden face and quickly grinned. "I will."
Iruka lifted one eyebrow in amusement, clearly interested and wanting to press but seemingly willing to humour Kakashi - for whatever reason. "Alright, then. Will you report at fifteen-hundred hours?"
Kakashi's grin spread into a gaze Ukki has previously described as a leer. "And if I don't?"
Iruka's eyes darkened in a flash that literally startled Kakashi. "A secret," he murmured, lips twisted coyly. The Iruka before him was a far cry from the one berating him less than twenty-four hours ago - all coy tones and liquid eyes and teasing smirks. Dear god.
Those jeans - they were too tight again. He would have to tell Ukki to get a larger size next time, because they were obviously too small. Obviously.
"Ah, well," Kakashi sighed, hoping to hide his sudden breathlessness. Iruka's steady gaze was quite unnerving. "We'll share at fifteen-hundred hours, then."
Iruka smiled warmly, as if the previously heated conversation never happened. "Good to hear, Kakashi. Now pardon me - I need to start grading a few tests..."
"Please, go ahead," Kakashi said, maybe too eagerly, but Iruka just continued to smile. His eyes dropped to his stack of tests and Kakashi felt himself relax, slowly coaxing back his usual slouched posture. That had been...far too intense.
Kakashi settled against the back of his chair and folded his arms over his chest. Iruka pressed his fingers against his chin in a casual pose of relaxed thinking and began marking his first test. Kakashi kept the teacher well within his range of attention as he watched his nephew.
Sasuke was looking down at his book, shoulders still far too tense, and Kakashi couldn't help his eye roll. The blond wriggled incessantly, as if he had a bad case of ADD and no amount of distraction was enough. Kakashi managed to catch Sasuke's eye when he looked up, presumably to ask Naruto something.
Kakashi nodded quickly, hoping that all those unspoken games of secret against Mr. Ukki would pay off.
Sasuke flicked his eyes to Naruto and lifted one thin eyebrow. Kakashi jerked his head again. Sasuke blinked quickly, a small flush dusting the edge of his high cheekbones. He seemed to squirm in his seat, as if he was going to take Kakashi's advice but having a mental war about it. Iruka remained oblivious to the whole ordeal, fist still tucked softly under his chin and eyes focused on his precious grading.
Finally, after what felt like forever, Sasuke was done beating himself up and leaned forward a bit. Kakashi tilted to read his lips.
'Hey, Uzumaki,' Sauske said. Kakashi imagined it was in that soft tone from the car, the teen being so unsure. Naruto snapped his head up.
"What?" He asked, again far too loud. Iruka huffed without turning and Naruto murmured a quick apology as Kakashi and Sasuke mirrored an eye roll. It was hard to tell they weren't really related sometimes.
'Don't glare at me,' Sasuke muttered. 'I wanted to tell you something.'
Kakashi imaged Naruto giving him a guarded expression if the press of his nephew's lips was anything to go by. 'It isn't bad.'
Kakashi hated missing half the conversation from Naruto, but he knew he was on the side that needed him. Sasuke flicked his eyes to him again, a small vulnerability that was so unlike him that Kakashi knew his suspicions had been confirmed. He nodded softly and smiled encouragingly. Sasuke inhaled and dropped his gaze to his textbook. 'I'm...sorry for being rude to you. I'm normally not like that, and I...'
The teen was lost, looking at Kakashi for guidance, his garnet eyes impossibly dark. Kakashi leaned forward a bit more and rested his chin on his fist in a go on, you're doing fine gesture. Sasuke gulped and steeled him.
"And I want to be friends," he said, stronger. Iruka looked up suddenly, eyes lighting on Kakashi who didn't realize how close they suddenly were while he had been silently encouraging his nephew. He grinned brightly, like he was right where he intended to be, and the teacher blushed sinfully.
Sasuke's flush was giving Iruka a run for his money. He was staring down, waiting for Naruto to say something. Iruka wrenched his attention from Kakashi and turned around in his seat.
"Welllll," Naruto said after a moment. Sasuke looked up slowly. "Promise not to push me into my locker?"
Sasuke flinched when he caught Kakashi's disapproving frown. He nodded quickly. "Yes."
"And you won't steal my fries at lunch?" Naruto pressed, tone suspicious, and Sasuke nodded again. "Or pour Sriracha in my ramen?"
"I promise," Sasuke answered a tad weakly. Iruka and Kakashi shared an amused glance, and Kakashi wondered if he found this all as absurd as he did.
"Hmmm," Naruto said, leaning back in his seat. After a thoughtful pause, he stuck his hand out sharply to Sasuke. "Alright, Sasuke. We'll be friends."
The look of relief on Sasuke's face made Kakashi smile. The withdrawn teen reached out and gently took Naruto's hand. They shook, boys acting men, and Iruka gave Kakashi a bright smile. Kakashi smirked back, not being able to hold back his slight smugness. After all, all this could have been avoided had he just been told.
"I'm so glad to hear that, boys," Iruka said warmly. Naruto spun around and grinned brightly.
"Does that mean we can go?"
"Absolutely - " Iruka said with all the same warmth. "Not. You're both still failing, so use your new-found friendship to work together."
Kakashi really couldn't help his bark of laughter from such a vicious cutdown, smothering the sound when someone within the library shhed them. Iruka looked back in an air of disparagement, but his eyes gave away his mirth. "So get to it," he added.
Naruto groaned and dropped his head to his textbook. Sasuke just shrugged and started his work again. After Naruto huffed a few times and squirmed even more, silence settled back over them. Kakashi stared out of the window for a few minutes, listening to the scratching of pen on paper from Iruka.
Without having Sasuke as a distraction, Kakashi was suddenly hyper aware of Iruka across from him. The sun worked its way occasionally through the lingering clouds from the night's storms, shining just so over the tanned man's cheek. The light illuminated the different tones of his dark hair, revealing mocha and chestnut and honey and even a few stray strands of dark red. It blended so well, so beautifully, that Kakashi was again treated to his earlier fantasy of those long locks splayed across his shoulders, threading through his fingers as he marveled the contrast of shades.
I need a distraction, Kakashi thought idly as the sun shone through again and framed Iruka's long (far too long) eyelashes against his cheeks. Kakashi drummed his fingers lightly to resist the urge to grab the man's collar and trail his own feather light kisses across those scarred cheeks. When Iruka absently began to bite the end of his pen, Kakashi rose suddenly.
"Are you alright, Kakashi?" Iruka asked, surprised. Kakashi knew he was staring, but there was no way Iruka didn't know what he was doing. And his voice, so calm, so interested when he said Kakashi's name -
"Yeah, just going to grab a few books," he answered cheerily, smiling. Iruka blinked and nodded after a moment.
"Ooookay," he said slowly, offering an unsure smile. Kakashi waved over his shoulder, already heading away from the table as quickly and politely as possible.
Dammit, dammit it all. There was no way - absolutely no way - that Iruka wasn't doing all this on purpose. He had to have found Kakashi out, had to have seen him watching from the window or noticed his occasional choked breathing. There had to be a reason, because people just didn't act like that.
How do you know? A torturous voice in Kakashi's head whispered as he crossed the top floor and found the section he was looking for. All you do is stay cooped up in your office, choosing to work from home so you don't have to see people.
"Nonsense," he muttered under his breath. Kakashi let his fingers trail along the spines of the books, trying to control his breathing.
He could like you, the voice persisted, and Kakashi drew in a shaky breath. He could like you and you wouldn't even notice. You're wrapped up in some fantasy guy that might not even exist with this sexy teacher sitting right across from you.
"I don't always think about Eros," Kakashi huffed. He felt eyes on him and looked over, seeing a woman standing at the edge of the aisle. They shared an awkward glance, and Kakashi was again reminded of why he didn't go out into public. "Ah, sorry. Speaking about the plot helps me choose."
"...sure," she muttered. Her eyes dropped to the worn paperback he held in his hand, and she blushed deeply. Kakashi couldn't help but think that Iruka had her beaten hands-down in the looks category. Before he could make any more of a fool out of himself, he turned his back to her and listened to her scurry away.
See? You can't talk to people.
I think that was more me speaking to myself than anything.
But that was a lady -
I prefer men, anyway, Kakashi thought lamely. Why was he correcting himself on his own preference? What does it matter how I speak to people? Men aren't as skittish.
Eros isn't skittish, his voice corrected. Do you think for a second that Iruka wouldn't scamper away if you asked him to do the same things you ask Eros?
"Only one way to find out," Kakashi muttered, effectively ignoring his inner war as he walked back with the book he had already terrified one person with. Iruka looked up casually when Kakashi reclaimed his seat.
"Find anything interesting?" The teacher asked. His stack of papers was much smaller than when Kakashi had left.
"As interesting as a three year old donation to the library can be," Kakashi answered with a put upon sigh. "I should have grabbed my own copy."
Iruka's eyes dropped curiously to the book in Kakashi's hands. Kakashi felt the second the brunet tensed. "Mr. Hatake..."
"Yes?" Kakashi asked distractedly. He already had the cover open and was skimming the first page, trying desperately to keep Iruka's teacher voice from plaguing his already weakened defenses.
"Are you really reading that now? Here?" He hissed, leaning across the table and into Kakashi's gaze.
"Ah, yeah," he answered, flicking his eyes up quickly. Iruka's expression was that of barely concealed fury, and Kakashi felt his jeans tighten slightly from the heat pouring out of the man's eyes.
"There are children here," Iruka snapped. He jerked a thumb over his shoulder towards Naruto and Sasuke to emphasis his point. Kakashi looked over lazily and shrugged.
"They're thoroughly distracted," he drawled and flipped a page. He could feel the anger rolling off of Iruka.
"You can't tell me that's a justifiable reason," Iruka said. Kakashi was trying his damnedest to keep his eyes lazily locked on the text, but Iruka's low voice had made him reread the same sentence fifteen times now.
"Maa," he sighed, folding the book closed. "They've taken Sex Ed. I know, that permission slip I did sign." Kakashi pointed at the large 18+ marked in red on the back. "I'm well over the age limit, they're working on homework, and I found it at a public library - "
"Enough," Iruka snapped again. He snatched the book away with the speed and finesse of a teacher who had been snatching away naughty things for years. "Don't read it in front of me, then."
"Hmm," Kakashi muttered. He tried not to pout, but his disappointment was a heavy weight. Maybe Iruka really had been oblivious about his shameless flirting. "I didn't realize you had such an aversion - "
"To what? Reading porn in public?" He whispered harshly. "I'm a teacher - of course I do. What you do on your own time is one thing, but when there are small eyes everywhere I have to step in."
Kakashi's eyes dropped to where Iruka was still clutching the bright orange book. "That's very gallant of you, Mr. Umino."
Kakashi had meant to lay that extra emphasis on Iruka's name, playing on his teaching persona. Iruka flickered for just a moment, a fast blush coating his cheeks. Kakashi wanted nothing more than to stroke and tease along that scar, alight and pale from the heated flesh. "I...do what I can," he muttered, dipping his head in a sign of unconcealed modesty.
Kakashi grinned wolfishly and rested his chin in his palm. "You do very well."
Naruto turned around and tapped Iruka's shoulder, earning a slight gasp from the teacher that shot straight to Kakashi's rapidly flaring arousal. "Iruka? We need help."
"R-right," he answered, eyes flashing quickly to Kakashi. He shoved the third book of the Icha Icha Courting series into his bag and stood up. Kakashi watched him settle in beside Naruto before turning his gaze to the window again. Not the prude I thought.
Despite Naruto's barely concealed whining, he and Sasuke plowed through all their biology and algebra as well as half of their geography by three. Kakashi was immensely relieved, having not attempted to pursue his pilfered library book and thus became increasingly bored. Iruka had just continued grading, eyes flicking up ever so slightly anytime Kakashi moved or sighed. Kakashi pretended he didn't notice.
Iruka dropped Icha Icha Courting into the drop slot after having a conversation with the librarian about better concealing such material to young eyes. It was the woman Kakashi had terrified earlier, and she shot him a slight glare. He just grinned and waved as Iruka ushered Naruto and Sasuke outside, face still tinted in a soft flush.
"Well, that had been productive," Kakashi said as the library door closed behind him.
"Yeah, we finished a good amount," Sasuke answered. He hung back a moment, opting to walk beside Kakashi. He grinned at his nephew.
"I'm glad this is working out," Iruka added. Naruto walked with both his hands behind his head in a long stretch.
"Not how I wanted to spend my Saturday morning," he grumbled. Iruka just flicked his ear, and Kakashi chuckled at his undignified yelp.
"Be quiet," Iruka chastised, tossing a soft grin over his shoulder at Kakashi.
"Ouch, man! Uncalled for!" The blond huffed, rubbing his ear.
"What have you got planned after this, Iruka?" Kakashi asked. They stopped, standing close to their respected vehicles. Iruka's gaze flicked to Kakashi's sleek muscle car briefly before settling back on him.
"Honestly, nothing," he answered. "Did you have something in mind?"
"Sasuke and I were going to grab some lunch at that new diner," Kakashi answered. Sauske nodded, playing along. Naruto set in immediately.
"Oh man, Iruka! Can we go, please? I'm starving, literally," the blond wailed. Iruka rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Would you mind if we tagged along?" Iruka asked. When Kakashi shook his head, Naruto whooped and dove into Iruka's car. "I guess we'll meet you there, then."
"See you," he answered, and Iruka nodded. Once he and Sasuke were seated and pulling away, his nephew turned his full attention over.
"You're up to something," he muttered.
"Why do you think I'm up to something?" Kakashi asked defensively, fighting his grin.
"Because I know you," Sasuke answered flatly. "You have your plotting face on."
Kakashi rolled his eyes. He checked his rear view mirror and caught a glimpse of Iruka following behind them and had to bite the inside of his cheek. "I don't have a plotting face."
"Fine, conniving, whatever you want to call it." Kakashi could literally throttle that boy sometimes. "What's going on?"
"Nothing," he said, edging his tone. Sasuke shrugged and dropped it, recognizing Kakashi's tone. "But I will say you did a great job in there."
"Yeah?" He asked, suddenly unsure again. Kakashi nodded.
"Yeah. I'm proud of you," Kakashi said, flicking his gaze to his nephew. "Did you figure anything out?"
Sasuke paused, thoughtful. Kakashi waited and just drove, taking the main streets and driving slower than usual to not lose Iruka. A few minutes passed before Sasuke spoke again. "I...think so."
"And?"
"I feel better, now that we're friends," he answered softly. "He wasn't as distracting, but I still couldn't fully concentrate. I just...I still don't know."
"Well," Kakashi began, slowing at a red light. They were almost there, and he needed to make this quick. "What are you feeling?"
"I don't know," Sasuke repeated, suddenly frustrated. "Tell me, Uncle. Tell me what's going on."
Kakashi sighed inwardly. "I'll give you an example, instead. You remember that girl with the pink hair? How she bothered you all the time?" Kakashi caught a slight nod from Sasuke before he continued. "It's like that, but you're her. You pick and prod and annoy and tease to get a rise out of him because that's all you know how to do."
Sasuke was quiet, and Kakashi knew he was thinking. He let it all sink in as he turned into the diner. "So basically..." Sasuke began slowly, softly, and Kakashi was suddenly aware that this conversation needed to be much longer. "You're saying I...like...Naruto?"
"I'm saying its a possibility," Kakashi said. "You tell me. Do you?"
Sasuke was quiet again as Kakashi whipped into a parking spot. He killed the engine and paused, hands folded on his lap, as he waited patiently.
Kakashi remembered sitting in a similar position as Sasuke, speaking to his mentor and not much older than his nephew. It was hard having a conversation like this, of having to seriously look at why you weren't thinking about girls being pretty but your best friend instead. It's hard, especially at this age, but Sasuke reminded Kakashi so much of himself that it hurt and he knew the teen would be just fine.
A car sliding in beside them caught his attention, and he turned to look at Naruto waving frantically from Iruka's passenger seat. He couldn't really fight his grin as the blond wrestled with his seatbelt and bolted from his seat. Iruka shook his head and Kakashi's smile softened.
"I do," Sasuke whispered, pulling his attention. "I do like Naruto." He turned his garnet eyes to Kakashi, suddenly full of determination. "I'll tell him now."
"No, let's not," Kakashi chuckled. He had kept an eye on Naruto as he raced around his car and locked the doors before he could snatch Sasuke's door open. "Think about it, mull it over until you know for sure that you have the right moment."
Sasuke nodded, some of the determination dying from his eyes but the intensity not wavering at all. "I will, Uncle. Thank you." Then he unbuckled his seatbelt and opened his door, letting in all of Naruto's excited exclamations. Kakashi smiled softly - he supposed he wasn't so bad at this guardian thing, after all.
A soft tap on his window drew his attention from his nephew, speaking quietly to Naruto. He seemed to be able to tame some of the blond's exuberance, and Kakashi knew they would be well together whenever his nephew found his moment. Iruka stood by his window, smiling softly.
Coming? He mouthed, and Kakashi really couldn't help the direction his thoughts went. Kakashi motioned for him to take a step away and climbed out of his car.
"Looks like they're grabbing our table," Kakashi said as he locked his door. Naruto was practically dragging Sasuke into the restaurant by his hand, and Kakashi could see that soft flush gracing his nephew's neck just below his collar. He was just about to follow after when a soft hand on his elbow stopped him.
"Kakashi, I..." Iruka began. He looked first at the teacher's hand on his arm and then his face, eyes dropped to the pavement and voice soft. "I didn't mean to over react, at the library. If you want to read that then I have no right to judge."
Kakashi paused a moment, drinking in the sight of the slightly ashamed Iruka before him. He was too damn cute. "Hmmm, you're right." Iruka's eyes snapped to his, all previous trepidation replaced with a sudden flare of anger. "But I'm used to it, Iruka."
Kakashi's tone was light and teasing, a soft grin tugging at his lips. Iruka's hand fell from his elbow to rest lightly on his forearm. His palm was warm and soft, and Kakashi really had to fight that shiver. "Somehow, you've made me feel worse."
"Maa," Kakashi began, scratching the back of his head sheepishly with his other hand. He wouldn't move the arm Iruka was touching for the life of him. "You could make it up to me with a kiss."
The deep blush that illuminated all of Iruka's face and neck was worth it, Kakashi decided, when the teacher withdrew his hand like Kakashi was made of fire. His eyes darted back and forth, as if looking to find someone watching them. When he settled back on Kakashi's face, his eyes were bright with disbelief and something else mixed in.
"You're serious," he deadpanned with astonishment, blinking quickly. Kakashi drew in a soft breath as he watched those long lashes unintentionally flutter.
"Maybe," Kakashi answered, his smile turning coy and tone light. Despite his flippant air, Iruka seemed to only get more flustered.
"You never told me your secret," he said quickly. Kakashi was on to his abrupt topic change but went with it.
"Well, between you and me," Kakashi said, lowering his voice another octave. He almost missed Iruka's quick swallow as he leaned closer. "Sasuke is crushing hard on that blond kid. He just doesn't know how to act, but I gave him some pointers."
"And you know so well how to act around a crush?" Iruka asked quietly, his tone dubious but curious. Kakashi counted it for a win.
"You could find out, Mr. Umino," he answered in that same low tone, and he did not miss Iruka's sharp intake of breath. The teacher met his gaze quickly as Kakashi left his personal space.
"Iruka!"
"Uncle!"
Kakashi and Iruka shared a glance and Kakashi felt sheepish - they'd been caught red handed before anything could really happen. He turned to see Sasuke and Naruto hold the doors to the diner wide open.
"Our table is ready, hurry up!" Naruto called. Kakashi grinned and shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged towards Iruka.
"He's certainly impatient," he muttered, and Iruka chuckled.
"I'm working on it," he answered. Kakashi nodded and started towards the diner, pleasantly surprised when Iruka caught up to walk beside him. He might have been standing a little closer than before, but Kakashi didn't want to read too much into it.
The lunch had been quite eventful, and Kakashi got to see first hand how bad Sasuke's crush ran. He didn't even swat at Naruto as he stole some of his bacon, but god forbid Kakashi eats one of his fucking bags of Doritos at home. Occasionally he would catch Iruka's eye across from him and they would share a knowing glance. Naruto, of course, was ever oblivious, but Kakashi decided that was just fine for now.
Kakash managed to snatch Iruka's bill from him before he could pay, promising the teacher he could just make it up to him next time. Iruka fought down his blush well, until Naruto asked what that meant. When Iruka didn't answer quick enough, just losing the fight against his blush, Naruto took it upon himself to start pelting Kakashi's face and hair with packets of jam. Kakashi managed to knock them all back at the kid, grinning when one landed in his water and splashed him. They left - were kicked out - after that, and Kakashi left feeling lighter than he had in quite some time.
Iruka thanked him again for his time, the bill, and Kakashi waved it off. "I wanted to," he answered after Naruto and Sasuke were settled in. Iruka paused, like he wanted to say something else, before nodding.
"Well, then. I'll make it up to you," the teacher answered. Kakashi smiled. He wanted nothing more than to see how far Iruka wanted to make it up to him, but he could feel his nephew's curious eyes on his back.
"Until next time, Iruka," he said before he could get himself into any trouble as he slipped into the car.
Kakashi dodged Sasuke's questions well on the ride home. No, he didn't plan this. Yes, this was all Mr. Umino's idea. Yes, it worked, because he wasn't going to fucking fail. Shut up and text Naruto or something, of course he caught them exchanging numbers.
Kakashi was glad for the distraction Eros posed that evening. He watched the man suck on a long yellow popsicle, teeth grazing and lips pulled back perfectly. He sucked hard and let out delicious slurps that helped spur Kakashi's fresh arousal, but as he wrapped his palm around his cock he wasn't thinking of the beautiful man on his computer screen.
Kakashi kept up his tips, made a few requests, but nothing could fully distract him. It wasn't Eros' name whispered from his lips as he stroked, but that of the easily flustered teacher he had spent the better half of his day with. Iruka, with his liquid chocolate eyes and sharp tongue, berating him for reading porn in public and softly grabbing his elbow to later apologize. Iruka, with his long dark hair pulled back too tight, and Kakashi again imagined snatching the tie away and fisting his hand in those locks, soft like silk and beautiful.
Kakashi came to what he began to think of as his favourite fantasy of Iruka. He blinked, eyes attempting to refocus on his monitor, and for a moment he believed he was actually looking at Iruka. After another blink, he adjusted, and was actually disappointed to see it was Eros. Kakashi sighed and wiped his palm on his discarded shirt.
It was so easy to jerk off to Eros, a nameless man, when he had no qualms or attachments. Now, he had thoughts of someone obtainable, his mind swimming with images of Iruka's soft smile and his burning eyes. He was distracted again, his spent cock twitching in interest, and Kakahsi couldn't help his chuckle.
Eros was signing off, asking any last requests. Kakashi put in his usual with the usual speed, and Eros smiled as he answered. This time, while Kakashi watched the frozen screen, he wasn't thinking of what Eros would feel like with him, near him, kissing him - he was too busy thinking of a way to get Iruka to kiss him.
Iruka owed him an apology, after all.
After the dream Kakashi knew he would have, he was sure he'd owe the literature teacher some kind of an apology, too.
A/N: Share your thoughts, please! I am in need of them, for all this added sexual stuff is a bit out of my depth for writing.