HUD: So, I'm not sure how many of you cross-read my stuff, if many at all, but here's why this took so long: I also write FrostIron (LokixTony Stark), and I not-so-recently started a pirate AU. It kind of...grabbed me and wouldn't let me go for obviously months. As a result, all of my other stories have been thoroughly neglected, and I wanted to apologize and thank everyone for being so patient. I promise to try to not let it get so out of control in the future. Enjoy!
EDIT: I'M A TERRIBLE PERSON. I got this beautiful fanart and FORGOT TO SHARE IT. :'( It's by Dilly-Oh, and oh man, it's beautiful.
dilly - oh . tumblr / image / 124255046067
REMOVE THE SPACES AND ENJOY. (imsosorry)
Kakashi woke up earlier than he had any of the days before. He didn't need Sasuke or Ukki knocking on the door to get his ass up, which was oddly surprising. Kakashi blinked thickly, riding his eyes of the touches of sleep, and looked down at Pakkun. The pug was curled up in his usual spot under Kakashi's armpit, but his head rested on the programmer's bicep. It wasn't wholly uncomfortable, but Kakashi could just feel the tingling that signaled his arm falling asleep.
"Hey, buddy," Kakashi muttered, giving his arm a shake. Pakkun snorted for a moment before settling back down. Kakashi rolled his eyes and shook his shoulder. "Pakkun, get up, man."
The dog woke with a loud snore, his head flying up so fast he made himself dizzy. Kakashi grinned as he attempted to settle back down, but his master was already out from beneath the covers. Pakkun blinked as Kakashi moved to the dresser to pull on a shirt, obviously displeased that his pillow decided to bail.
"Get up, Pakkun," Kakashi repeated. "Let's go for a quick jog."
The dog stood up slowly and stretched before jumping down to meet Kakashi by the closed door. Kakashi opened it to let him out, his nails clicking on the hardwood, before pausing to grab his mobile. It was only a little after ten; his screen displayed no messages, so Kakashi dropped it into his pocket and set off after Pakkun.
"Good morning, Master!" Ukki called with surprise once Kakashi stepped down from the stairs. "I am delighted to see you up so early."
"Yeah, I'm pretty surprised myself," Kakashi answered with a grin. Ukki was cleaning the kitchen, wearing a green apron with leaves and bleach stains as decoration. He wore simple jeans and a white shirt beneath it, equipped completely with yellow rubber ducky gloves. Kakashi always got a kick out of the old man's cleaning attire.
"What have you got planned for the afternoon, Master?" Ukki asked with a smile, turning back to cleaning the stainless steel kitchen sink.
"I'm going to take Pakkun for a run," he answered, picking the dog up once he noticed the bucket of bleach water. Pakkun always wanted to knock that damn blue bucket over. "Give him a bath, again, and take one myself before I wash my clothes."
"That sounds wonderful, sir," Ukki answered. He and Kakashi had long gotten over the old argument that Kakashi should just let Ukki do it. They were both stubborn, but Kakashi won out in the end. "What would you like for lunch?"
"Some leftovers are fine by me," he answered. "Actually, I was hoping you'd go with me to the store to get some snacks for tonight."
Ukki spun around so quickly that Kakashi was worried for his neck. "Are you serious?"
"Uh, yeah?" Kakashi answered, unsure of what he should say. Yeah, he was pretty sure he was serious. That's what people did with company, right? Feed them, offer them a drink? Or did people not do that anymore?
"Why, Master Kakashi!" Ukki gushed, his grin wide and bright. "I would be delighted to accompany you!"
Kakashi slowly began to smile, now remembering all the times before where he would always go shopping with Ukki when he was younger. "I promise I won't wait in the line to ride the race car."
"Of course not," Ukki said dismissively, but Kakashi could still hear the grin in his voice. "You'd just push them all out of the way."
Kakashi laughed so loud and long that his face hurt and breathing became difficult. "You're right! I totally would."
"I know," Ukki answered, throwing a wink over his shoulder. "Move along, then! Poor Pakkun is practically suffering."
The pug squirmed to show his agreement; Kakashi nodded and headed into the garage. He pulled his tennis shoes on and clipped Pakkun's leash, just as he had done the day before. After opening the door, he raced Pakkun to the gate and set to work on the padlock.
This time, Kakashi fully allowed Pakkun to lead. They ran the entire trail, leaving Kakashi to his thoughts as his little companion drug him along.
The night before had been fantastic. Eros was perfect, a complete god, and Kakashi wasn't ashamed to admit that he might start a new religion because of him. He was a complete sucker, and he was more than slightly disappointed that he had plans tonight and couldn't sneak away to his office.
On that note, he was going to have Iruka in his house in less than eight hours. Iruka and Naruto, but he was mainly concerned about Iruka. The teacher was too kind and polite to mention anything about Kakashi's slip-up in his text (because there was no other reason not to). At least, that had to be the reason, because Iruka was obviously involved with that cleavage-flashing bitch. Kakashi wouldn't believe anything else. It was a shame, though - Iruka was absolutely his type, even if he was too much of a hermit to actually have one.
They might not be involved, Kakashi, the Obito-voice piqued up. Kakashi rolled his eyes, trying to now focus on the sounds of rushing air and his soles hitting concrete.
Iruka might just be interested in you, it continued. Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"Wrong," he mumbled to himself. Pakkun kept running as they neared the gate door. "One more lap, pal."
Oh please - you're usually so much better at this, the voice drawled. Kakashi began to feel irritated.
"Better at what? Ignoring you?" Kakashi huffed, his lungs burning. Pakkun slowed down for a moment, looking back at Kakashi.
Better at reading people. Watch when he gets here; you'll see. Kakashi rolled his eyes and huffed again, urging Pakkun to continue his pace. The pug picked up again with Kakashi now in tow.
There was no way, no possible way that Iruka was interested in him. The only way someone would be is over the Internet while he payed a small fortune to keep their interest. Kakashi frowned.
That took a turn he felt was better suited to therapy.
Pakkun slowed once they met the gate a second time. Kakashi was grateful for the distraction as he unbolted it and closed it behind them. He stooped over to unclip Pakkun's leash and walked leisurely behind him, holding the leash in one hand as he fished for his mobile with the other.
Kakashi was grateful for his good timing as a message came in. It was Iruka; Kakashi noted the time to be just after eleven, most likely the man's lunch break. He read it and smiled - Iruka really was so thoughtful.
Good afternoon! I was wondering if I needed to bring anything with us tonight?
Kakashi slowed his pace as he answered: Maa, you're my guests. I'll take care of everything. Kakashi opened the side door to the garage to let Pakkun in as he waited for a response. He toed out of his sneakers and hung the leash up. The mobile vibrated.
Are you sure? I don't mind at all.
Kakashi snorted. Positive.
Iruka's response was faster than he thought. Fine - I'll just surprise you, then. ;)
Kakashi smiled as he stepped into the house. Maa, Iruka - you're too kind.
"Master Kakashi?" Ukki called. Kakashi hummed as he turned the corner, staring down at his mobile while he typed away. Pakkun trotted out a few feet ahead of him.
Haha! See how kind I am when I kick your ass tonight, Iruka answered. Kakashi couldn't help but laugh.
"Master!" Ukki called again, more urgently. "The floor, it's - !"
Pakkun's nails sliding should have alerted Kakashi before Ukki's final call. His feet flew right out from beneath him the second they touched the tile to the kitchen floor. Kakashi felt the wind get knocked from him as his back hit the ground - hard. It wouldn't have been so bad if he didn't see his mobile fly up, far too out of his reach, to land some feet away screen down. Kakashi coughed as he pushed himself up. Ukki was beside him in an instant, his knees hitting the tile with a crack that sounded worse than his own fall.
"Oh, dear, Kakashi," Ukki rushed, his tone worried, as he pulled Kakashi to a more comfortable sitting position. Kakashi grimaced.
"Not me - your knees, Ukki!" Kakashi answered. Ukki shook his head.
"It sounded worse than it was, I assure you," the butler dismissed. Kakashi rolled his eyes and grinned.
"Oh, of course. How would I have expected anything else?" Ukki grinned back, albeit shakily.
"I am terribly sorry, Master," Ukki continued, now helping Kakashi to his feet. Kakashi grabbed the nearby counter to keep his bulk off of Ukki as much as possible. "I should have warned you sooner about the wet floor."
"S'fine," Kakashi dismissed. He stood up and rolled his shoulders, looking to see Pakkun still sliding around. In his haste to get back to Kakashi, the little dog was running circles to keep from plowing right into a cabinet. Ukki patted his back to make sure everything was aligned, not pulling away until he was satisfied. "Am I up to code?"
"Absolutely," Ukki answered with a wry smile. "I am so - "
"It's okay, Ukki," Kakashi said with a laugh. "I'm totally fine. Just got the wind knocked out of me, that's all." Carefully, Kakashi moved to gather his mobile. The phone shut off from the impact, and now sported a clean crack across the entire screen. Kakashi rolled his eyes - he had needed a new phone, anyway, the one he currently had still being last year's model. What a great excuse. He pocketed it before Ukki could see it.
"I'm glad that's all it was," Ukki answered, the relief obvious in his tone.
"Yeah, everything is good to go," Kakashi answered with a wink. He paused to scoop up Pakkun to save him from a surely uncomfortable meeting with the side of the island. "I'm giving this brat a bath."
Ukki nodded and moved back to his cleaning. Kakashi scratched Pakkun's chin as they headed into the laundry room. Pakkun was much more placid than usual as Kakashi rubbed his doggy shampoo in. He assumed it was because the run and slip-n-slide of the kitchen took it out of him, or the dog was taking pity on him after his own fall.
Kakashi dried him off as thoroughly as he could before the pug worked his way out, suddenly energized as dogs are after a bath. He tore out of the laundry room and into the living room; Kakashi listened to Ukki's delighted hoots as Pakkun danced around his feet, before it all came to a literally crashing halt. Ukki laughed a little harder as he cooed at Pakkun, who Kakashi assumed slammed right into a wall with those floors still slick.
The genius grinned, not at all surprised, as he opened a cabinet to his right and pulled out his laundry basket. It was oddly full, which wasn't as much of a surprise as it should have been. Kakashi had spent a lot more time out in the general public since last Wednesday, after all.
He dumped the entire thing into the washer, not caring about whites or colours - everything came out fine anyway, regardless. After adding the cedar-scented soap, Kakashi drifted out. Ukki was cradling Pakkun in his arms, scratching the dog beneath his chin as his tongue lolled out of his mouth. The little guy had it made, man.
"I'm heading up for a shower," Kakashi called, stepping onto the stairs.
"Alright! I shall be done when you are, I believe, so long as Pakkun stays away from my bleach," Ukki answered. Kakashi laughed.
"Throw his ass in the garage, then!" Ukki's answer was lost on him as he walked into his room and shut the door behind him. He drew his mobile from his pocket and sighed, turning it on quickly. Once the screen loaded, it was blotched with at least three beginning plasma leaks as well as the spreading crack. As if that wasn't bad enough.
Kakashi answered Iruka's text with a simple wink and sat on his unmade bed. He sent a quick email to his PA to order another phone, the latest Mach from SI (despite being in a similar market, he and the owner were long-time friends), and looked across his room.
It was simple, not at all what one would expect of a billionaire who never left his house. There was merely his bed and bedside table, long dresser, and a flatscreen mounted to the wall between his closet and bathroom. Pakkun had a bed there to match the one in his office, but it was more for show than use. With a sigh, Kakashi stood and began to make his bed. When there wasn't much to look at, an unmade bed was an eyesore.
He sat back down and looked at his side table, staring at his cracked mobile and the Hound mask. He had brought it back in with him, knowing that Sasuke sometimes liked to drift into his office to read Icha-Icha. He didn't want his nephew to see it and begin to ask questions.
Kakashi picked up the mask and ran his fingers over the contours, the dip against the lips and the edges of the ears. He flipped it over and stared at the inside, the same pale bone white as the front, and blinked. He recalled the fun he had had the night before, imagined seeing Eros through the eye slits. Kakashi laid back on his bed and stared up at the ceiling, settling the mask over his face and closing his eyes.
Eros, over him and smiling, his mask glistening in soft light. Kakashi's hands came up to frame the face of the god, his fingers tracing and dipping into every line of his face and neck and collar. Eros purred his delight and leaned forward; Kakashi brought his hands back to Eros' face and drew him closer -
A buzz from his mobile shook Kakashi back to the present. He sighed and pulled the mask off, putting it in the top drawer of his nightstand and shutting it away from the world. Kakashi grabbed his mobile and opened the email from his PA. The phone was on order but wouldn't arrive until the next day. Kakashi sighed and put his device back down, standing and moving to the bathroom.
Kakashi took a quick, hot shower - it was great on his back and shoulders, which he hadn't wanted to admit in front of Ukki. The fall had done a little more than knock the wind from him, reminding the genius that he wasn't sixteen anymore. He stepped from the shower and dried off quickly, running his hands through his hair. It wouldn't take long to dry, with or without a hairdryer or product. Kakashi brushed his teeth and checked his eyes - they weren't nearly as tired as they had been the day before, which was a plus. He didn't want Iruka to see him and question if he was taking care of himself. That's what Ukki was for, and it's not like Kakashi could very well tell Iruka the reason behind his torment.
Kakashi moved to his closet and drew out a dark red button down, pulling it on and cuffing the sleeves at the elbows before moving to his dresser to pull out a pair of dark jeans and underwear. His hair was nearly dried and happily defying gravity by the time he was ready, shoes and socks and all. Kakashi shoved his mobile in his pocket and headed downstairs.
He looked for Ukki for a moment before ducking into the laundry room to put his clothes in the dryer. "Ukki, ready?"
"In a moment, sir!" The butler called. Kakashi grinned and stood out in the kitchen, bouncing lightly on his feet. Pakkun trotted up and pawed at his shoes, prompting the tall man to crouch and scratch at his ears. Kakashi couldn't help but smile at him.
"All set, sir," Ukki said, walking into the kitchen. His dress shoes clicked smartly on the clean tile, now dressed again in his usual butler attire - a pressed suit with a white shirt beneath. Kakashi grinned and stood up.
"Lookin' good, Ukki," he said, walking over to grab his keys.
Ukki seemed to swell with pride. "Why, as do you, sir."
"Of course I do," Kakashi answered, opening the door to the garage for them both. "You taught me how to dress."
Ukki chuckled and shook his head. "Your style is all your own, Kakashi."
Kakashi grinned. "If you call the 'grabbing whatever doesn't smell' tactic style, then you're correct."
Ukki laughed from his belly and patted Kakashi's shoulder. "Is that what it's called these days?" Kakashi grinned at the older man and nodded.
"Yeah. It's all the rage, Ukki," he answered. Pakkun trotted up and stared at him. "You should watch E Inside more often."
Ukki just shook his head as Kakashi leaned down and scratched at Pakkun. "You're staying here, buddy. Man the house while we're gone."
The dog yipped and headed back into the kitchen. Kakashi snorted at how careful he walked and avoided the island. "He's hilarious."
"Indeed," Ukki agreed. Kakashi shut the door behind him and headed for the Charger. "And a very good dog."
Kakashi nodded. "The best. He's my precious one," he said, dipping to sit in the car.
Ukki smiled as he slid into the passenger seat beside Kakashi. "He certainly knows that. He's entirely out of my realm of punishment."
Kakashi grinned and started the engine. The car purred to life. "Of course he is. He never does anything wrong anyway."
"Not lately, no," Ukki agreed, watching Kakashi pull out of the garage from his side mirror. "But I am sure you recall the many fights he and I had over my slippers."
Kakashi laughed. "Oh yeah. That was hilarious."
"For you, perhaps," Ukki answered, quirking an eyebrow at Kakashi. The genius ignored it and opened the gate with his clicker. "I, on the other hand, endured several weeks of no slippers."
"I think I spent a small fortune to keep replacing them," Kakashi said, grinning. "Maybe it was just that style. What was it - rabbit fur, or something?"
"The most pristine choice fur of the Mini Rex rabbits, native to the Netherlands. Only a thousand are made every year to keep the population in control, hence the price," Ukki said almost defensively. Kakashi just continued to grin. "I understand Pakkun's sense to hunt, but my poor slippers should not be on the receiving end of it."
"I agree," Kakashi said. "Which is why I took care of it." Pakkun really did have a problem with the rabbit fur making him all crazy-eyed and loony, so Kakashi bought a rabbit offline and introduced it to Pakkun. Oddly enough, they became friends, and the slipper-chewing ended. Now the rabbit - affectionately named Bugs - roams the backyard of the mansion and taunts Pakkun from the porch whenever it rains. Kakashi imagines it won't be too long before Bugs meets a Lola and he has a whole cluster of rabbits taunting Pakkun on his back porch.
"Speaking of, we should purchase more kibble for Bugs - I saw him hopping around with a lovely floppy-eared tan bunny a day or so before the rain," Ukki said absently, making Kakashi laugh.
"So, Bugs already found a Lola," he said, letting that sink in a moment before Ukki laughed as well.
"Why, he certainly did!" Ukki chuckled. "However, I believe that might be the easiest those two have ever hit it off."
Kakashi shook his head, hoping to stop his laughter before he'd have to pull over. Ukki continued to grin beside him, knowing full well what he did. The conversation took a turn to more current events after Kakashi agreed to the purchase. What did Naruto like? Ukki was interested to know, more importantly, it seemed, what Iruka liked. Kakashi felt compelled to say something, but he honestly had no answer for either.
Sitting at a light, Kakashi pulled his mobile out and texted Sasuke for his opinion. He could feel the waves of disappointment roll off Ukki, so he put it away as soon as he sent the text.
"What? Just asking Sasuke so we'll know when we get to the store," Kakashi defended. Ukki hummed and folded his arms.
"You, texting and driving, and now Sasuke, texting during lessons," Ukki huffed. "Why, what am I to do with you two?"
Kakashi grinned and pulled onto the highway. "Love us?"
Ukki tutted but didn't answer, looking again out the window. Kakashi just chuckled and merged into traffic. He knew the conversation would start again shortly, and the moment they pulled onto the exit for the grocery store, Ukki started up again.
"Perhaps something easily accessible," he mused. Kakashi nodded to show he was listening. "Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres are a must."
Kakashi turned his blinker on and sat at a light. "Ukki, perhaps you're over thinking it?"
Ukki cleared his throat and turned to Kakashi. "What do you mean?"
Kakashi squirmed slightly - he wasn't good at this. Ukki did countless entertaining for Sakumo's business associates when he was younger, so likely he would have the upper hand; but this was Naruto and Iruka, not CEOs of billion dollar companies. They didn't need steak tar tar or quail eggs over risotto. Naruto is a teenager - he eats the same processed shit that Sasuke does, and Iruka probably has a similar taste because they live together. The last thing Kakashi wanted to do was make them uncomfortable. Driving up to a mansion would already do that for him, anyway. The second they stepped inside, Kakashi wanted them to feel the way he, Sasuke, and Ukki did - right at home.
"Master?" Ukki asked, drawing Kakashi back to the present. He glanced over and gave a smirk.
"Maybe, instead of - " A loud horn cut Kakashi off; he had been sitting there for so long that the light changed. "Shit, sorry," he mumbled as he turned, feeling his neck flush from embarrassment under Ukki's worried gaze.
Once back on the road and within sight of the store, Kakashi breathed slowly and swallowed. He kept his eyes on the road as he spoke: "Maybe, instead of something complicated or extravagant, something simple. Naruto is the same age as Sasuke, so I'm willing to bet they like the same things. You know - hot pockets, Doritos, burgers, that stuff."
"What about Mr. Umino?" Ukki asked. Kakashi didn't miss the careful way he asked. The genius swallowed and bit the inside of his cheek.
"He and Naruto live together," he began. "I'm sure whatever he makes, Naruto eats. I imagine by catering to the thought of what Naruto will enjoy, we can also incorporate Iruka's likes." Kakashi paused as he turned into the store's parking lot. "If treated like an equation, the variable of Naruto is the largest. By filling in the probabilities of known intelligence about his person, we can safely conclude - with or without Sasuke's influence - that Naruto is a teenage boy with an insatiable appetite. In that conclusion, what would you assume to be a plausible treatment?"
Kakashi parked the Charger and turned slightly to Ukki. The old man was smiling softly at him, a hint of nostalgia and adoration so powerful it made Kakashi's neck flush again. Had he said something wrong?
"You sound just like Sakumo when you do that, Kakashi," Ukki said thickly. His smile grew a little shaky but he quickly controlled it. Kakashi knew how much Ukki missed Sakumo - it was hard to take care of someone your whole life and suddenly have them not there, to actually outlive a person who should prevail him. Ukki had never married, was a single child, and had lost his parents young. The Hatake family was his family. Kakashi knew the old butler missed his father as much as he did, if not more.
"I could recount several stories of he and I, having a very similar conversation to us right now, about you," Ukki chuckled, pulling his small glasses off and dabbing at his eyes. Kakashi smiled and dropped his hand to Ukki's shoulder.
"I miss him too, Ukki," he said softly. Ukki just nodded and pushed his glasses back up, grasping at Kakashi's hand. He gave a quick squeeze and cleared his throat.
"Well, sir - under those constants, I believe I would suggest - "
Kakashi mobile buzzed, interrupting Ukki. The butler sighed and shook his head as Kakashi dug it from his pocket. He stared at Sasuke's response and grinned.
"Ukki, what is you expert opinion?" Kakashi asked. Ukki cleared his throat again.
"I would suggest pizza," the butler answered. "We have a section of the oven lined in brick just for this sort of thing."
Kakashi nodded and typed back his thanks to Sasuke. "That's exactly what Sasuke suggested. Excellent deducing skills, Mr. Ukki."
Ukki chuckled and unbuckled his seat belt. "Happy to be of service, Dr. Hatake."
Kakashi laughed as he climbed from the Charger. He sometimes forgot he had a doctorate himself, but Ukki was always kind enough to remind him.
The shopping was easy and smooth; on the way home, Kakashi and Ukki stopped for lunch at Ichiraku's, having scraped the leftovers idea after the store. Ayame was pleased to see Ukki and gave him a box of sesame balls on their way out - the butler's favourite.
Kakashi stopped by Sasuke's school and checked him out early in an effort to avoid Naruto and Iruka. Sasuke wasn't complaining - his last period was only homeroom, and on Wednesdays Iruka used that time for them to do their homework. Naruto, it seemed, wasn't happy with Sasuke leaving early.
"Naruto was pretty jealous?" Kakashi asked with a grin. Sasuke rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Yeah. I think it was more that I wouldn't be there as a distraction than anything," the teen answered.
"How's Iruka?" Kakashi asked. "Is he plotting anything?" Ukki cast him a sideways glance but didn't say anything.
"I don't know if plotting is the correct word," Sasuke said, drawing now Ukki's attention. "He is planning, though. Naruto knows, too, but wouldn't say anything."
Kakashi grinned. "That sneaky bastard. No way is he kicking my ass tonight."
Ukki started laughing. "Oh, these two sound wonderful."
Kakashi and Sasuke shared a glance in the rear view mirror. Ukki had no clue.
Once they got home, Kakashi helped Sasuke finish what little homework he had and sent him off to clean his room, just in case. He folded his laundry while Ukki tidied the living room, and when Sasuke came back down, Kakashi sent him to walk and feed Pakkun and Bugs.
"Hey, Bugs found a Lola, by the way," Kakashi said to the teen as he hooked Pakkun's leash on.
"Guess Ukki can't have that garden after all," Sasuke answered. Kakashi laughed and nodded.
"Oh, he's so disappointed."
At five, Ukki and Kakashi started making the pizzas. Kakashi didn't do it as often as he used to, but the genius loved helping Ukki in the kitchen. When he was younger, that was a prime bonding for them. Go do the week's shopping at the market then come home and begin dinner before Sakumo got home. It was a pleasant routine that lasted nearly until Sakumo's suicide, and Kakashi was glad to get back into the feel of it.
Sasuke sat at the island and watched Kakashi pound out the chilled pizza dough. "I didn't think you guys would make this fresh."
Ukki snorted at the stove where he was babying the pizza sauce. "Why, Master Sasuke! I am offended."
Kakashi grinned at Sasuke's alarmed expression. "I-I didn't mean - "
Ukki chuckled and winked over his shoulder. "After all, what ever use will the pizza oven acquire if we didn't make pizza from scratch every so often?"
Sasuke furrowed his brow. "We have a pizza oven?"
Kakashi jerked his head towards the two door oven. "Yeah, top rack. I forgot about it myself, and I was here when they installed it."
Ukki chuckled. "I'm glad we are giving it some use."
"Same," Kakashi grunted. The dough was not cooperating. Sasuke pulled over the bowl of Doritos and popped a chip in his mouth. Not only were they making pizza, but there were four different types of chips and dips on the island. Sasuke said Naruto ate a lot, and Kakashi wanted to make sure there was something for everyone. Doritos for the teens, sour cream and onion for Mr. Ukki, Ruffles with ranch or onion dip for neutral ground, and honey barbecue for Kakashi. There was also a two litre each of Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew - Kakashi had no doubt all of it would be finished between Sasuke and Naruto before the night was out.
Between the snacks and three large pizzas Kakashi and Ukki were making, it seemed like they were feeding a small army. Sasuke concluded, with a nod, that this would be just enough.
Kakashi was just tossing out more flour over the dough when he heard the gate buzz. "Holy shit - are they already here?"
Sasuke popped another chip and nodded. "It's almost six. Mr. Umino hates being late."
Kakashi inwardly groaned. "Alright - go hit the button to let them in and then get the tv on or something."
"Aye, aye," Sasuke drawled, pushing himself away from the counter. Ukki chuckled behind him when Kakashi increased his dough-pounding.
"Are you nervous, sir?"
Kakashi felt his stomach flip. "No, I just wasn't expecting them so soon."
"Not everyone shares your view on time management," Ukki teased.
"Ha-ha," Kakashi drawled, rolling his eyes. Ukki chuckled behind him. "I've got one pressed out if you wanna bring that sauce over."
Near Kakashi's feet, Pakkun danced and twirled and ran all over the kitchen. He knew something exciting was happening, and Kakashi was surprised to see the usually lazy dog practically tumbling over himself in anticipation. He stayed clear of Ukki as he brought the pot over, but went right back to pawing at Kakashi's feet as soon as he left. "Pakkun, what the hell?"
"He's excited, sir!" Ukki announced. "He's soaking in all the energy in the room."
Kakashi just hoped that his dog wouldn't absorb all of his nerves. Sasuke called Pakkun into the living room when he walked back; the pug hesitated for just a second before he called again, prompting the dog to tear off into the other room. Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle as he moved the dough to a tray and ladled out sauce. Ukki added generous amounts of cheese and pepperoni to the first as Kakashi continued pounding out the second.
Once the pizza was ready, together they pushed it from the tray onto the brick in the pizza oven. Kakashi dabbed his forehead with the back of his wrist and closed the oven. "Well, that wasn't so bad."
Ukki agreed just as a knock echoed from the foyer. "I shall get it."
"No, let Sasuke," Kakashi said. He turned towards the living room. "Sasuke!"
Another knock came from the foyer and got Pakkun barking. Kakashi sighed and called for his nephew again. "Sasuke!"
Between whatever was on the tv and Pakkun, Kakashi deemed it a lost cause. He rolled his eyes and waved Ukki away. "I'll get it - put the sauce on the next pizza."
Ukki nodded as Kakashi turned away, heading for the foyer. Through the glass surrounding the front doors he could make out the shapes of bright blond and orange and a more subdued navy and tan. Kakashi swallowed down the lump he felt in his throat and ignored the flip his belly gave. Pakkun padded up beside him as he dropped a hand to the handle. His dark eyes met Kakashi's and gave him just the bit of courage he needed to open the door.
"Yo," he said with a smirk. Naruto spun on his heel and grinned broadly beside Iruka, who had his hands full of a glass dish.
"Hello, Kakashi," Iruka answered, smiling warmly at Kakashi. "Thanks so much for having us over."
"No problem," Kakashi answered automatically. He could feel his palm beginning to sweat on the door handle. Naruto's eyes widened when Kakashi opened the door a little wider to let them in.
"Oh man! A dog!" He announced, charging pass Kakashi like a blur. The genius staggered a little, grateful for the door. Pakkun's eyes widened and he took off the other direction for the living room and likely the safety of Sasuke. Iruka shook his head.
"I'm sorry," he said, his cheeks heating slightly as his scar wrinkled from his expression. Kakashi adored it. "He's just so excited to be here."
"Maa, I figured," Kakashi drawled. He reached out with his left hand and took the dish Iruka held carefully. "You didn't have to bring anything."
Iruka's blush darkened slightly, making Kakashi's heart thump faster. "I know, but I wanted to. It's something I make pretty well, so - " Iruka's speech sped up, as if he were nervous. Kakashi couldn't help his smirk softening.
"What is it?" He asked, eyeing the obvious cookie crumbs over the top.
"Ah," Iruka said, hesitating for just a moment. "An Oreo cheesecake. It was my mother's recipe. I only make it a few times a year."
Kakashi really couldn't help himself. He winked to Iruka as he answered: "Maa, Mr. Umino - I feel honoured."
Iruka's blush darkened again and Kakashi felt his breath leave him. This man, standing on his doorstep in jeans and a navy button down, was so breathtaking it wasn't fair. Iruka bit his lip and smiled slightly brighter than usual. "Well, I suppose the feeling is mutual. I had no idea you cooked - what are you making?"
Kakashi's attire suddenly hit him. When he started the dough earlier, he donned one of Ukki's aprons to protect his jeans and shirt from pizza sauce and flour. He hadn't removed the apron before answering the door, and had actually greeted Iruka in the apron.
God, he felt like a complete idiot.
Kakashi subtly cleared his throat and shifted his weight. "Pizza," he said simply. Iruka's eyes lit up.
"Homemade?" He asked eagerly, his smile widening.
"Of course," Kakashi answered, hoping to hide his embarrassment. "Actually, I should - "
"Master Kakashi!" Ukki called. Kakashi flinched once he heard Ukki's dress shoes clicking on the tile and then hardwood. "I require you for the next pizza!"
Ukki rounded the corner in his apron as well, but his didn't say Bad Ass Chef like Kakashi's did (which Kakashi had gotten him as a gag gift that had now thoroughly backfired) and also wasn't covered in flour. Ukki stopped up short and glanced first at Kakashi and then Iruka. He smiled broadly. "Why, you must be Mr. Umino! I have heard so much about you from Master Kakashi and Sasuke. What a pleasure to have you here!"
Ukki held his hand out to Iruka who accepted it with a smile. "Thank you for having us, and please, call me Iruka."
"Then you may call me Ukki, and welcome to the Hatake home," Ukki said as they shook hands. He glanced slightly at Kakashi and quirked an eyebrow. "Why don't you come inside, Iruka? We have plenty of refreshments, and please pardon the mess - Master Kakashi has had quite a time with the dough."
"Oh?" Iruka asked, allowing Ukki to pull him into the home. He shot Kakashi a smirk and raised an eyebrow at him. "This is have to see."
Kakashi followed behind them quietly, shutting the front door. He could hear Naruto and Sasuke in the living room once they stepped back into the kitchen. Kakashi lingered a few feet away to put Iruka's cheesecake into the fridge, listening to Ukki offer Iruka a drink and a seat at the island. He couldn't help but roll his eyes at himself - leave it to Ukki to save the day for him once all of his awkwardness kicked in.
Fist he answered the door in an apron covered in flour, and then he made Iruka stand out on the doorstep for way too long. What was wrong with him? If he was already screwing up this bad at the beginning, Kakashi was already concerned about how the night would turn out.
Thank god for Ukki - that man was cultured enough for himself and Kakashi, maybe even a little for Pakkun, too. Kakashi closed the fridge and turned to help with the second pizza. Iruka looked at home already, sitting at his island and chatting to Ukki. What he would give to keep it that way, simple and wonderful. What he would give to keep Iruka there.
"Alright - let's get that other one in," Kakashi said with a genuine smile. He hoped it would be enough to cover the nerves he felt doubling and the slight tremor in his hands.
A/N: Please let me know what you thought! There will be more to come sooner rather than later, I assure you all. Thanks so much. :)