HUD: So, not dead. I apologize for the *cough*MONTHS*cough* long wait. I was promoted at work and, well, that equals no personal time. But I've found my balance; that and a week long PTO, well, I'll be doing some writing. :) Enjoy!
Kakashi slid the second pizza in beside the first, leaving a few inches of space for the dough to expand. A quick check on the other showed enough time to make the third before it was ready. Kakashi was beginning to feel somewhat of an expert as he shut the oven door.
"We should have enough time to get the last one ready before the first comes out, Ukki," Kakashi announced, tossing the towel he used to open the oven door over his shoulder. The butler nodded from where he was passing Iruka a glass with soda.
"Alright, then," Ukki answered. He took a step aside to allow Kakaski back to his working space - directly across from where Iruka sat, most likely chosen to watch Kakashi struggle with the dough. As he started working the dough with his knuckles, the growing grin on Iruka's face was all the confirmation he needed.
"You have a lovely home," Iruka began after watching Kakashi pull the dough for a moment. Kakashi glanced up when Ukki didn't immediately respond, only to discover that he wasn't in the kitchen anymore and the question was directed at him.
Well shit.
"Maa, thank you," Kakashi answered sheepishly, his voice slightly strained as he punched the dough a bit more. "There was a lot of work put into it."
"Yeah?" Iruka asked, leaving the question open as he sipped his drink. Kakashi swallowed. He wasn't so young and brash as he used to be, but potentially talking about his father could be hard. It was for Ukki as well; still the butler engaged the topic when he could, if not to ease Kakashi's burden but to keep Sakumo alive, somehow.
"Yeah," Kakashi grunted, making his decision. If he couldn't have Iruka the way he wanted, he could keep the man around as a friend. Friends were honest with each other, right? "When my father passed I inherited it. It was more of a second home and less lived in. Towards the end, we never really ever got out here. I sold the main property and moved here with Ukki; half the place was caving in, overgrown with vines, and stuck in the eighties." Kakashi paused and folded the dough over, now finally warmed enough to cooperate. "We worked long and hard, but finally had this place livable after a few months."
"Wow!" Iruka breathed, drawing Kakashi's attention. The man's eyes were slightly widened, his glass paused at his lips. "You rebuilt this whole place?"
Kakashi shifted his weight slightly, uncomfortable with the sudden rapt attention. "Not the whole place; I've never touched a lawnmower in my life."
That seemed to strike Iruka as funny, making the teacher laugh. The sound was lovely, a soft smile of Kakashi's own spreading across his lips as Iruka controlled himself.
"Well," Iruka started after regaining his breath. "That's still impressive. I never would have taken you for the handy type."
More like handsy, Kakashi grinned. Maybe a little too much, but it would be worth it to see another blush on Iruka's scarred cheeks. "Maa, there's a lot you don't know about me, Mr. Umino."
"Is that a challenge?" Iruka's tone had Kakashi looking up from his dough again, a slight quirk in his visible eyebrow. Iruka was sipping casually at his drink again, but there was a dancing light in his eyes that was clearly mischief. Kakashi was willing to bet the lift to Iruka's lips could only be called coy, too.
"Perhaps," Kakashi teased, looking back down at his dough. At some point during their conversation, Kakashi had managed to tame the puffy ball into a pizza-shape. He grinned slightly at himself and turned to wash his hands. "Iruka, would you mind grabbing Ukki?"
"For the pizza?" Kakashi nodded as he dried his hands. When he turned, he was surprised to see Iruka pushing up his sleeves and shooing him away from the sink. "He's had to put up with you for two of these so far; I'll give him a break."
Kakashi couldn't help but swallow; Iruka was standing close enough that Kakashi could smell whatever wonderful shampoo the man used. He subtly took a step back.
"My company isn't all bad," he heard himself protest. Iruka smirked at him and snatched the towel from his shoulder.
"Of course it isn't," the teacher cooed. Oh yeah, that smirk was definitely coy. Kakashi worked up his best hurt expression, letting his lower lip poke out just enough.
"Maa, Iruka - "
"I'm immune to pitiful puppy faces, even on grown men," Iruka answered sternly, but the mirth in his eyes and the coy in his smirk still lingered. Kakashi huffed and poked his lip out just a bit more. Iruka's smirk turned fond at Kakashi's effort; the teacher returned the hand towel back to Kakashi's shoulder with a pat. "It was a valiant effort, though; I'll give you that. Quite endearing." If Iruka's hand lingered a little more than necessary, well, Kakashi wasn't complaining.
They worked rather well together; Kakashi ladled out the sauce in wide circles like Ukki had before and Iruka added handfuls after handfuls of cheese, coating the entire thing until not a drop of sauce could be seen. He added the pepperoni as Kakashi turned to get the first pizza from the oven and settle it on the cooling rack near the fridge. Kakashi pulled the second closer to the front to make room for the last, turning to check if Iruka was finished.
The teacher grinned broadly as Kakashi looked over his shoulder, adding the last of the pepperoni. "What do you think?"
Kakashi felt a grin spreading as he caught Iruka's eyes. "I think Sasuke is going to die."
Iruka laughed and bumped Kakashi's side with his elbow. "Is it too much? I was thinking a smiley face at first - "
"Oh no, don't change it," Kakashi answered, catching Iruka's elbow in his palm before the second bump. "In fact, I want a picture of this."
The teacher stepped aside as Kakashi dug out his mobile, missing the slight warmth from Iruka being so close. He snapped a quick shot of the pepperoni heart around the large S and N in the centre. Sasuke was going to just die, and it was so worth it.
"You're an evil man, Iruka," Kakashi said after sliding the damning pie into the oven and shutting the door. "Remind me to never cross you."
"You're safe for now, Kakashi," Iruka vowed, locating the hidden trash can and tossing in the empty containers. "Depends on how well you play tonight, though."
Kakashi rinsed the sauce pot out and added it to the dishwasher. "Maa, is that a challenge?" He echoed. Iruka smirked at him from where he was wiping the counter free of leftover sauce and flour.
"Perhaps, Bad Ass Chef," he answered, grinning as Kakashi looked down at the floured apron he still wore. He removed it hastily with a murmured curse, ignoring Iruka's sniggers as he tossed it into the laundry room. Kakashi came back and finished helping clean the kitchen before checking on the second pizza. He took it out and set it beside the first.
"I'd say we have a few more minutes on the other," Kakashi said as he cut the first pizza. He offered Iruka a piece as he took his original seat again. "Want the honours?"
Iruka nodded and took the piece gently. "If this kills me, remember that you'll be stuck taking care of Sasuke and Naruto."
"So savage, Mr. Umino!"
"I'm just sayin'," the teacher mumbled before taking a bite. He chewed thoughtfully for a moment, and Kakashi was ashamed at how nervous he suddenly became. Finally, finally, Iruka swallowed and nodded.
"Not bad," he said with a wink. Kakashi let out a breath he didn't realize he held.
"That guy I bought the cyanide from lied to me," Kakashi grumbled. Iruka's pleased laugh made him grin as he turned to move the second cooled pizza to the island to cut.
Once both were added to the island buffet and the third cooling, Kakashi stepped into the living room. Naruto and Sasuke were sitting with their backs to the couch and staring up at the screen with Ukki in his usual armchair. The three were playing Mario Kart, and it looked like whoever was playing Toad was schooling everyone, peeling over the finish line. Both Naruto and Sasuke groaned as Ukki chuckled.
"Ukki, don't give yourself away so soon," Kakashi chided, leaning against the wall connecting the kitchen to the living room. The butler chuckled again and turned to his oldest ward.
"I just couldn't help myself, Master," the older man explained, pushing his little glasses further up his nose. Sasuke huffed.
"Only Kakashi can beat him," Sasuke grumbled. Naruto gasped and spun to look up at the slouched pale man.
"No way! Mr. Ukki is so good!" His bright blue eyes seemed to get brighter. "You must be like, a god."
"Maa," Kakashi dismissed, waving a hand casually. "Just a simple man with too much time on his hands."
"Agreed." Kakashi turned to see Iruka standing beside him. "Maybe a god of tardiness, but that's about it."
Kakashi's protests were immediately drowned out by everyone else's laughter. He felt a heat steal up his neck from embarrassment but ignored it. "Guess all this pizza is for me, then," he said, holding his hands up in a shrug as he stepped back into the kitchen. "A god of tardiness wouldn't be able to make pizza on time, I suppose."
Kakashi grinned as Iruka snorted; the teacher stepped aside as the sounds of scrambling made it to the entrance. Naruto breathed a soft 'hell yes' as he took in the spread, elbowing Sasuke to get to the pizza first. Ukki slipped behind the semi-wrestling teens to stand beside Kakashi. The programmer moved the last pizza over to begin cutting it.
"Why did you not call me for the last, sir?" Ukki asked quietly, concern in his eyes. Kakashi shrugged.
"I started to but Iruka volunteered," he answered. Ukki hummed, looking over at the teacher. Iruka fussed at Naruto and even Sasuke, making sure they both had napkins and a plate for their heaping piles of pizza. Kakashi couldn't help but grin - Iruka was ever courteous.
"That is quite kind of him," Ukki finally answered. His tone was off, making Kakashi pause. He looked from Iruka to Ukki, a strange expression on his weathered face.
"Ukki," Kakashi said, a slight defensive edge to his voice. Ukki hummed but still watched Iruka. "Quit plotting."
Ukki glanced back at Kakashi. "Pardon me, sir. I'm doing nothing of the sort."
"I don't believe you for a second, old man," Kakashi growled. After a heated few seconds where Ukki kept his eyes on Iruka and the teens while Kakashi stared hard at the side of his face, the butler relented.
"Kakashi," Ukki sighed. Kakashi knew that tone. "I'm simply - "
"We are friends, Ukki," Kakashi said quietly. "You worry too much."
Ukki smiled wanly at Kakashi. "I just wish for your happiness."
"I have it," Kakashi answered. He really did, with Ukki and Sasuke in his life, he had plenty of happiness. Life certainly wasn't boring in the slightest. Ukki eyed him again over the rim of his glasses, Kakashi reading his expression as plain as day. "I don't need anything else."
Ukki's eyebrows rose but he didn't say anything. A now familiar presence was standing on Kakashi's left, effectively ending any more conversation. For that, Kakashi was grateful.
"That came out pretty well!" Iruka whispered, his tone excited. Kakashi chuckled and nodded. Ukki took a moment to look at the last pizza, now noticing that it was different than the rest.
"Oh my!" He exclaimed, hooting with laughter. "Is this your doing, Iruka?"
The teacher bit his lip slightly and nodded. Ukki hooted again and moved around the island to the other side. "Well, no sense in hiding this masterpiece! Do pass it over, Master!"
Kakashi shrugged and handed the pan to Ukki, who settled it over one of the now empty pans. The butler stood back for a moment with his hands on his hips and grinned. "Surely you took a photo, yes?"
"Got it covered, Ukki," Kakashi answered, patting his jeans pocket for emphasis. Ukki continued to giggle, finding the whole joke hilarious, as he plucked a few pieces from the other pizza the boys didn't devastate. He moved into the living room with the teens and Pakkun, who had remembered his manners and didn't try to attack to steal food while everyone was in the kitchen. Iruka moved around to take another, leaving the heart pizza untouched.
"I'm glad Ukki wasn't offended," Iruka said after chewing a bite. Kakashi reached across and took a slice for himself, his stomach reminding him that he was fucking hungry.
"It takes a lot to get under his skin," Kakashi answered after a few bites. "He's very easy going."
"I've noticed," Iruka replied. He chewed another bite thoughtfully. "You said earlier the two of you moved here; when did Sasuke come into the picture?"
Kakashi fought down a sigh, taking a few extra seconds to finish his slice and grab a glass for soda. It wasn't that he didn't want Iruka to know, but he always was a private man. Iruka wasn't a virtual stranger, after all, which helped. There was just something about the tan man that made Kakashi want to tell him whatever he asked.
Which could eventually become a problem, but for now Kakashi would indulge.
"I met Sasuke's real uncle when we were young, before Sasuke was even thought of." Kakashi didn't want to go into specifics, pausing to see if Iruka took the hint. The teacher just nodded, urging him to continue. Kakashi reached for another slice and began again: "I was in an accident when I was twelve; he was with me. It caused him to die, but before he made me promise to look after his nephew. His oldest sister was due in a few weeks with her second, so I agreed. After my father passed and I got this place going, Sasuke's own parents were in a car accident. Sasuke's brother lives clear across the world, so I took him in." Kakashi took a bite out of his pizza and waited, knowing Iruka would have more questions. He didn't have to wait long.
"Is that what your scar is from?" The teacher asked quietly, his attention focused solely on Kakashi. It made the programmer shift his weight.
"Yeah," he answered lamely. Iruka quirked a soft smile at him, almost as an apology. He must have seen Kakashi shuffle; Kakashi fought the urge to smooth more of his wild hair over his left eye. "Maa, Mr. Umino - usually I get a drink first."
A blush stole across the teacher's face rapidly, making him duck and scratch absently at the scar across his nose. The entire action was adorable, making Kakashi forget his own discomfort for a moment.
"I-I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to pry - " Iruka stuttered, the bravado from earlier fleeing. Kakashi wanted to wrap Iruka up in his arms and hold him until the heat died from his face.
Instead, he said: "Its fine, Iruka." The teacher looked up sheepishly, searching Kakashi's face. Kakashi just smiled his usual crooked smile, and it seemed to do the trick. Iruka relaxed enough to take another slice of pizza. Kakashi downed the soda from his glass and added it to the dishwasher.
"You like cider?" He asked as he moved to the fridge.
"I do!" Iruka answered. Kakashi took two bottles out and twisted the caps off, passing one over the island to Iruka. He took a long sip and sighed, tucking back into another slice and watching Iruka take a sip as well.
"Does this count as that drink?" The teacher asked. Kakashi snorted and grinned.
"Yeah, but in reverse," he answered. Iruka nodded.
"I suppose that's only fair."
"Good," Kakashi said before asking his own question. "I showed you mine; do I get to see yours?"
Iruka nodded again, scratching at the label on the bottle. "I was quite the handful as a kid, pulling pranks and getting into trouble as much as I breathed. One prank went wrong and I ended up getting whipped in the face with a hot wire." The teacher shrugged. "My mom was terrified and my father furious; he hoped getting myself landed in the hospital would end my prankster streak, but nothing changed." Kakashi smiled as he enjoyed the image of a prankster Iruka wrecking havoc everywhere he went. Iruka smiled fondly at the label he continued to pick, reminiscing. "I've toned it down quite a bit, but I doubt I'll ever outgrow it."
"I wouldn't want you to." Kakashi's answer surprised himself just as much as Iruka; the teacher looked up sharply from his label, his eyes wide with surprise. Kakashi decided to continue before things got too awkward. "Who would keep Sasuke on his toes when I'm not around to?"
Iruka's expression softened as a faint flush darkened his cheeks. It made the slightly pale scar appear brighter, just like every other time. Kakashi wanted to kiss it.
"Uncle!"
"Iruka!"
Both adults flinched, sharing a secret grin at being caught by their wards. The whole scene reminded the genius of last Saturday, when he and Iruka had been caught flirting outside of the diner. Kakashi looked over Iruka's shoulder to see both teens standing with their hands on their hips. He snorted.
"What, brats?" He drawled. Iruka bit his bottom lip to stop from laughing too loud.
"Get in here and beat Ukki," Sasuke demanded, ignoring Naruto's indignant squawk at being called a brat. "He won't let us play Mario Party until he loses."
"Maa, Sasuke," Kakashi sighed, pushing off from where he had been leaning against the island. "Sounds to me like you just need to be better."
Sasuke huffed and rolled his eyes, not taking Kakashi's bait. "Quit being a jerk and get in here."
Kakashi feigned a yawn, his jaw cracking loud enough to make Iruka's barely concealed laughter break out. "Fine; I don't want to hear any bitching when I kick your ass in the process."
"Done," Sasuke agreed, slipping back to the living room.
"You come too, Iruka!" Naruto called before following after him. Kakashi grinned at Iruka.
"That goes for you, too," he said. "I'm damn good at both of those games. Don't be upset when you lose."
Iruka folded his arms over his chest and smirked. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Hatake."
Kakashi plainly ignored that tone going straight to his groin. "I won't, but it won't matter."
Iruka playfully punched his arm as he walked by, slipping from the stool he had been occupying. "You say that now - "
"Now or later doesn't matter," Kakashi answered, catching Iruka's second punch in his palm. "I'm still going to win."
"How about a bet?" Iruka offered, not pulling his hand back from Kakashi's grip. In fact, he pushed a little harder. Kakashi quirked an eyebrow, clearly interested. Now having confirmation that Iruka was a prankster at heart, Kakashi would be lying if he said he wasn't interested in what the previously-apparent straight-edged literature teacher could concoct.
"I'm listening," Kakashi edged. Iruka's smirk turned devious.
"A private bet, between the two of us. We'll keep track of who wins the most. If I win, we have Saturday study group here instead of the library."
That wasn't so bad, Kakashi decided. His house was better than the library by far, and he would still get to see Iruka. "And if I win?"
"A secret," Iruka answered. Kakashi rolled his eyes and twisted Iruka's arm down by his side. The teacher rolled with it, not allowing Kakashi to pin his arm to his side as the genius had originally intended.
"Maa, you're not playing fair, Iruka," Kakashi drawled. Iruka stepped forward, close enough that Kakashi could feel Iruka's breath on his collar and smell that fantastic shampoo again. The genius swallowed, feeling suddenly too far out of his depth, but he refused to step back or look away from Iruka's bright eyes. They were deep chocolate with a touch of honey around the iris. Beautiful.
"I never said I would, Kakashi," Iruka murmured, his voice low and silky. Kakashi wondered if it was hot in his kitchen or if it was just him. Did he forget to turn the oven off? "Is it worth the risk to find out?"
Kakashi knew it was over - he couldn't deny his attraction to Iruka any more than he could deny Pakkun every toy he wanted at the pet store. Iruka was so close, staring up at him with smouldering eyes full of mirth and challenge and mischief; Kakashi still held his fist in his palm, and all it would take is the slightest of tugs and Kakashi would have those coy, full lips pressed to his.
"I was going to kick your ass anyway," Kakashi answered, matching Iruka's low tone. He privately enjoyed watching his breath stir the errand strands of Iruka's hair near his ear. "Whatever you have planned will just be a bonus."
Iruka's smirk grew. "We'll see, Kakashi." He slipped his hand from Kakashi's lax grip and turned for his cider on the island. Iruka strode pass him without a second glance, leaving the genius staring off in his wake. Kakashi looked at the cider he held in his hand, ignoring how cold the other felt without Iruka's presence, and chugged the remainder of the bottle.
He definitely needed a drink after whatever the hell that was.
After filling Pakkun's food bowl and grabbing another cider, Kakashi ventured into the living room. Naruto and Sasuke were sitting on the floor against pillows with Ukki still in his armchair; Iruka had a seat on the couch with enough space beside him for Kakashi to take. He sat with a few inches between him and the teacher as Sasuke passed Kakashi his controller.
"I picked your character," Sasuke said as Kakashi settled in. The programmer looked at the screen and saw Yoshi staring back at him. Ukki was Toad again, Naruto as Mario, Sasuke as Bowser, and Iruka picked Boo. Kakashi found the choices oddly fitting and nodded at his own peculiar choice. He always chose Yoshi even through Sasuke's original ribbing. Yoshi was adorable, and his ability to eat anything and spit it back out as a weapon reminded Kakashi of Pakkun.
Speaking of, the pug had been oddly quiet all night. Ukki gathered up all the empty plates and moved into the kitchen just as Pakkun came trotting out, licking his jowls from eating the dinner Kakashi left out for him. He spotted Kakashi and clambered up the side of the couch, climbing right across his lap to settle into the scarce space between his master and Iruka. The teacher cooed his greeting and scratched the pug's ears. Kakashi couldn't help but feel a little jealous - Pakkun never liked anyone, and he desperately wanted Iruka to rub his neck and run his fingers through his hair -
"All set, boys?" Ukki said as he settled back into his armchair. The four of them chorused their consent, prompting Ukki to begin the Lightning Cup.
The first level was Tick Tock Clock, one of Kakashi's favourites. He tore away from the starting line and pulled well ahead of the rest, drifting around the many turns and taking several corners too close to the edge for comfort. Naruto fussed as he fell off trying to mimic Kakashi, turning slightly to demand pointers mid-game. Sasuke kept silent, focusing on the race with a one-track determination that Kakashi was often jealous of. Ukki hooted as he left Naruto and Sasuke in a wake of bananas and red shells, practically narrowing his competition down to just Kakashi and Iruka. Kakashi kept a close eye on the little ghost on his heels, attempting to shake him around a jump and drift section. Iruka persisted, and Kakashi stole a glance at the man beside him. Iruka held his controller in an iron grip, leaning forward a few inches with his tongue peaking out from between his lips.
The tell-tale sound of a blue shell and Naruto's cackling had Kakashi slamming on his brakes and Iruka barreling by. The leader killer knocked Boo entirely off the track, making Iruka curse and Naruto exclaim apologies.
"Oh shit, Iruka! I'm so so sorry! That was suppose to be for Kakashi - "
"It's fine, Naruto; just a game."
Kakashi grinned at Iruka's poorly concealed irritation, drifting as he slid over the finish line with Ukki behind him and then Sasuke. Several AI were next, then Naruto and Iruka from his track being reset. The teacher leaned back with a sigh, dropping a palm over Pakkun's face that made the dog yelp in surprise.
"That's one," Kakashi said. Iruka rolled his eyes.
"Just one, Kakashi."
"For now."
The next track was fairly similar to the first, with several curves and twists. Kakashi was again in the lead, drifting and sliding with ease. Ukki and Iruka were right behind him with Sasuke and Naruto again bringing up the rear. No wonder they had trouble beating Ukki - every other minute had Naruto cussing about falling off or Sasuke murmuring about Naruto causing him to fall off. Apparently even just a friendly game wasn't enough for the two to fight off the distractions the other posed. Kakashi finished first with Iruka next then Ukki before Naruto even made it to the third lap.
Kakashi grinned during the loading screen. "That'll be two."
Iruka huffed.
Grumble Volcano was one of Kakashi's worse maps, and it showed several times as he slammed into new and old rocks and boulders in the track. Even getting a blue shell didn't help as much as he hoped - Ukki was first with Iruka in second and Kakashi fourth. The teacher smirked at him in pride, stating that the gap between them was suddenly much smaller.
"At least I still beat the Wonder Twins," Kakashi drawled. Iruka's smirk grew as Naruto grumbled.
"I heard that! I'll make you regret it, too!"
"Sure thing."
Naruto certainly tried; Rainbow Road was another of Kakashi's specialties, but the blond did pretty well keeping up. So well, in fact, that he managed to beat out both Sasuke and Ukki for third place. Kakashi still won the cup and rose his score against Iruka to three, which was all that mattered anyway.
Naruto and Sasuke stole off to the kitchen for more food as Kakashi stood up and stretched, moving to change the disc in the console. "Good game, guys. I'm putting in Mario Party, as the dragon guarding the doorway has now been slain."
Ukki dropped a hand to his chest and sighed. "Woe is me!"
Iruka laughed. "Such a gruesome dragon."
"The worse," Kakashi agreed. He waited for the disc to load and settled back into the couch, pulling Pakkun onto his lap and drawing a long sip from his cider. The dog grunted before settling down under Kakashi's scratches. Iruka took his bottle in hand as well, taking a sip and leaning back. Kakashi idly flipped through the boards of choice for the game, trying his damnedest not to react when Iruka started petting Pakkun practically in his lap. He could feel the brush of the teacher's wrist occasionally on his thigh and had to regulate his breathing.
Several things suddenly happened at once. Stomping could be heard echoing from the kitchen and into the living room, startling Pakkun to jump down from Kakashi's lap to investigate. Sasuke and Naruto both entered the living room at the same time, faces equally red, drawing everyone's attention, but especially Iruka, who was now looking at them and not at Kakashi's now vacant lap. His hand continued its track to pet Pakkun without the prior knowledge of the dog leaving, and stroked Kakashi's thigh deliberately for a long second at the exact moment that Sasuke and Naruto both shoved the specially decorated pizza up for Kakashi and Iruka's viewing pleasure. As a direct result of Iruka's hand surprising Kakashi, the genius yelped and pitched forward, flailing his arms to keep from falling off the couch and managing to slap the pan free of Naruto's grip. Sasuke's quick reflexes stopped the pizza from sliding onto the hardwood but nothing could save Kakashi from getting the wind knocked out of him for a second time that day.
"Master!"
"Kakashi?!"
Kakashi groaned and blinked back stars, vaguely hearing a 'Uh-oh' from Naruto before both teens were miraculously missing. Iruka was suddenly all he could see with Ukki hovering just over his shoulder. "What the fuck just happened?"
"Your prank backfired spectacularly," Ukki answered with a barely concealed giggle, plucking the cider bottle from Kakashi's lax hand. Somehow, he'd managed to keep that upright, at least. The butler stepped around Kakashi to go after the fleeing teens, apparently leaving his master to Iruka's care.
Kakashi closed his eyes and sighed, willing the dull ache at the base of skull to go away. A tentative touch on his shoulder had him blinking again. He looked up again at Iruka stretched across the couch above him, the teacher's expression a mixture of worry and amusement.
"Kakashi, are you okay?"
"Yup," Kakashi slurred as he accepted Iruka's offered hand. "Somehow I've managed to land myself on my ass twice today."
Iruka grinned, albeit slightly shaky. "What happened earlier?"
"Ukki was mopping and I bit it pretty hard coming in from a walk," Kakashi deadpanned. He slid back onto the couch with a sigh after Iruka sat up. "I'm getting too old for this shit."
There was a beat of silence and then Iruka was laughing, loud and long and hard. He laughed so hard tears spilled from his eyes as he wrapped his arms around his stomach. Kakashi couldn't be irritated; Iruka's laughter was joyful and contagious. After a few moments Kakashi began to join in, not believing he would laugh at himself for doing something so silly twice in one day. The absurdity of it all was hard to miss after his realization, something that dawned on Iruka much, much sooner. Kakashi didn't have the heart to bring up the reason he propelled himself from the couch, hoping Iruka would forget his blunder so Kakashi could remember it for later.
Ukki came back with a fresh cider for Kakashi and Sasuke and Naruto in tow. "What have you boys to say?"
Sasuke and Naruto glanced at each other before answering: "Sorry Kakashi."
Kakashi couldn't help but let out a few giggles. "It's fine; just a prank."
Sasuke glared daggers before he and Naruto retook their seats. Naruto looked over his shoulder at them.
"Who's idea was it?" He demanded; now it was Kakashi and Iruka's turn to share a glance.
"Mine!" The two other adults both looked at Ukki grinning broadly from his snug armchair. "Why, where I'm from, that's the most sincere form of friendship."
Sasuke's glare moved from Kakashi to Ukki, lightening only slightly. Naruto's jaw went slightly slack.
"Well, uh, thanks, Mr. Ukki. I appreciate it?" The blond offered. His attempt made Sasuke's glare die entirely and Ukki's grin to grow.
"You are most welcome, Naruto," the butler answered. "Now, perhaps the two of you would like to pick the course?" Once they were focused on the game again, Ukki winked at Iruka and Kakashi. Kakashi vowed then and there that he owed Ukki whatever he wanted for once again covering his ass.
The group decided on the underwater level and set to work. Kakashi didn't forget his and Iruka's bet, especially curious now after the teacher's touchy display. Iruka didn't seem to forget, either, now working extra hard to single Kakashi out during versus mini games and directing Bowser to steal his coins or bump him down to last place. The best (and worse) part about Mario Party was the total randomness of it all, making the best players lose and worse win. Unfortunately, it seemed that Naruto had the luck of the draw for this match. He came in first with Sasuke in second and Ukki in third.
Kakashi and Iruka may not have placed, but Kakashi still won their bet by one point; the last mini game was his favourite, and he managed to push Iruka from the island before the teacher even knew what was happening. Kakashi smirked as Ukki went to cut Iruka's cheesecake, looking over at the teacher expectantly.
"Well?" He said casually, throwing his arm over the edge of the couch.
"Do you want to gloat?" Sasuke interjected. "Naruto and I won."
"Hell yeah we won!" Naruto exclaimed, puffing his chest out. "I thought for sure that wouldn't happen."
Kakashi didn't want to say that the reason he wasn't trying to win everything was because he was just trying to do enough to beat Iruka, even with all the truth it held. "Me too, actually."
"It wasn't that random," Sasuke mumbled. Kakashi grinned. Before Iruka could add anything, Ukki was back with a serving tray filled with plates of Oreo cheesecake and glasses of milk for each of them.
The last ten minutes of Hatake Game Night was filled with compliments to Iruka's baking and challenges and threats for next time. Iruka smiled indulgently as Naruto's challenges involved him as his partner. Kakashi egged it right along, calling Ukki for his partner and Sasuke roughing it alone. Sasuke snorted.
"I think I can handle it."
"Even on Tick Tock Clock?" Kakashi countered. Sasuke just huffed and nodded; Kakashi grinned broadly. "Alright, I'll take that bet."
"On that note, we should be going," Iruka said, taking Kakashi's empty plate before he could protest and standing. "I'll help you with the kitchen, Ukki."
"Nonsense, Iruka!" The butler answered, waving his hands flippantly. "You have a drive and Naruto to tuck away, I can handle this. Masters, would you see them out?" Ukki soundly took the plates from Iruka's hands and shushed his protests. "Thank you so much for coming, Iruka. I enjoyed meeting you finally and your lovely cheesecake. I do hope you'll be around again."
"I-I would like that," Iruka answered, glancing slightly at Naruto and Kakashi. "It was a pleasure to meet you as well. Thanks so much."
"Be back, Ukki," Kakashi said with a wave, urging Sasuke forward with a hand on his shoulder. They all moved to the foyer with Pakkun in tow and stepped out into the chill night air. Sasuke and Naruto walked a little ahead, leaving Kakashi back by Iruka with Pakkun at his side.
"Did you have fun?" Kakashi asked, shoving his hands into his pockets to fight the slight chill.
"Yeah, I did," Iruka nodded, smiling and glancing at Kakashi. "I know Naruto did, too. He doesn't make friends well, and I'm glad our intervention has them on the right path. Thank you for having us."
Kakashi shrugged. "Maa, it was my pleasure." Truly. "Sasuke is the same - I just hope he has better luck than I did at that age."
"What do you mean?" Iruka asked, slowing almost completely. Kakashi cursed himself for speaking somewhat freely, too used to Iruka's comforting presence.
"With friends," Kakashi lied. Iruka paused a moment more before continuing.
"Somehow I don't believe that," Iruka answered, rubbing his palms over his arms. "You're much more interesting than you give yourself credit for."
Kakashi chuckled. "Maa, you flatter me, Mr. Umino."
Iruka shrugged as his cheeks flushed. Kakashi couldn't tell if it was from the cold or something else. "Uh-huh."
"So, about that bet..." Kakashi drawled, stopping beside Iruka's red Honda. Naruto was already in the car, leaving the door open to talk to Sasuke. Iruka noticed their slight audience as well, turning back to Kakashi was a whisper.
"I'd like to thank you for having us over. I know he can be a bit much, so I was thinking that, if you wanted, of course, uh, we could send Naruto and Sasuke off to a movie or something and I could make you dinner," Iruka rushed, his voice low and hushed. He seemed to find something on Kakashi's driveway to be incredibly interesting as he spoke, expressive eyes cast down.
Kakashi, for all of his anticipation for what the secret was to be, never expected such an intimate request. Wasn't Iruka seeing that purple-haired Anko-bitch, and wouldn't she be pissed if Kakashi was there? What did it even matter - Kakashi knew but Iruka didn't know that he knew or saw anything. If it wasn't such a big deal to Iruka, then maybe it shouldn't be to Kakashi, too.
It didn't stop the awkward man from having a semi-mental breakdown at the offer, throwing his world entirely on its side for a solid thirty seconds. Kakashi realized as his inner clock counted everything down that that was an absurdly rude amount of time to have someone waiting for an answer directly in front of him. So he spoke. Sort of.
"When?" Kakashi croaked. Iruka looked up quickly as Kakashi cleared his throat. "Ah, if you don't mind my asking?"
"How about Saturday, after their studies?" Iruka offered, his cheeks still flushed beautifully.
"That'll be just fine," Kakashi answered in a more human tone. He began to smile. "We can still have the study here, if you'd like. Much better than the library."
Iruka began to smile back. "Alright."
"So it's a date," Kakashi teased, reaching behind Iruka to open the driver door. He smiled at the subtle hitch in Iruka's breath from his proximity, close enough to feel the teacher's body warmth.
"Yeah, a date," he replied softly, drawing a spreading smile from Kakashi. Kakashi nodded and wished Iruka a good night, requesting a text once they were home safe. Iruka agreed and left, leaving Sasuke and Kakashi standing outside in front of their garage door long after the tail lights disappeared and the gate closed.
"It's cold," Sasuke grumbled, rubbing his hands together. Pakkun yawned loudly and started for the front door on his own. Kakashi nodded and slung an arm over his nephew's shoulders.
"Hell yeah; I'm about ready for bed, too."
"Hn," Sasuke agreed. They walked to the front door together in silence before Kakashi broke it.
"Have fun?" He asked, opening the door with his left hand.
"I did," Sasuke answered genuinely. "I want them back next week."
Kakashi smiled. "Me, too."
Sasuke stood in the doorway and shrugged off Kakashi's arm, sending a sideways glance at his uncle. "I know it was you."
Kakashi feigned innocence and pushed by Sasuke, Pakkun at his heels. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."
"Hn," Sasuke answered, his eyes narrowing to a slight glare. "...it was kind of nice. To see it out in the open."
Kakashi smiled softly and ruffled Sasuke's spiky hair. "Yeah, it was, huh?"
Kakashi sent Sasuke to bed and helped Ukki with the rest of the kitchen. The leftover chips were tucked away for Saturday, and after a few minutes everything was clean with the dishwasher loaded and running. Kakashi bid Ukki good night and located Pakkun before climbing the stairs to his floor. He striped and flopped into bed in record time, remembering to plug in his mobile to avoid missing Iruka's text.
It came a few minutes later, thanking Kakashi again and sending well wishes.
Thanks so much again, we had a blast. I'll not keep you because I'm sure you're just as tired as I am. I'll talk to you soon.
Ha, you're right there. Sweet dreams, Iruka X
This time, Kakashi didn't panic at the 'accidental' slip-up kiss added to his text. It was more of a test if anything.
Always, Kakashi X
And what a result that was!
A/N: Comment, if you'd like. :) Thanks for (still) reading!