HUD: HOLY FUCK. I am sooo sorry guys. I have been mad busy lately, like stupid busy. Life, man. It sucks. Anyway, here's the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy!

Also, thank you to everyone who reviewed this story and I didn't answer. Usually I shoot over a 'thank you' message, but I've been too busy to even do that, and I sincerely apologize. Please enjoy.

"Well, that was surprisingly easy."

"I've come here before," Kakashi answered. He settled down in the wire chair across from Iruka and busied himself with tying Pakkun to the leg of his chair. The pug flopped down with a dramatic sigh, as if he would much rather still be hanging his head out of Iruka's car window. Which, given that he was a dog, wouldn't surprise him.

"I didn't even know IHOP had outdoor seating," the teacher muttered. Kakashi flicked his gaze to Iruka, and from the slight angle, Iruka could tell he was smiling. He suddenly couldn't wait to eat with the possibility of being flashed Kakashi's face again.

"This one is the best!" Iruka grunted from surprise when Naruto flopped down beside him. The teen wiggled sharply and managed to catch Iruka's side with his elbow, really giving the teacher a reason to grunt. "Oh, sorry, sensei."

"It's just fine, Naruto," Iruka answered. He discreetly rubbed his ribs as Sasuke sat down next to Kakashi. Sakura sat at the head of the table, betwixt both teens. She immediately smirked and poked the blond.

"Geez, Naruto. You're so clumsy."

"Shaddup, Sakura! You're just jealous."

She gasped. "Jealous! Of you? As if."

"Uh, you better believe it! I know you wish our dorm was co-ed."

Sakura had opened her mouth for another retort, but snapped her jaw shut with an audible click and turned the shade of a rather ripe strawberry. Iruka immediately felt sympathy for the girl, especially when Naruto tossed his head back with large guffaws. "Naruto," he chided.

"It's fine, sensei," Sakura said, regaining a bit of her composure. She busied herself with the menu and kept her eyes down as the blush faded slightly. "Which pancakes are you thinking about, Sasuke? I'm looking at strawberry..."

Naruto piped up again about oranges and crème, to which Sakura was happy to cut down in favour of Sasuke's muttered blueberry. Iruka just sighed and opened his own menu, attempting to tune the three out. It was a wonder he had managed Naruto as a student - having all three of them constantly may have driven him into early retirement.

"They're always like this." Iruka looked up. Kakashi had his chin resting on his fist, menu still closed before him, as his other arm dangled loosely. Iruka noticed Pakkun nudging his master's knuckles beneath the table. His voice had been so calm that Iruka had to concentrate to understand what was said.

"I know Naruto is," he finally answered, eyes watching Kakashi's pale fingers scratch behind Pakkun's ears. "It's a wonder he's found someone just as hardheaded as he can be."

"Sasuke isn't much better," Kakashi muttered. His single eye drifted lazily from the top of his closed menu to Iruka. "They always have each other, I suppose."

"That's more than Naruto had before," Iruka said. He felt the need to lower his voice, even with Naruto and Sakura's increased bickering. "He had me, but that's it. No family, no friends. I was worried when he signed up for his courses abroad."

"He seems well enough," Kakashi answered. Iruka paused his reading and smiled.

"He does. I couldn't be happier for him."

Kakashi smiled, or so Iruka guessed from the soft crinkle in his visible eye. He could feel his traitorous blush creeping up his neck again and firmly locked his eyes to the menu. After the fourth reread of the same damn fluffy pancakes with whole grains and wild blueberry topping, their waiter arrived.

She was a cute girl around Sakura's age, but the other teens didn't act like they knew her. Iruka was glad that the town wasn't actually as small as it appeared. He ordered a hot tea and also placed his order for cinnamon bun pancakes.

"Maa, do you have a sweet tooth, sensei?" Kakashi teased. He passed over his menu after ordering - coffee, black, and just that - and Iruka cursed his foul luck. He supposed he would still be treating the man to lunch for his help. Only his help, and not for a glimpse at his face. Arguably.

"Ah, yeah," the teacher answered. "Something I got from my mom. She always gave in far too easily if I asked for a treat."

Kakashi chuckled. "I find the idea of you asking for anything hard to resist."

Iruka had to imagine the undertone to that, right? It didn't stop his blush from blasting through, and with Naruto done ordering, the teen jumped all over it.

"Hey, Iruka-sensei! What's wrong?" Iruka shook his head, feeling a grin spread. He looked up to see Kakashi's visible eye smiling at him. The older man had no idea what he just unleashed. "Sensei!"

"Nothing, Naruto," Iruka said, waving his hand. The teen shifted his gaze from Iruka's fading blush to Kakashi's still smug expression and back again before it clicked.

"No!" He pointed his finger dramatically at Kakashi, effectively startling the man. Iruka tried not to snigger. "You, stay away from Iruka-sensei! Keep your weird pervertedness outta his head!"

"What are you talking about, brat?" Sasuke sighed. Naruto whipped his gaze to his flatmate, eyes wide with fury.

"You shut up, dumbass! Your creepy-ass uncle is trying to put the moves on my sensei!"

That caught Iruka's attention. He looked at Kakashi, who suddenly had the decency to appear sheepish, and lost all of his previous mirth. "Uncle, huh? That makes you my elusive tenant."

Kakashi shrugged. "I didn't plan to be outed so early, but you caught me."

Iruka narrowed his eyes slightly, remembering what Sakura had said the day before about the owner of the bookshop. "Why do you leave Sasuke alone all day there?"

"He enjoys it," Kakashi answered, despite Sakura's undignified squeak. "Besides, I have things to do."

"Oh whatever," Naruto huffed. At some point, their waitress had brought out everyone's drinks, and Naruto took a long draw from his orange Fanta. "Everyone knows you just sit around reading porn all day - yeowch!" Naruto reached under the table and rubbed his ankle. "Who attacked me?!"

Kakashi shrugged and scooted his chair back a few inches to pull Pakkun on his lap. "Good boy," he praised. Iruka was more amused than horrified at the dog's happy tail wag.

"Your dog bit me? Seriously!?" Naruto yelped. His voice continued to raise in octave with each syllable, and Iruka was grateful they were the only ones on the patio.

"You don't know what I do all day," Kakashi answered. He kept a hand on Pakkun's small chest and rested his chin lazily on his other fist again. "Not even Sasuke does."

"I know it doesn't involve your bookstore, Uncle," Sasuke murmured. Kakashi glared, and Iruka finally lost his control.

He laughed. Louder, longer, and harder than he could remember. The table grew silent around him, but he didn't care. Tears were streaming down his face, and still he couldn't stop. These people were so odd.

Sakura was the first to join in, followed by Naruto's loud chortle and Sasuke's soft chuckles. Pakkun actually barked, which got Iruka laughing harder, and finally Kakashi joined in. Iruka cracked his eyes for a moment to catch a careful glance at Kakashi.

The silver-haired man leaned forward, one hand on the arm of his chair and his second still around Pakkun. His scarf slipped slightly, and Iruka managed to steal another glimpse. He could see a raise of his cheek and a flash of white teeth framed by pale pink lips. A treasure - Iruka was hooked.

Their waitress cleared her throat awkwardly, and everyone quieted down. Iruka coughed slightly and shot her an apologetic glance. Kakashi caught his eye, and his expression caused Iruka to snigger.

"Oh man, sensei! Are those cinnamon bun pancakes?" Naruto asked, leaning too far into Iruka's setting. The brunet, having been long used to Naruto attempting to plunder his food, nodded.

"Would you like to try some?" He offered, and was rewarded with the same wide-eyed look he remembered so clearly from a much younger Naruto. The blond grinned and nodded. Iruka pushed over his plate and let Naruto cut the first bite. When he got his plate back, he pushed it towards Kakashi. "How about you?"

Kakashi paused mid-sip of his coffee with one hand lowering his scarf while somehow managing to still hide himself from the teens behind the mug. He flicked his gaze down and quirked an eyebrow. "Is this a bribery, sensei?"

Iruka smirked, attempting to not let the edge of Kakashi's coy smile distract him. "A peace offering, if you will. You did lie to me about being the owner of The Den, after all."

Kakashi shook his head. "I didn't lie - "

"Fine, withheld information," Iruka said, rolling his eyes. "Whatever. Just take some." When Kakashi still didn't move, Iruka sighed. "Please?"

Kakashi paused another moment and Iruka suddenly wanted to take it all back. Why on Earth did he let Kakashi get under his skin so much? Or so soon, rather. He almost missed Kakashi stealing his second fork and cutting a small triangle before pulling down his scarf long enough to pop the entire bite in at once. Iruka swallowed hard as the man chewed.

"That's not bad," he said after a sip of his coffee.

"Ah, yeah," Iruka answered. He pulled his plate back and quickly cut himself a triangle, very much needing the distraction. "I was thinking of bringing these to the café."

"Do you have a recipe?" Kakashi asked. Iruka nodded.

"Yup," the teacher answered, holding his hand politely over his mouth as he chewed. "An entire book. Stews, burgers, sandwiches, pancakes, cookies - all things my grandmother made."

"Cookies!?" Naruto exclaimed. Iruka looked over to see the teen's plate already cleared and snorted in amusement. "Please make cookies again, sensei. They were so good I actually remember them!"

Iruka chuckled - Naruto and his selective hearing hadn't changed much. "Yes, Naruto. I'll make cookies."

Naruto fistpumped in the air, nudging Sakura in the shoulder. She stuck her tongue out at him but he ignored her, instead leaning against Iruka's shoulder with a contented sigh. "I love those, man. So much. Please make the orange cinnamon ones first, double please?"

Iruka nodded and took another bite of his pancakes before pushing them over to the blond teen. "Eat, Naruto. I'm done." He perked up again and dove into the dish.

Iruka sighed as he sipped his lukewarm tea. "So yes, I'll be doing cookies first, apparently."

"No complaints here," Kakashi answered. He stole a piece of Sasuke's bacon and passed it to Pakkun. Sasuke's glare would have killed him had he actually cared to look.

"Maybe I can find a dog biscuit recipe for Pakkun," Iruka offered, almost mumbled, into his mug. Kakashi looked up, surprise evident in his deep silver eye. It was gone as soon as Iruka noticed it, and replaced with the curve that Iruka came to understand as his smile.

"Maa, sensei - you may just try and steal him from me," Kakashi teased, his tone light. Iruka rolled his eyes.

"I'm sure Pakkun is the talk of the town," he drawled with a soft smile. Kakashi looked like he wanted to answer, but Sakura took the honour.

"Actually, he could be a local celebrity," she said. She had finished her strawberry pancakes better than Iruka had his, and only left a corner for Naruto to chow down on. After a sip of iced tea, she continued: "He's more or less the mascot of The Den when Kakashi is out of town. Sasuke has to take care of him so he hangs out at the store more. The kids just love him."

Iruka's eyes drifted to Kakashi's lap under the clear table where Pakkun had perked up at the mention of his name. When the pug noticed Iruka's attention, his little chest puffed out adorably. "I bet. He's fantastic."

Kakashi's hand dropped back to the pug almost tenderly. "He's my best pal," he said, his tone raising a bit in octave as he addressed the dog. Pakkun seemed to grin and wagged his tail. Kakashi rewarded him with a quick ear scratch.

"We should go," Sasuke said, for what seemed like the first time all meal, and looked at his mobile. "It's almost nine."

Kakashi nodded and pushed his chair back. Naruto wolfed down the last corner of Sakura's pancakes and stole the last bite of Sasuke's bacon. Iruka couldn't help but sigh at having to go back to cleaning. He had really enjoyed spending time with them. Even though he knew Sasuke would just be next door and the others would be helping, it seemed far more carefree to be sharing a meal than work. He hoped he could try to make it somewhat fun for them.

Kakashi snapped the checkbook shut, pulling Iruka's attention. "Did she put us all together?"

"I don't remember," the man answered as he stood. He cradled Pakkun under one arm and held the checkbook in his other hand. "Anyone want a drink to-go?"

Naruto practically leaped from his seat. "Yes! That place is stuffy as hell."

"Go find the to-go station, then," Kakashi said. "All of you. Sasuke, get sensei and I something as well."

Sakura smiled and thanked him, dragging off Sasuke after Naruto's retreating back. Iruka hung back, eyeing the checkbook in his companion's hand. "I hope you aren't doing what I think you're doing."

"And what would I be thinking about?" Kakashi said evasively. Pakkun squirmed slightly.

"Paying the whole check," Iruka deadpanned. He crossed his arms over his chest. "I want to treat everyone for their help."

"Neh, Iruka," Kakashi answered. He was smiling, and Iruka felt himself get hung up on the use of just his name. Naruto was so going to pay for starting that sensei fad. "Consider this a welcome to the town."

"But I wanted to thank you," Iruka insisted. "You've hung around and helped without me even asking."

Kakashi pushed his chair in and tapped the checkbook against his covered chin. "Then I suppose you'll have to thank me some other way."

Iruka really couldn't be blamed for his blush - that was far too much of an open-ended offer - and he found himself biting his lower lip as he scratched the scar on his nose. He hated the near full-body blush he had inherited from his mother.

"Maa, sensei." Kakashi's voice pulled him from his inner struggle. He looked up to see the man obviously smiling, his raised cheeks poking up from the edges of the scarf, which immediately turned his flush to one of heavier embarrassment. "Perhaps I should be thanking you. That look is quite adorable."

Iruka sputtered, unable to string together any words in semblance of an answer. Kakashi simply waved the checkbook as he headed towards the door back into the restaurant. Iruka just gave up and sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose with his fingers. He couldn't decide if he regretted meeting Kakashi yet or not.

"I regret all of this," Iruka groaned. He flopped down into the booth Sakura was already sitting at. "What is wrong with those two?"

Sakura shook her head, the small ponytail she had pulled her hair into bobbing. "I've been trying to figure it out for years, sensei. I'll accept any help you want to offer."

Iruka sighed and pulled his gloves off. "I don't think I will be much use."

When they arrived back at the café, Sasuke had immediately opened up the bookstore and took up his usual post. Kakashi had sent Pakkun in to keep him company, while the rest of them set about with the cleaning.

Naruto, unfortunately, didn't have food as a distraction anymore, and was immediately protective of Iruka. He had questioned, loudly, what had happened at IHOP when Iruka followed after Kakashi with a wild blush. When neither adult offered any answer, Naruto had decided to make it his mission to not let Kakashi anywhere near Iruka.

That meant that, once in the café, the blond took it upon himself to designate cleaning teams, and placed Iruka and Sakura together. Kakashi didn't much care and swapped with Sakura the second Naruto turned around. Iruka didn't want to admit it, but he got a lot more cleaning done without Kakashi on his 'team' than with.

Kakashi wasn't invasive by any means, but Iruka could feel the weight of the man's continuous gaze. It was as if he was willing Iruka to say or do something, and the teacher was hopelessly lost. His one-eyed gaze was steady and searching, like he was attempting to pick apart everything that was Iruka Umino. The slightly random questions didn't help, either.

Do you enjoy reading, sensei? Would you care for music? The bookstore has a radio. Do you have pets? How do you feel about thunderstorms? Oh, while we're on that topic, do you have a favourite colour?

Somewhere during the exchange, Naruto had barreled through the swing door and slammed directly into Kakashi's back. The man grunted but held the teen's weight as he took a step forward. When Naruto immediately spun away and placed himself protectively in front of Iruka, the teacher took the chance to slip from the kitchen and now sat with Sakura.

Iruka sighed again when Naruto's screeches reached his ears. "I know Naruto is being...himself, I suppose, but Kakashi has no ill will towards me."

Sakura just shrugged and took a sip of her to-go drink from IHOP. "You know how he is, Iruka-sensei. Mr. Hatake isn't a bad guy, just odd. He doesn't really socialize, and Naruto's been around long enough to know that."

"What do you mean?" Iruka asked, suddenly interested. All that previous conversation had been one-sided, with Kakashi asking questions of him and not giving any leeway on himself.

"All I really know is from Sasuke," she answered. After a quick look over Iruka's shoulder towards the kitchen, she lowered her voice. "He lives alone across town, almost on the outskirts, and only really leaves to come to the bookstore. He walks Pakkun a lot, and is friendly with the townsfolk, but he doesn't really have friends. When he goes out of town a few times a month, Sasuke takes care of Pakkun. And that's the end of it." Sakura snapped her fingers. "Oh, and he is always reading porn. This is the most I've seen of him where his face isn't glued to a book."

Iruka snorted. "I haven't seen any porn with all the time he's spent here."

Sakura shrugged. "That's what's got Naruto all riled up. He isn't being his usual aloof self, and Naruto thinks it's because of you."

Iruka blinked. "Me?" He echoed, pointing towards his chest. She nodded quickly.

"Maybe you're a positive influence on him, sensei," Sakura said with a soft smile. "He doesn't seem so rigid. That was the first thing Sasuke noticed."

Iruka leaned back in the booth. He hadn't realized he was almost on the edge of his seat. "How? I've known him for less than a day." And I already want to know everything.

Sakura nodded slowly. "That's what we're saying. You said this was your grandmother's café, right? Mr. Hatake has lived here his whole life. Maybe you two met before?"

"Maybe," he whispered. He tapped his fingers against the tabletop thoughtfully. "Maybe, but I can't remember."

"Spend more time with him," Sakura offered. "Something may click."

As Iruka nodded, the door to the kitchen slammed open and Naruto stalked out. He stopped at their shared table and placed his hands on his hips. "You're with me, sensei! I don't trust that pervert alone with you!"

Iruka almost snorted but caught himself. "Kakashi isn't a bad person, Naruto. You're jumping to conclusions - "

"As if! Nothing I just said got through to him, so I'm making it my second mission to keep you from being corrupted!" Naruto announced. Sakura didn't do as well at hiding her laugh.

Iruka sighed, feeling his patience waver. "Naruto, I'm an adult. I think I can decide my own wellbeing." Naruto just went right on talking and Iruka rolled his eyes, deciding it was easier to just go along with all of it.

The kitchen door opened a second time and Kakashi walked out. He was obviously annoyed, if the set of his shoulders was anything to go by coupled with the barely concealed disdain Iruka could feel pouring off of him. As he rounded the counter, Kakashi ripped the glove from one of his hands and roughly pushed it through his unruly hair. The man stopped at the edge of the counter behind Nauto, hand still in his hair, and leaned against the counter. The aggravation on Kakashi's face mixed with his stance and the hand still running through his hair made Iruka's breath catch. If there was one thing Iruka was sure of, it was that Kakashi was unbearably sexy. Especially annoyed.

Naruto paused mid-rant and blinked at Iruka. He followed his gaze over his shoulder and immediately glared at Kakashi.

Kakashi gave his hair one last shake and folded his arms over his chest. "What?"

"You're doing it again!" Naruto exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Kakashi. The man rolled his eye.

"Doing what, brat?" He snapped. Anyone else, and Iruka would have corrected them and jumped to Naruto's aid. He decided to give Kakashi that one after having to endure Naruto's wrath for nearly ten minutes.

"Corrupting Iruka-sensei!" Naruto announced, whipping a finger back at Iruka. "Look!"

Kakashi did, and Iruka felt his face flush for what felt like the millionth time that day alone. He could only imagine the dreamy schoolgirl look he must have had all over his face. Kakashi blinked, a look of surprise on his face, before a soft expression flashed across his eye. Iruka looked away, suddenly nervous and not having a reason why. Sakura grinned knowingly at him and he glared back.

"See! Iruka, no alone time with this guy! He's bad news," Naruto said. Iruka shook his head and dropped his eyes to his styrofoam cup.

"Maa, sensei. I'm a terrible influence," Kakashi said, closer than he was before. Iruka looked up to see him leaning against the booth beside Sakura. "I guess Sakura and I will tackle the kitchen, then."

She nodded and stood up, pulling her gloves back on. "Naruto, you're such an idiot," she hissed, making Iruka roll his eyes. Naruto didn't take the bait, instead standing with his hands still on his hips and looking as proud as ever.

"I'll be right there, Sakura," Kakashi called. "I'm going to check on Pakkun."

"Alright!" Sakura answered. She grabbed Naruto's shoulder and pulled him towards the kitchen. "Sensei is resting, so help me until Mr. Hatake is back."

Naruto waited until Kakashi was out of the café before he let her take him too far. "I'll be back, Iruka-sensei. Don't move."

Iruka nodded until the teen was out of sight. He rolled his eyes and slumped against the back of the booth again, pushing his cup between his hands. Naruto seemed to become only more of a handful as he aged.

The sound of weight shifting the seat across from him pulled Iruka's attention. "How's Pakkun?"

"Oh fine, I'm sure," Kakashi answered with a wave of his hand. Iruka snorted and smirked.

"You sneak." Kakashi shrugged.

"Well, I am a bad influence, sensei," he answered, amusement clear on his face. "You shouldn't be left alone with me."

Iruka decided to ignore that last bit but grinned. "I'm sorry about Naruto. I don't have much of an excuse except that he's just being himself."

"Maa, I expected as much," Kakashi said. He threw one of his arms over the top of the booth and stretched out a bit. His boots grazed Iruka's ankles but the teacher didn't say anything. "He cares a great deal for you."

"Yeah," Iruka said with a smile. "He's my favourite student. More like family now."

"I can tell," Kakashi answered lightly. He gazed a moment at Iruka and the teacher wanted to squirm, but he kept ahold on himself. His heart and stomach fluttered the longer Kakashi stared at him. He was just about to ask if there was something wrong when Kakashi finally spoke.

"Are you busy tonight?"

"Ah!" Iruka said with a jolt. He looked down at his hands and slowly spun his cup again. "I was just going to keep cleaning the café, I guess. I don't know the town all that well yet."

"Come out with me," Kakashi said. His tone was soft and Iruka pictured an even softer smile to go along with it. He felt himself blush at the thought as Kakashi continued. "I've lived here my whole life. You're just getting back, and a lot has changed. Let me show you around."

Iruka still didn't look up, but he nodded. "Sure. I'd like that."

Iruka jumped when Kakashi dropped his ungloved hand on his wrist. "So would I."

Something in his tone pulled Iruka's gaze, and he was floored by the intensity he found in that metallic silver eye. Iruka was surprised so much emotion could pour from one exposed eye. He felt utterly lost.

The kitchen door opened and killed it all - Kakashi's expression shuttered and that same bored look overcame his eye. Iruka knew now it was all an act, but he couldn't help but lament the lost of such previous clarity.

"Ah, Kakashi! Get your hands off of Iruka-sensei!" Naruto bellowed, eyes staring accusingly at Kakashi. Iruka sighed, but Kakashi squeezed his wrist before pulling away to stand.

"Neh, Naruto. Sensei just needed help checking his pulse, you see. He has a weak heart," the man drawled, tone suddenly bored. Naruto was at Iruka's side faster than ever.

"Iruka, Iruka! Is that true? Are you okay!?" Naruto's worried blue eyes were all that stopped Iruka from laughing at the outrageousness of Kakashi's excuse. He patted the blond's shoulder and nodded.

"I'm fine, Naruto," he answered, smiling in what he hoped was reassurance. Naruto sighed in relief before turning quickly towards Kakashi. He was no where to be seen, but the kitchen door was swinging softly.

"Gah, Hatake! You're a liar!" Naruto surged to his feet to charge after him but Iruka's hand on his collar stopped him.

"Enough, Naruto. We have work to do," Iruka chided, pulling out his teacher voice. Naruto cowed immediately and nodded. Iruka set him to scrub the boards under the bar as he pulled his gloves back on.

Iruka couldn't very well let Naruto kill Kakashi just yet. He still owed him a tour, and Iruka would make sure he kept his word.

A/N: There we have it! Hit up those reviews, dawgs. You know you want to. ;) Also, let me know how the kids sound. It's been awhile, so if they're OOC please tell me. Thanks!