HUD: Still alive! Enjoy!
Iruka may have fixed his hair twice, changed shirts three times, and discreetly cleaned his car to pretend to kill time. They had never officially decided on a specific time, just that Kakashi would be around the café two hours after they were done cleaning for the day.
They had actually managed to get quite a bit cleaned, Iruka was surprised to note. The booths were all disinfected and polished, the bar shined like new, and the kitchen was nearly flawless. Sakura was definitely the best asset - she managed to keep Naruto on task if he wandered too far from Iruka. Granted that wasn't often, but when she caught him staring daggers at Kakashi's back, she wiped him back in shape real quick.
It seemed that, with the rare moments they had alone, Sakura was entirely on Iruka's side. The teacher didn't particularly like her choice in adjectives when addressing Naruto, but it kept him on task while she discreetly fed Iruka ideas for what Kakashi was really like. With what she couldn't supply, his imagination ran wild.
No one knew what his monthly outings were, even Sasuke - only that they kept him away for erratic time periods and on an even more erratic schedule. Pakkun was thrust to Sasuke with hardly a warning, and it was only Kakashi's pervious words with the headmaster of Konoha University that the dog and Sasuke weren't kicked out on their asses. Whatever he had said stuck, and Iruka wondered what kind of power Kakashi had in the seemingly sleepy town.
When it became closer to their impromptu meeting, Iruka felt his stomach turn. He was nervous. Why, he couldn't really say. Kakashi seemed interested enough, but he wouldn't let himself hope. The meeting had to be platonic, and the hand on his wrist hours ago had to be simply friendly comfort. Iruka couldn't get attached without preamble, without a real reason. Sure, Kakashi was funny and kind and literally the hottest man to ever walk the earth, and that had to be a sin, but Iruka didn't want to even give himself the chance. The last guy who had paid him the time of day ended up trying to practice his serial killings on him.
Iruka really, really hoped that those 'strange monthly absences' weren't scheduled meetings with a cult. Which would totally be his luck.
He said good bye to Mrs. Yamanaka on his way out, just giving a vague answer to what he was up to and that he wouldn't be around for dinner. Hopefully. Because how awkward would it be for him to royally screw this up and be back for tea time while still having to run his family's café right next door to Kakashi?
Joy. He tried not to dwell too much as he sank into his car, already feeling defeated. He felt like an idiot.
The drive to the plaza was blessedly short, not giving the teacher anymore time to proverbially bite his nails. He expected to see the plaza empty, but was surprised that there were people milling about and filtering in and out of The Den. Huh.
He parked closer to the back and locked up his car. After checking his reflection one more time, Iruka tried to stroll up as calmly as possible. He knew Kakashi had a good business, what with being the only bookstore in the town besides the university ran one, but all day during the cleaning not a soul drifted up.
There were people of literally all ages, nearly twenty in a quick headcount, and Iruka felt his curiousity raise. Several were glancing into the glass of his café, excited murmurs drifting around as he came closer.
"Look, Kimmie!" A young girl exclaimed. "There's a dolphin on the wall!"
"There sure is, sweetie," the woman, Kimmie, answered. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yeah, Auntie! It looks like Florida!" Iruka subconsciously tightened his hand on his keys, feeling the flip flop keychain from Destin in his hand. He moved all the café keys to his own keyring, but couldn't quite get rid of the gaudy thing.
"Your mom and I used to eat here when we were your age," the girl's aunt continued. "How exciting will it be to come back?"
"Yeah!" Iruka smiled - the girl's enthusiasm was infectious. He moved pass them to enter Kakashi's bookshop.
It was cool and brightly lit. Sasuke was actually ringing a few people out with a small line forming. Iruka decided to wait, not wanting to distract the teen. He drifted down the fiction, his fingers trailing the dark wooden shelves softly. Several names jumped out at him from the fresh jackets, both new and old, but he didn't pause. There was a display further back, closer to the sitting area, that caught his eye.
Iruka wasn't much of a horror junkie. Sure, he'd read a handful of Stephen King and Lance Norse in his time, but he always felt himself drawn more towards romance than he cared to admit. Not anything over-the-top, involving sickeningly corny phrases (milky white thighs? throbbing manhood? Yeah, he'd pass) but the steady building relationship with a right hook thrown in towards the end was more his speed.
Of course, he knew he wasn't the only one interested in that sort of thing, and one of his favourite authors unfortunately wrote both types with more than a healthy dose of horror. Granted, he'd read them because he was a fan and even ended up begrudgingly enjoying a few, but it was a closely guarded secret that only his best friend from college knew about.
Kain Wolfe, of course, is a very popular author, so Iruka really shouldn't have been so surprised to see a full on display table with the author's latest release piled in the centre and sheets directing to where his other pieces were. This one - Soft Drizzle - was a release aimed more towards his hardcore readers, which was what caught Iruka. If what Sakura had said about Kakashi was true, then the teacher wouldn't be surprised to see Kakashi strolling around with his face glued to the new hardback edition.
Iruka dropped his fingers to the cover, pressing the raised lettering. He loved the feel of smooth covers, and he loved the smell even more. A quick glance around confirmed that he was alone and that Sasuke still had a sizable line, which he noticed now were carrying the same book he was stroking. Well, Kakashi wasn't going to be around for another few minutes (punctuality was a pride for Iruka) so he settled into the nearest armchair and started reading the synopsis on the inside of the jacket.
It seemed interesting enough, and almost was a happy medium to what Iruka preferred to read and what hardcore readers would enjoy. He continued the description on the back page, which showed a picture of the author.
This was the most Iruka had ever seen of the man - his usual short bio was just a small list of his most recent works and his favourite breakfast food or some other random trait - over a wolf mask photograph. Iruka figured he had an odd sense of humour and never paid much more attention. This pose was elegant, almost a parody of the typical author still shot. He held that wolf mask to obscure the left half of his face, his fingers long and pale even for black-and-white standards. The lower half of his face was nearly obscured by his own hand, his chin resting lightly in his palm. The single exposed eye showed a coy attitude, like Wolfe held some sort of secret over the rest and if you were lucky, he'd tell you. It amused Iruka to no end - he looked nothing like what he had expected, but that small glint in his eye and the faint trace of a smirk beneath his fingers reminded him of Kakashi.
Thinking of the enigmatic man, Iruka checked his mobile. Where was he? He had to have already spent twenty minutes between leaving his car and drifting around the shop. Iruka certainly didn't want to start reading, but he didn't feel like he had a choice. He opened to the first page and settled down.
Seconds drifted to minutes as Iruka became lost, completely immersed in Wolfe's worlds, as he always did. The author just seemed to have a way with words, at risk of becoming cliché, but Iruka really just couldn't explain it any other way.
When he read, Iruka became useless. He forgot time, surroundings, and any person nearby. It was nearly dangerous, which was why he didn't read recreationally on a bus or in his classroom. As it were, that seemed to be when Kakashi decided to make an appearance.
"Mah, sensei - skip ahead to page one-thirty-three. Half way down is when things really heat up." Kakashi's warm breath ghosted across the back of Iruka's neck. He shivered, too startled to catch himself, and spun wildly.
"I - wa-what?" He stammered, feeling his face flush. Iruka just knew Kakashi was grinning at him.
"Are you feeling shy, sensei?" Kakashi continued to tease. He leaned lightly over Iruka, hands jammed in his pockets. Iruka could faintly smell the remnants of a woody aftershave from his proximity. That mixed with what Kakashi was implying made his blush deepen.
"Why are you late?" Iruka asked instead, trying to distract himself. Kakashi shrugged and straightened up, posture still relaxed.
"I ran into an elderly woman and needed to help her pick up her groceries, but a stray cat snatched a piece of salmon and took off. I chased after it and ended up in the woods, lost, so I wandered back to the main road where a kind driver - "
"Okay, okay, you were busy," Iruka answered, holding up a hand to stop him. Kakashi let his response die, but his eye crinkled in a smile. Iruka couldn't help but smile back fondly, not at all perturbed by the other's tardiness. Were he his student, that would be another thing entirely.
"Are you a fan?" Kakashi asked, drawing Iruka from his thoughts.
"Of what?" Iruka answered. Kakashi nodded to his lap. Oh - the book. Iruka had completely forgotten all about it when Kakashi crept up. He looked down and picked up the forgotten hardback to gently close it.
"Yeah," he answered after a moment. "You aren't allowed to judge me."
Kakashi's laugh was deep, almost reverberating in Iruka's chest from how close he sat. "Why would I?"
"Because grown men don't typically like romance," he mumbled.
"Wolfe writes horror, too," Kakashi supplied. Iruka shrugged.
"I know, but it's the romance I like," he answered softly, turning the book over and over in his hands. "I guess it's just the hopeless side of me coming through."
Kakashi was quiet a moment before he answered: "I like romance, too."
Iruka smiled quickly and looked up at Kakashi. "No joke?"
"Yeah," he admitted with a sigh. "So now you can't judge."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he drawled cheekily. Kakashi raised one slim eyebrow at him, and Iruka lost the façade with a quick laugh. Kakashi sighed dramatically, which only made Iruka laugh harder.
"Here you are laughing at me," Kakashi began; Iruka muffled his chuckles with a quick hand over his mouth. "I guess I'll just leave - "
"No," Iruka said sharply, hand wrapping around Kakashi's forearm as his teasing ended. The motion stopped the owner from standing, instead making his eyebrow raise again. Iruka cleared his throat and pulled his hand back as if burned, suddenly ashamed. His perpetual blush darkened as his eyes darted to the arm of the lounge chair. "I mean - "
"Keep it," Kakashi said, cutting the teacher off. Iruka still wouldn't meet his gaze, but made a surprised noise. "The book. Keep it as an apology gift for me being late."
Iruka looked at his hands, still cradling the book, and bit the inside of his cheek. "...you sure?"
"Sure as rain," was the vague reply, but Iruka was already getting used to the man's eccentrics. So he nodded and held the book a little tighter.
"Thank you," he answered, finally looking at Kakashi. Even with the usual parts of his face covered, Iruka could see the tell-tale signs of a smile.
"Mah, don't mention it," he shrugged, standing finally. "How about we head out, hmm? As much as I could literally sit here for hours, I unfortunately made plans."
Iruka felt curious as he stood. "Plans?"
Kakashi shrugged again. "You'll see."
Iruka just nodded and followed the lithe man from the sitting area. He eyed the display on their way and squeezed his gift. Once he got his café up and running, he would be sure to treat Kakashi to all the grilled cheeses he could eat.
"Yo, Sasuke." The teen pulled Iruka from his thoughts, glancing up briefly at his uncle.
"Hn?" He drawled, bending back over what Iruka believed to be school work.
"When you do the Wolfe counts, minus one."
Sasuke's eyebrow rose but he continued writing in his notebook. "Business expense?"
"Sure," Kakashi answered with a wave of his hand. "Call if you need anything. We're out."
Sasuke nodded and rested his chin in his palm. "Have fun, sensei."
"Have a good shift, Sasuke," Iruka answered. He gave a quick nod as they headed out, the little bell above the door signaling their departure. There wasn't nearly as many people hanging out as there was earlier, but the thought made Iruka hopeful. He was concerned with foot traffic, what with the plaza being only the café and bookstore, but Kakashi's business seemed to draw enough passersby.
"You should put that in your car, sensei," Kakashi said, gesturing to his hand. "We'll be doing some walking."
"Oh, sure," Iruka said. They walked to his car side by side - Kakashi with his hands still in his pockets and Iruka trying to tunnel vision to his car. Kakashi just smelled so good and was so close that he was finding it hard to not want to reach out. The children and cleaning earlier had been a decent distraction, but now that they were alone Iruka was wondering if this was such a good idea.
Iruka unlocked his passenger side door and set the book in the seat. "Do you think I should cover it? I don't want people breaking my window," he teased, smirking at Kakashi,
Kakashi's laugh was so abrupt it almost sounded like Pakkun's bark. He dropped a hand over his scarf as if to cover his reaction. However redundant, Iruka still found it endearing. "I think you'll be okay."
"Sure a cat won't take off with it into the woods?" Iruka continued, shutting the door and pressing the lock icon on his key fob. His smirk turned coy when he noticed a light pink flush on Kakashi's cheek.
"Mah, I'll protect you, sensei," he answered, hand leaving his scarf and moving to scratch the back of his neck.
"And not get lost?" Kakashi's reactions were so candid that Iruka really couldn't help himself.
"Getting lost with you would be worth it." The sheer honesty in Kakashi's tone drew Iruka up short. He glanced at the man, who still was sheepishly scratching the back of his neck, and smiled warmly.
"I wouldn't complain," he said, nudging Kakashi playfully with his shoulder. Kakashi blinked, surprised, before his eye crinkled in a grin so large the raise of his cheeks were visible.
"Mah," he drawled. Iruka would have considered that bashful, but he immediately began to walk away from his car as a distraction (Iruka was certain of that).
"So what have you got planned?" Iruka asked after jogging a moment to catch up. Kakashi was leading them further and further towards the back of the parking lot, away from the plaza. Iruka hadn't driven that way - both the bed and breakfast and the highway were behind them.
"A walk down the historical area of town," Kakashi answered, hopping up lightly from grass to sidewalk. He paused a moment for Iruka to join him. "It's maybe a five minute walk from the plaza with a ton of little shops and stalls. It's all outside, giving the area a bazaar feel."
"That sounds pretty cool," Iruka said, surprised. Kakashi was right - he certainly didn't know the town very well. "How long as it been there?"
"Well, it was originally Main Street," Kakashi answered, pausing at a crosswalk. The lights shifted and gave them right of way. He strolled into the street before continuing: "This town was hit pretty hard by that recession several years ago, so the mayor decided the easiest way to get money back in the town was through tourism. They cobbled up the street, borrowed against the state to begin new businesses, and started their own little village."
"What was the real draw?" Iruka asked. Kakashi came to a stop before a wrought iron gate and turned fully towards Iruka.
"Street performance," Kakashi deadpanned. Iruka blinked.
"Huh? Like, fire eaters or something?"
"Something, sure," the man answered. "The fire eater doesn't do too well anymore - she's gotten far too old - but we have dancers, something like a modern troupe of gypsies, artists, musicians; it's really a sight to behold." He glanced at his mobile. "Since it's nearly eight, they'll start coming out soon."
"What do we do in the meantime?" Iruka asked. He glanced over his shoulder to where Kakashi was facing, where he could just make out the voices of a crowd around a corner.
"How about a drink?" Kakashi offered. Iruka looked back and almost felt like the man was nervous. He smiled.
"Yeah, okay." Kakashi nodded and gently took his hand - he moved slowly, as if giving Iruka every chance he could to pull away. Iruka didn't, and allowed himself to be pulled towards the gate. Kakashi guided them slowly through the entrance and around the brick something that had been blocking Iruka's view. The sight nearly took his breath away.
The entire street was wide and inviting, canopied by tall trees neatly clipped to produce the best shade. Buildings with large outdoor seating or inviting windows lined the edges towards the centre, giving way towards what Kakashi had described as a bazaar. Iruka felt the term was very accurate as stalls of all sizes came into view the closer they came. Shopkeeps were spreading out their wares in the waning daylight, smoothing blankets over tables or popping out chairs. People were already mingling, the sound of laughter drifting amongst the sounds of light labour. Iruka felt a little overwhelmed - the entire place felt so alive that he wasn't sure he could handle it at full swing.
Kakashi thankfully pulled them towards one of the open buildings and closer towards the back. The atmosphere was homey and welcome, large Irish kegs and memorabilia decorating the walls. They sat at the bar proper, with Kakashi lightly pulling Iruka's stool out for him.
"That was...something," Iruka sighed, sitting heavily. Kakashi chuckled as he took his seat.
"You haven't seen anything yet," he answered, amusement clear in his tone. Iruka rolled his eyes and reached for a drink menu.
"Kakashi!" A voice boomed, followed by loud laughter. Iruka looked up, startled, as the bartender made his way towards them. He was a large man with even larger muscles and slicked-back black hair under an Irish flag bandana. He was grinning ear to ear with a cigarette dangling loosely from his lips.
"Yo," Kakashi answered, attempting to glance at the menu over Iruka's shoulder.
"Hey, look at me when I'm speaking to you," the man grumbled, finally drawing Kakashi's attention. He grinned again and slapped a hand down on the bar top. "There you go! What brings you out tonight?"
Kakashi drummed his fingers on the bar top. "Showing off the town. Asuma, this is Iruka. Iruka, Asuma." Asuma thrusted his hand out proudly to Iruka, making the teacher grin as he accepted the gesture.
"You must be something pretty special to pull Kakashi out of his house," he teased. Kakashi rolled his eye and turned to look behind them, but Iruka didn't miss what may have been a smile. He shook Asuma's hand proudly.
"He's just helping me out," he answered, attempting to downplay whatever Asuma was assuming. Asuma laughed and shook his head, folding his arms over his broad chest.
"Sure he is," he drawled, grinning when Kakashi turned to glare. "Ah you know I'm kidding. What're you two having?"
Kakashi glanced at Iruka. "Have you decided?"
"I'll just have whatever you're having," he answered, folding the menu and putting it back.
"You like apples?" He asked, and Iruka nodded. "Two ciders, Asuma."
"Roger!" The man answered, swinging his smoldering cig from one side to the other. Iruka watched him pull two frosted mugs out and turn to fill them.
Kakashi still faced out, towards the bazaar, as he leaned against the bar top. Iruka glanced around the bar, appraising its setup. They weren't by far the only people there - in fact, several tables were already full with a line forming at the door - and Iruka could easily see why. The entire place was roomy and had the best view of whatever was going on outside. Iruka wasn't at all surprised to see the crowd thickening, either.
"Here we go, buds." Iruka turned as Asuma passed their mugs over.
"Add it to my tab," Kakashi answered with a nod. Iruka was about to protest but Asuma cut him off.
"You got it, Kakashi," the man answered with a grin. He turned to Iruka as Kakashi pushed off the bar, heading towards the outdoor seating. "Keep him out of trouble, hmm?"
"I think you've got it backwards," Iruka answered. Asuma barked a delighted laughter and slapped the bar top - it seemed to be a favourite expression for the man.
"Keeper!" He announced as Iruka followed after Kakashi. "He's a keeper, Hatake!"
Iruka sniggered as he joined Kakashi at one of the hightop tables. He had picked the table with the best view, just at the edge of the small chain marking the end of Asuma's bar. He pulled his scarf down and took a long draw off his cider. "We'll have a pretty clear view of the shows from here."
Iruka tried not to stare, suddenly needing a distraction when Kakashi didn't pull his scarf back in place. "When does all that start?"
"Here shortly," he answered, glancing briefly at Iruka. The teacher felt his cheeks heat, knowing he was caught. When Kakashi smiled slightly, a small crooked raise of his lips, Iruka took a long gulp of his drink.
"Thanks for the drink," he rushed, trying not to gulp air. Kakashi's expression was heavily amused.
"I invited you," he said nonchalantly, as if that's all he needed to say. Kakashi was still facing Iruka slightly, and Iruka noticed the scar he thought he had imagined peeking out from under the fringe of the man's long side-swept hair. It still stuck up at all ends, but even Iruka had to admire how it always covered exactly the area Kakashi obviously preferred.
"You're very handsome," he blurted, before immediately panicking. Why the fuck did I say that!? Iruka frantically searched for a new topic, anything other than the soft colour of Kakashi's still-smiling lips or flattering angle of his chin -
"Thanks," Kakashi answered, halting all of Iruka's inner turmoil. He risked a glance, and was surprised Kakashi wasn't upset. "I've been told it's a waste."
Seriously? "That's dumb."
Kakashi chuckled and took a swig. "Glad you agree, sensei."
Iruka felt immensely better, regardless of how spectacularly awkward his outburst had been. Kakashi took it in stride, as if nothing was wrong, which helped to calm some of Iruka's nerves. His stomach was still flipping with abandon in time to his quickened heartbeat, but a comfortable silence settled over them.
Iruka watched several of the closest vendors put the finishing touches on their displays. A few children ran by, giggling and weaving among adults and barrels. Iruka smiled, resting his chin in his palm. The air felt light even as the sun continued to set. There was a mild temperature with a soft wind that stirred Kakashi's wild hair and the flames of tiki torches lining the bar.
"I could do this every night," Iruka murmured. Kakashi leaned closer over their table, wrapping one long arm around the edge. His fingers grazed Iruka's elbow but didn't pull away.
"Would you?" He asked lightly. Iruka nodded.
"Everyone seems so carefree. It's a nice reprieve, and this whole place feels otherworldly. Like I took a step in time to where this kind of comfort was normal, instead of just assurance that such a tight-knit community watched everything," Iruka answered. "The teachers at my school aren't even this close."
"Well, this could be an everyday thing," Kakashi offered. He spun his mug lazily and lightly stroked Iruka's elbow. "The bazaar happens every night around the same time. Do you plan to move here?"
Iruka felt pleasantly warm from Kakashi's touch, even through his cardigan. "It depends on how well things go, I suppose," he answered. "I saw some people looking in there when I came up. They sounded pretty excited, so I'm optimistic." Iruka didn't add that he was referring to Kakashi as well, but he didn't think he needed to.
"That little diner was a staple around here for years," Kakashi said. He still continued his light strokes. "Like I said, I was there every Saturday. What do you remember about it, anyway?"
Iruka glanced into his mug, watching the bubbles line the inside of the glass for a moment. "Not much, honestly. I remember going, but that's about it. No details."
Kakashi hmmed, eyes fixed on the ebb and flow of the bazaar life. "I remember you."
Iruka looked over quickly, surprised. "Yeah? What?"
"They usually had you sweep," Kakashi answered, smiling slightly. "You never complained, even with such a mundane task. You never forgot your manners, too, while you swept near me."
"How old were you?" Iruka asked.
Kakashi straightened back and stretched lightly, his hand leaving Iruka. "Five or six? I think you were closer to three, so it makes sense that you wouldn't remember."
Iruka missed Kakashi's hand on his elbow and tried not to be disappointed. Kakashi's tone was off, slightly, as if there was something Iruka was missing. He didn't have time to dwell, however, because Kakashi's hand was back and squeezing. "Look over there," he said, pointing somewhere off to Iruka's right. "First performer."
Iruka followed the direction Kakashi pointed to slowly. There was a small crowd gathering around a woman standing in the centre, her arms angled gracefully over her head like a ballerina. Iruka could just make out a stereo near her when the music began, a soft classical with a very light intro.
The performer bowed all around, sending cheers through the crowd. She twisted and threw her arms up, a spinning hoop soaring high over her head. The hoop was caught with the practiced ease of one who had been doing it for years before she carefully swung it around one arm.
Iruka had seen kids play with hula hoops several times in his career, but not like this. The hoop had lights strung through it that flashed and changed with each connection of her body. While she swung her hips, the hoop released a prism of colour which left Iruka slightly dizzy. She continued gracefully as her pace quickened, the hoop now fading slowly from colour to colour as the crowd began a rhythmic clap. She bowed low, the hoop now around her ankle, and tossed it high above her head. Iruka felt his breath catch even as she caught it. He smiled and clapped loudly, joining in with the crowd.
He looked over towards Kakashi and wasn't at all surprised to see the man watching him instead of the dancer. "That's amazing!"
"She's very good at what she does," he answered with a nod. "She's with the gypsies."
Iruka looked back in time to see she had added a second hoop and was now switching both rings between arms and legs with ridiculous ease. "She makes that look so easy. I would have already tripped myself and broken something."
Kakashi laughed and smothered the sound with his cider. "You never know until you try."
"Yeah, no thanks," Iruka snorted. Kakashi squeezed his elbow again, drawing his attention.
"There's a juggler over here." Iruka followed the jerk of his head and watched a man balancing books on his head and rotating what looked like glass orbs and several eggs between his hands. Each pass sent the items higher until they were feet above the mini tower of books he still balanced perfectly.
"A sword swallower there," Kakashi pointed towards the centre of the bazaar. Iruka caught the end of the sword being swallowed by a very tall man. "The fire eater is teaching him her trade, too."
"This place is amazing," Iruka breathed. Kakashi continued to point out each performer - from a tin man to a band who played on buckets and cans instead of drums to small parkour displays between the too-close buildings. Iruka clapped in tandem with whatever he was watching at the time, feeling nervous for the sword swallower and immensely impressed by the depth of the trash can music.
He didn't even notice when he finished his drink and moved to a second, too caught up in what he felt to be an amazingly secret world that he didn't notice Kakashi get up. Kakashi directed his attention several times, pointing out new acts or supplying what knowledge he knew of the performers. For a man Iruka had been told didn't get out much, he sure knew his shit.
"Thank you," Iruka said after the peak of performances had passed. The crowds were becoming too thick to clearly see anything, so he settled back against his stool and turned his attention fully back to Kakashi. "This has been so awesome."
Kakashi smiled softly, making Iruka dread when he knew the man would wear his scarf again. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. There's much more to see once we're done here."
"More?" Iruka echoed with a laugh. "No way."
"Yup," Kakashi answered, folding his arms over the edge of the table. "The road continues down for another half mile. That's where most of the restaurants are, too."
At the mention of food, Iruka's stomach rumbled. He flushed slightly at Kakashi's quirked crooked smile. "Ah, it's been a long day."
Kakashi nodded. "Then let's head that way." He grabbed his mug and downed what was left of his cider. Iruka did the same, grimacing when he took a few seconds longer than Kakashi.
"Ah! That is not as easy as it looks," Iruka grumbled as his mug clanked back down. Kakashi laughed.
"Well, it has been a long day," he teased. Iruka stuck his tongue out at him, which only made him laugh again.
Kakashi stood and pulled his scarf back in place, hiding the smile that Iruka didn't want to think about how quickly he became accustomed to. He held his hand out to Iruka. "Ready?"
Iruka's eyes dropped to the proffered hand, making him smile. "Yeah." He wrapped his hand around Kakashi's and stepped down. "Lead the way."
Iruka imposed what he expected Kakashi's smile to be over the scarf as the man's eye crinkled softly. He lowered their arms and pulled Iruka gently. After a quick wave at Asuma, Kakashi led them from the seating area to the thick of the crowd.
Iruka never minded being around people, especially because of the city he lived in. These people were different, though - if one accidentally bumped him, they paused and smiled to apologize. Kids weaved joyously around, dogs barked and mingled pleasantly, and just the general atmosphere was easy. Kakashi was spoken to several times and actually stopped once by an elderly woman. Iruka pretended to not listen, but he could vaguely make out the woman thanking him for helping her with her groceries. When they continued, Iruka couldn't help his surprise. Maybe Kakashi really had been held up earlier helping someone. He carefully laced their fingers together after that, telling himself it was only because he didn't want to get lost. If Kakashi held tighter, it must have been because he didn't want to lose him, either.
They left the worse of the crowd and kept to the edge, avoiding stepping into the lines to get in most places. Iruka was beginning to worry if they would even be able to get any food. The constant delicious aroma wafting around them didn't help his stomach, either.
Kakashi stopped them in front of a open restaurant and turned to Iruka. "How does ramen sound?"
Iruka laughed, unable to really help himself. "Okay, anything sounds great right now."
Kakashi nodded and led them in, holding the flaps over the entrance for Iruka as he passed. He seated them at a table closer to the back and, again, pulled Iruka's chair out for them.
"Good evening, Mr. Hatake!" Iruka looked up from where he had been reading one of the menus that was on the table. A young woman with long dark brown hair and a pleasant smile was standing next to their table. He returned her smile with one of his own, but she seemed to still fixate on Kakashi.
"Hello, Ayame," he answered, smiling back at her. Iruka noticed a bit of a flush dust her cheeks from his attention. She finally looked away to glance at Iruka as well. "How are you?"
"Well, thank you!" Ayame answered. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister...?"
"Ah, Iruka is fine," Iruka answered. Her smile was still pleasant as she nodded.
"Good to meet you then, Iruka. What do you two want to drink?"
Kakashi nodded to Iruka, urging him to answer first. "Water, please."
"I'll do the same," Kakashi answered. Ayame smiled again and turned away. Iruka watched her for a moment before looking back at the menu.
"What do you recommend?" He asked. Kakashi tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"The pork miso is my favourite, with eggplant," he answered. Iruka couldn't help his grin. "What?"
"You would like eggplant," he teased. "It's such a strange food."
"Mah, sensei - what ever do you mean?" Kakashi drawled, winking lightly. Or, so Iruka guessed.
"You know exactly what I mean," he answered, pushing the menu away. "I'll have the same as you, then."
"Even the eggplant?"
Iruka nodded and smiled. "Even the eggplant."
Iruka imaged Kakashi's smile to be breath taking beneath that stupid scarf. He knew Kakashi had his reasons and didn't want to push, but he couldn't help but want to snatch it off and throw it somewhere. Kakashi was unbearably handsome, and the scarf was just...offensive, now.
Ayame set their glasses down and practically beamed at Kakashi. "Are you having your usual?"
"I am, and so is Iruka," Kakashi answered, nodding in his direction lightly. Ayame seemed taken aback, somehow, but she smiled regardless. There was a slight edge to it when she glanced in his direction but it vanished as soon as it happened.
"Sure thing. I'll have it up in ten," she answered with a nod. Iruka blinked when Kakashi answered, suddenly feeling distracted. Once Ayame was away from view, it clicked.
"Kakashi!" He said, leaning forward. The other man's eyebrow rose in answer. "I don't think she likes me."
Kakashi rolled his eye and snorted. "What makes you think that?"
"Because she has a crush on you," he answered, lowering his voice. He looked around for Ayame before continuing: "She thinks we're on a date."
Kakashi's expression shifted from shock to guarded lightning quick. "Are we not?"
Iruka blinked quickly, pulling back. Did he consider this a date? The hand holding was definitely date material; Asuma had heavily implied and Iruka didn't correct him. Kakashi's shuttering expression clearly suggested that he thought they were, too. Iruka supposed it wouldn't be so bad to agree. All the pieces were there, and if it would bring back Kakashi's previous ease, then he would agree to anything.
"No," he answered, smiling when he visibly saw Kakashi relax. Iruka could feel his face flush softly. "At least, I hope we are. Because don't think for a second I let random people drag me around to watch gypsies dance."
Kakashi laughed and folded his arms over his chest. "I would hope not."
"Yeah, that's second date material, anyway," Iruka teased. Kakashi chuckled again before sitting up slightly for Ayame to set down their meal. She smiled as they thanked her before heading to a few other tables.
"Now, no pressure or anything," Kakashi said as he broke his chopsticks. "But this is literally going to be the best thing you've ever had."
"It definitely smells awesome," Iruka said. The pork and steaming broth made his stomach grumble again. He mimicked Kakashi and took a sip of his water. "No pressure?"
"Nope," the man answered, pushing down his scarf. Iruka was better prepared this time, only being slightly distracted, but he could feel his face flush again when Kakashi smiled at him.
They ate in a companionable silence for a few minutes after Iruka totally agreed with how amazing everything was. Kakashi just nodded, too generous to lay on the 'I told ya so' that Iruka felt he deserved. Iruka was almost ashamed at how fast he ate, but he felt better after noticing Kakashi was doing pretty much the same. He weighed the negatives of drinking the broth too, just before Kakashi up-ended his own bowl. God, Iruka thought he might fall in love right there.
"So full," he muttered, pushing his bowl towards the centre. Kakashi sighed and stacked his in Iruka's.
"Completely worth it," he answered. Iruka just nodded. Kakashi took a long swig of his water before standing and pulling out his wallet. Iruka blinked, feeling groggy, as his mind caught up to him.
"I'll take care of it," he protested, reaching out to stop Kakashi. The silver-haired man just shrugged and tossed a few bills on the table.
"What? I can't hear you," he answered, winking. Iruka didn't think it was at all fair that Kakashi could just smile and totally disarm him. Kakashi smiled wider, as if he could read his damn mind, and pulled Iruka to stand. "C'mon."
Iruka took a few sips of his water before letting Kakashi pull him along. Ayame called a goodbye, to which Kakashi tossed back a two-fingered wave and led Iruka back to the street. They headed back towards the bazaar with Kakashi not letting up at all on the pace.
"What's the hurry?" Iruka asked, laughing. Kakashi slowed and looked back sheepishly. He hadn't fixed his scarf yet, and if he had forgotten Iruka sure as hell wasn't going to remind him.
"There's a display starting here in a few minutes that I don't want you to miss," Kakashi answered. He looked out across the crowd, now thicker than ever, before urging them towards the edge. "We need to get back to Loch first, though."
Iruka assumed Loch was Asuma's bar, so he didn't resist when Kakashi directed them along the edge. It wasn't as difficult as Iruka had thought it would be to get back around to nearly the entrance of the bazaar. The performers were in full swing, distracting people so they could slip by. Several Irish flags flew proudly in the wind, acting as a beacon. They reached the building quickly, but instead of turning in, Kakashi pulled him down the slim alley between Loch and the other bar beside it. The sounds of the crowd echoed off the brick walls around them, but it wasn't deafening.
"Are you afraid of heights?" Kakashi called, stepping over a few forgotten bricks.
"Not at all," Iruka answered, hoping the bricks hadn't fallen from the buildings. "Why?"
"You'll see."
They emerged from the alley to stand behind the buildings. The backdoor to Loch was closed, but Kakashi led them beyond that to a small ladder build into the brick. He stopped and waved Iruka forward. "After you."
Iruka lifted an eyebrow at him, suddenly dubious. "Is this thing stable?"
"That's why I'm following."
"To catch me?" Iruka deadpanned. Kakashi shrugged, still grinning.
"Sure, that sounds good." Iruka rolled his eyes but grabbed the cool steel of the ladder. He rose a few steps until he was a foot above Kakashi.
"Is this what it's like to be tall? The wind sucks."
"Tell me about it," Kakashi drawled. He was only really about five inches over Iruka, but it made the teacher feel coy.
"Is that why your hair is so wild?" He teased, grinning. Iruka was nearly to the top.
"You should know - your ponytail is pretty high up there."
"Ha-ha," Iruka drawled, sniggering when he heard Kakashi do the same. Seconds later and they were both on the roof of Loch. Iruka stood by to give Kakashi a hand. "I thought you were suppose to help me."
"Mah," Kakashi said with a grin. "It was just an excuse to watch your ass."
Iruka laughed and swatted his shoulder lightly. "Pervert."
Kakashi didn't deny it as he grinned back. Iruka just shook his head and turned to hide his blush. "So, what're we waiting for?"
"Well, let's get closer to the front," Kakashi said, walking over to where two plastic chairs were already set up. Iruka paused.
"Did you plan this?" He asked as Kakashi pulled the chairs back a foot from the short brick wall between them and a twenty-foot drop.
"I did say I made plans," Kakashi answered, tossing a smile over his shoulder. Iruka smiled back, impressed. This was by far the best date he'd been on in awhile. He took his seat beside Kakashi and rested his hands on his knees.
"So what's - " he began, caught off guard when Kakashi pressed something cool against the back of his hand. Iruka looked down to see a bottle of the same cider they drank earlier, cap already popped off, and took it. "Wow, thank you. Where were you stashing that?"
"Under one of the chairs," Kakashi answered, gesturing to the small cooler under his seat. He opened his own bottle and pocketed the caps. "Continue?"
"Oh, so what are we waiting for?" Iruka said, taking a sip. Kakashi did too, the bob of his throat distracting Iruka for a moment. The scarf had slipped further down during their adventure to get to the roof.
"It's about to start," Kakashi answered after checking his mobile. "You know, it's a good thing you like cider or this could have been a disaster."
Iruka laughed and took another sip. "First time, actually. But I do like it."
Kakashi nodded and grinned. "There isn't much I can say about Asuma, but his alcoholic taste is pretty good."
"He doesn't mind us up here?" Iruka asked.
Kakashi shook his head. "Nah. He and I go way back. I actually introduced him to his wife."
"Oh!" Iruka said, smiling. "That's pretty cool."
"If you hadn't moved, you probably would have gone to school with all of us," Kakashi continued. "I graduated early, but they weren't far behind. Those were some interesting years."
Iruka couldn't help but chuckle. "I can imagine. It's even more interesting to see how things work now, from a teacher's viewpoint."
Kakashi nodded as he drank more of his bottle. "I bet." He propped his boots up on the edge of the brick and leaned back in his seat. A popping caught Iruka's attention, but when he turned to ask Kakashi what it was, the man was pointing out.
Iruka looked, his eyes roaming over the people around awnings and tents between tiki torches and the lights strung between poles. His gaze traveled further still, seeking what Kakashi wanted to show him, only to hear another pop and snap his eyes up.
Fireworks lit up the sky, firing off somewhere behind the buildings across the street. Iruka could hear the crowd gasp and clap beneath them. In a few seconds, the entire bazaar was quiet as everyone stopped everything they were doing to simply watch.
Iruka hadn't seen fireworks in the city in years. He used to take Naruto, before the study abroad program, but not by himself. It seemed sad, somehow, to go without the blond, but right then he didn't feel upset. Kakashi's hand covered his as it rested on the arm of the chair. The gesture was soft and made Iruka's stomach flip.
Kakashi had been so great all day, helping without having to and even dealing with Naruto's overbearingness. Iruka smiled, glad to have him in his company. Tomorrow was Wednesday, which meant the week was almost over and Iruka still had so much to do. As much as he found he wanted to spend the remaining days doing whatever Kakashi could come up with, he begrudgingly couldn't. The date had been (still was) wonderful, and Iruka wasn't ashamed to admit that he didn't want it to end. He desperately wanted the café to do well, to keep him in Konoha.
Kakashi tapped the back of his hand, drawing him from his thoughts. He looked over and smiled softly. "Yeah?"
"What did you think?" Kakashi asked, and it took Iruka a moment to realize he had zoned out entirely during the whole display. He grinned sheepishly and tapped the end of his nearly empty bottle against his knee.
"Beautiful," he answered honestly, because what little he had actually seen was.
Kakashi smiled softly and squeezed his hand. "I'll agree." He drank the rest of the cider in his bottle and set it aside. "It's different every week, but Tuesday is fireworks night."
"Wow. They really go all out, huh?" Iruka asked. Kakashi nodded, shifting fully to look at him. Iruka downed the rest of his bottle too, Kakashi watching silently.
"Is that enough?" He asked out of the blue. Iruka furrowed his brow, not sure what he meant.
"Is what enough?" Iruka answered. Kakashi held his gaze, making the teacher want to squirm. He felt like Kakashi could see right through him the longer he was silent, as if he were picking Iruka apart.
"Is that enough to keep you here?" Kakashi said. Iruka felt his face flush immediately.
"I - what do you mean?" Iruka stammered.
"The bazaar, the community, the fireworks - is all this enough to keep you in town?" Kakashi said softly. His gaze was intense, his lips set. Iruka felt like a specimen under a magnifying glass.
"I have my teaching contract," he heard himself say. Kakashi obviously didn't like that answer, now pulling his hand back. Iruka didn't like that, so he rushed to finish: "It's up this summer."
Kakashi folded his hands in his lap. "What will you do then?"
Iruka paused - he had honestly planned to just reapply and keep the café running during his breaks. But that was before he fell in love with the town, before he knew Naruto lived here - before he really met Kakashi. Things change, plans change. There wasn't a contract until he signed it, and that was still in a folder locked away in his desk.
"I guess just," he began slowly, staring at Kakashi's profile. "Just try the café for awhile. I'm sure there's a place I can rent around here somewhere."
Iruka felt Kakashi take his hand again and squeeze it almost painfully. He looked down then back up, surprised at how close Kakashi was. The lights from the bazaar reflected brightly in his eye, making the silver stand out like a shimmer. "There are."
Iruka smiled faintly, feeling his stomach flip. What was wrong with him? Deciding huge future plans on a whim just because this new guy didn't seem too thrilled with the idea of Iruka leaving. If he were totally honest, he didn't like the idea of leaving, either.
Kakashi returned the smile and gently relaxed his grip. "I should get you back to your car."
"Oh," Iruka said, feeling disappointed. A quick glance at his mobile made him suddenly grateful. "Uh, please. I have to get up in like, five hours."
Kakashi laughed and stood. "Let's go, then. I'll come back for all this."
The walk back to his car was quiet. Iruka found himself settling into a comfortable pace beside Kakashi, weaving behind him in and out of the crowd. It wasn't long before they were out of the thick and closer to the entrance. Voices and laughter followed them until they turned the corner of the brick monument (Iruka could see what it was, now) and past the iron wrought gate. In a few more minutes, they were walking through the short grass to Iruka's car.
As they neared, Kakashi let Iruka's hand go and jammed his into his pockets. "Do you feel fine to drive?"
Iruka looked at his feet and walked a straight line. "Yes, Officer."
Kakashi laughed and turned around to face him, walking backwards. The lights for The Den were off, leaving only the kitchen light in the cafe and the streetlights on. Iruka couldn't see Kakashi's face because of the shadows but he imagined a smile.
Iruka fished his keys from his pocket and unlocked his Honda. "Thank you, Kakashi, for tonight. You have to let take care of the tab next time."
Kakashi leaned against the side of the car, crossing his arms over his chest. "Next time?"
Iruka blushed, catching his slip. "Yeah, ya know, if that's okay?"
"Hmm," Kakashi drawled, pushing off of Iruka's car and stepping closer. "Maybe. Another date would be great, but I don't know about the paying thing."
Iruka grinned and rolled his eyes. "We'll just have to see who's faster."
"Maybe," Kakashi muttered, lips quirking in a smile. Iruka would be the first to admit that crooked smiles always made him go weak in the knees, and Kakashi's was no exception. In fact, it seemed to be even more potent.
So Iruka really couldn't be blamed for being distracted during their first kiss. One second he was staring at how the streetlights threw shadows over Kakashi's nose and chin when he smiled that way, and the next he felt a warm press of lips on his and his entire brain stopped.
Kakashi's hair tickling the side of his cheek drew him back to himself in time for Kakashi to start to pull back. It definitely wasn't the best kiss, and Iruka hoped he wouldn't be teased like a love struck teenage girl because of it, but he stopped Kakashi from pulling too far away with a hand on his bicep. Kakashi took it for the invitation it was and tilted his chin back down. This time, Iruka moved.
The kiss was slow and soft. Iruka wasn't surprised that Kakashi's lips were as soft as they were being protected behind that scarf. He sighed, feeling Kakashi's tongue swiping gently along his lower lip, before opening his mouth and tasting cider for the third time that night. It was rapidly becoming his favourite draft.
When Kakashi pulled back, Iruka caught a whiff of that same woody scent from before. "Mah, sensei - you're a quick study."
"Have to be," Iruka answered, smirking. They weren't plastered against each other, but Iruka was still holding onto Kakashi's arm. He regrettably let go, only to have Kakashi capture both of his hands in his.
"I had fun with you," Kakashi continued, smiling softly. He pressed a chaste kiss that Iruka was tempted to follow as he pulled back - then again, Iruka was also tempted to shove Kakashi against his car and make out until dawn, but restraint.
"Will I see you tomorrow?" Iruka asked, feeling his heart hammer against his sternum. Kakashi nodded, and Iruka released a breath he didn't realize he held.
"I'll be around," he answered, bringing Iruka's hands to his lips and kissing his knuckles. "Good night, Iruka."
"Good night, Kakashi," he whispered. Kakashi smiled against his fingers before letting go. He hung around until Iruka was safely in his car before waving and heading back towards Main Street Village. Iruka watched that lean figure walk across the parking lot and grass, spiky-haired shadows thrown about under each streetlight, until he was gone from sight.
Iruka sagged into his seat as he started his car. He really, really hoped he wasn't jumping the gun when it came to Kakashi. The man was still an enigma, hardly leaving his house according to Asuma and Sakura, but that elderly lady he had obviously helped and all those people who said hello had to have seen him somewhere.
Although, Iruka didn't feel like any of that mattered. If Kakashi wanted to stay home and only leave to walk his dog or check on his business, that was his prerogative. Iruka wasn't going to judge. What he did know, he liked so far - kind, funny, friendly, devastatingly handsome with the best crooked smile Iruka had ever seen - and that was what mattered.
Three days from now, he would have to head back to his real life. The thought of leaving was becoming harder and harder with Kakashi involved. Iruka was pretty sure he meant what he had said, too. Maybe Mrs. Yamanaka still had the classifieds lying around.