HUD: See, not dead! Enjoy. :)

The interior of Kakashi's car was just as sexy as the outside. Black with touches of silver, all the dash lights red and bright. Iruka almost felt awkward sitting in such luxury while still smelling slightly of bleach and dust.

"On second thought," he began as Kakashi slid into the driver seat. "Maybe we should take my Honda. I don't want to get bleach in your car."

"Maa, sensei," Kakashi answered dismissively. "I don't care." As if to punctuate with clarity, he started the engine and put the car into reverse. The engine purred like an overgrown cat basking in the warmth of the sun. Iruka fought the urge to shrug, instead just offering Kakashi the folded up classifieds for the address.

"I know this place," Kakashi murmured, holding the paper up by the steering wheel. "Near the middle school, small suburb."

"Is it nice?" Iruka asked.

"Yeah," Kakashi said, passing the paper back over. "You'll like it."

"You think so?" Iruka pressed again. He didn't want to sound so whiny, but Kakashi's opinion mattered more than he cared to admit. As if reading his mind (again), Kakashi smirked over at him. Iruka had been eternally grateful when Kakashi pushed his scarf down around his neck after entering the sanctuary of his car.

"I do," he answered simply. A moment later and his hand gently took Iruka's and rested it over the gearshift beneath his own. Iruka felt his cheeks flush from the small gesture. Could it really be so simple?

They settled into a companionable silence, Kakashi occasionally pointing out points of interest as they passed - dog park, recreational field, the hospital - for a few good minutes. Iruka asked more questions about the area, what the weather was like during the year, how busy tourism was. Basic recon.

"How long have you lived here, Kakashi?" Iruka asked as they turned into the sleepy suburb where the home was.

"My whole life," Kakashi answered, dropping his speed. Some children played on a basketball court near the fenced entrance.

Iruka hesitated with his next question. "You said I was three when we met?" Kakashi nodded. "My parents said we didn't move until I was closer to six."

Kakashi slowed at a stop sign. "That sounds about right, I suppose." He looked both ways before pulling forward. "I didn't see much of you except at the café."

Iruka nodded; that made sense. Why was it that he always felt like there was more to Kakashi than the man let on? Iruka decided to test his theory. "Why do I get the feeling there's more to it than just that?"

Kakashi glanced over as he slowed at another stop sign. There was a slight smirk to his lips, a shine to his eye that had Iruka feeling lost. "There could be, but I suppose it depends on just how much you remember, Iruka."

What the hell kind of answer was that?

Iruka sighed. "You're playing dirty."

"Maa, sensei," Kakashi answered. Iruka swallowed at the husky tone his low voice adopted. "I could show you exactly how dirty I like to play, but we're here."

Iruka blinked and turned his head to avoid eye contact. Kakashi had to know what he was doing, he had to know the effect he had on Iruka. Kakashi chuckled slightly, the sound evidence enough that yes, he did know. Iruka felt a blush steal up his neck but attempted to ignore it, muttering a low 'thank you' as he left the car. Once again, no questions answered.

Kakashi killed the engine and got out to stand beside Iruka. The teacher glanced over briefly, still feeling the heat from his embarrassment. Seeing such a promising smile on the other man's lips made Iruka go weak in the knees, but he studiously kept his eyes forward.

Kakashi had been right - the house was lovely and Iruka did like it. The outside was a nice brown with dark green trim. There was a matching porch that looked just large enough to hold a chair or two under a low wooden awning. To the right was a double car garage that matched the house and a beautiful weeping willow in the front yard. Iruka couldn't believe his luck.

"Wow," he finally said. Kakashi stood up from where he leaned against the hood of his car.

"I thought you'd like it," he replied. Iruka smiled over his shoulder at him.

"Uh, understatement," Iruka said. Kakashi smiled a sheepish grin. "Walk around the back with me?"

Kakashi nodded and they set off, following the line of the driveway. Iruka looked into every window he could, cupping his hands around his eyes. It appeared that the house was still furnished.

"It's furnished, too," he commented, wiping his hands on his jeans when he met back up with Kakashi. "Everything looks dusty but the big things are covered by sheets."

"This house has been up for years," Kakashi answered. He held his hand out for Iruka to take to step over a few rocks. "It's been well maintained, but no one seems to want to take it."

"I wonder why," Iruka muttered. He picked his way carefully back to the driveway with Kakashi's help, enjoying the man's warmth. His sneaker slipped slightly on the last rock, but Kakashi's grip on his hand firmed and Iruka suddenly found himself pressed into Kakashi's chest with a strong arm around his waist.

"Careful," Kakashi cautioned, but his tone was teasing. Iruka felt an all too familiar blush race up his neck as he looked up into what he could see of Kakashi's eyes. He felt his heart begin to pound as Kakashi's words came back to him. As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to you. Even just walking over a few rocks counted, too, apparently.

Iruka leaned up to press a quick kiss on Kakashi's smiling lips, a little to the left of his little dark mole. "Thanks."

"Of course," Kakashi answered, allowing Iruka to untangle himself and continue his search. He started after Iruka with his hands shoved into his pockets.

Iruka checked out the back porch and another weeping willow, smaller than the one in the front yard. Beside it was an old well built decades ago but surprisingly well maintained. Iruka looked over the edge, surprised again that it was an actual well and not just for decoration.

"You said no one's lived here, right?" Iruka looked at where Kakashi was walking around a nearby shed.

"Yeah," he called.

"How is this place so well maintained?"

"Realtor," was the simple answer. Kakashi stepped back into view, wiping his hands on his jeans as Iruka had done earlier. "Remember Asuma?"

Iruka nodded, thinking of the large owner of Loch. "Mmhmm."

"The one who owns the rights to sell this property is his wife, Kurenai," he answered. "She's been keeping everything up the last few years. Does the showings, too. You'd like her."

"Do you have her number? I'd like to see the inside, if possible."

Kakashi nodded and pulled out his mobile. After a moment he pressed the device to his ear; Iruka took a seat under the willow and leaned against its trunk.

Another brief pause and then Kakashi was talking: "Hey, Kurenai, it's Kakashi. I have someone interested in your property on Leaves Ave. Yeah. Wait, what? How'd you - Asuma, right. Tell him he owes me for the smokes; oh, he's suppose to quit? Right." Iruka couldn't help but smile - Kakashi seemed so different around everyone else than he did around him. More carefree. Something told Iruka that the conversation would be a little different if he wasn't within earshot.

"I'll check - Iruka?"

Iruka started. "Yes?"

"Is tomorrow afternoon alright? Kurenai is booked today."

"Ah, yes! That'd be fine, thank you," Iruka answered, smiling. He felt excitement bubble up for tomorrow and hoped Kakashi would come with him.

"We'll see you then. Thanks, Kurenai," Kakashi concluded. Iruka felt his stomach flip; so Kakashi would be joining him. Kakashi put his mobile away and walked to join Iruka, sitting against the willow with him.

"Tomorrow around two," he said; Iruka nodded. "Do you mind if I join you?"

"I was hoping you would," Iruka answered. Kakashi smiled at him and dropped his hand to cover Iruka's in his lap. He squeezed Iruka's hand lightly, only adding to the butterflies Iruka felt in his belly.

They sat together under that tree in the same companionable silence they had in Kakashi's car. Iruka knew, again, that he should marvel at how close and at ease he felt with Kakashi, but he couldn't bring himself to. The last few days had been some of the best he'd had in quite a while, and most of it was because of Kakashi. It was comforting; Kakashi was comforting. Iruka hoped the mysterious man would stick around a bit more, especially if this house went over well.

"Iruka." Iruka glanced from the brown house to Kakashi's hand over his in his lap. He watched Kakashi lace their fingers; his thumb drew circles over the back of Iruka's hand, the action soothing.

"Hmm?"

Kakashi took a breath. "If this house doesn't work out, we'll find you something. There's a lot of other neighborhoods nearby, a few apartments closer to the university, too. And, uh, worse case, you could - "

"Kakashi," Iruka said. Whatever Kakashi was going to say died on his lips, his entire attention on Iruka. The teacher smiled, enjoying having all of Kakashi's attention. It made him feel good. "I'm sure this will work out. I love it so far, and it's surprisingly affordable for such a big place." He looked away from Kakashi and back towards the house. "I have a good feeling about this."

Kakashi's grip on his hand became almost painful. "I'm glad."

Iruka looked back at Kakashi questionably. He felt his brows furrow at the sudden shift of Kakashi's expression. He looked distraught, almost desperate. "Kakashi? Are you okay?"

Kakashi blinked, quickly, before his expression relaxed again. Iruka swallowed. "Maa, of course."

Iruka let his hand go as Kakashi stood and wiped the grass from his jeans, pausing to turn and offer his hand again to Iruka. Iruka took it, eyeing him carefully. "What was that, Kakashi?"

"Hmm?" He answered nonchalantly, picking at one of his rolled sleeves.

Iruka felt his patience thin for the very first time with Kakashi. He didn't like it. "You're hiding something; you were on the way here and you just did it again. Secrets are fine, we all have them, but your secrets involve me, and I'd like to know." He pulled his hand from Kakashi's lax grip and crossed his arms over his chest.

Kakashi took in Iruka's somewhat defensive posture before meeting his gaze. There was a reluctance there that Iruka wasn't surprised to see, so he pressed once more.

"If this is going to work, I need some transparency," he began. "Trust me, as hot as the mysterious thing is, it can be equally frustrating." Iruka hoped the softening of his tone would bring something out of Kakashi. He just wasn't prepared for how much it brought out.

Kakashi was over him, suddenly, in a speed Iruka hadn't ever seen from the man. He backed up on instinct, only to have his back press into the bark of the tree they'd been sitting against. The tree didn't deter Kakashi - he continued forward until the only air between them was their own mingled breath.

"Can you handle this?" Kakashi whispered, his voice low and heavy. Iruka tried to catch Kakashi's eyes but he slipped his mouth closer to Iruka's ear. "Me so close, pressed against you so all you can feel is me?" His breath was hot on Iruka's neck, turning knots inside his stomach and making his heart pound against his ribcage so hard he was sure Kakashi could feel it.

As suddenly as it happened, it ended. Kakashi was stepping back and Iruka felt himself sliding down the tree, all of his senses so assaulted with Kakashi that when he wasn't there all he could do was gasp and immediately need him. Iruka didn't realize he was reaching for him until Kakashi caught his hand in his again and pulled him forward. Iruka's face settled into the crook of Kakashi's neck, his nose buried in the black scarf he always wore.

"How did it feel with me gone?" He asked, quietly, as he stroked Iruka's back and shoulders with sure hands.

"Terrible," Iruka answered honestly. He felt his face heat from the abrupt honesty, but he knew he'd answered correctly when both of Kakashi's arms settled around his waist and held him tighter.

"Exactly," Kakashi replied, kissing Iruka's temple. "You've left me before, once, and I don't think I could handle it again."

Iruka frowned, Kakashi's answer more confusing than insightful. "What?"

Kakashi held him tighter, pressed another kiss to his temple. "When you remember, we'll talk about it."

Iruka pushed at Kakashi's chest until his grip loosened and Iruka could look him in the face. "That's not a real answer, Kakashi. I don't understand."

"You will," he said, this time kissing Iruka's scar. Iruka scrunched his nose from Kakashi's ticklish hair. "That I can promise." Kakashi's hands moved to cup Iruka's face, his thumbs stroking the edges of his scar. It was a repeated action Kakashi had done the night before, and Iruka found himself a rather large fan of it. "Do you trust me, Iruka?"

Iruka wanted to sigh; he wanted to push away from Kakashi and throw his hands into the air and stomp off out of sheer frustration. Kakashi was so weird and he never could seem to get a straight answer out of the man, but - but - he did trust him. For whatever reason, he trusted Kakashi.

Kakashi made him feel safe and cared for, something that he hadn't felt in quite some time. Years, even. He felt Kakashi was someone he could confide in, someone he wouldn't mind spending endless time with. They obviously knew each other from before Iruka moved twenty years ago, and even if Iruka couldn't remember anything in the slightest, that was something they could figure out together.

"Yeah," Iruka replied. "I trust you, Kakashi."

Kakashi's answering smile was as breathtaking and crooked as Iruka loved. Kakashi used his hold on Iruka's face to pull him forward for a long kiss that had Iruka practically sliding down his body like he'd been the tree just moments before.

Kakashi released him and supported most of his weight with another arm around his waist. He chuckled when Iruka gasped slightly for breath, holding him close.

"I'm glad, Iruka," he muttered, holding Iruka close. "We should be getting back, now. I bet those kids are waiting on us."

Iruka smiled. "Probably, but I doubt Naruto actually did."

"True," Kakashi answered. He glanced up at the sky. "That rain is about to come soon, as well. Let's go."

Iruka nodded and allowed Kakashi to lead him back to the car by hand. He stole a glance every now and then until they were back at the Charger, where Kakashi opened the passenger door for Iruka before he could grab it himself.

The ride back was just as comfortable as before, even when the rain started. A few minutes after and they were back at the café, Kakashi parking next to Iruka's Honda. The door to The Den opened as Kakashi and Iruka hurried under the awning, Sakura and Naruto stepping out.

"Where the hell did you take Iruka-sensei?!" Naruto demanded, stepping around Sakura and stomping right up to Kakashi. Iruka rolled his eyes.

"Naruto - " he began, eyeing Sakura. She just shrugged.

"We've been waiting here for, like, twenty minutes! My ramen's all cold and it's raining and - "

"Naruto," Kakashi said as he straightened his scarf. "We were - "

"Shut up!" Naruto snapped. Iruka dropped a hand to Naruto's shoulder, effectively ending whatever else the teen was going to say.

"Naruto, be nice," Iruka chided. "You can't just ask someone a question and then interrupt them when they answer." He pulled Naruto with him as he unlocked the front door to the café. "You were saying, Kakashi?"

Kakashi held the door for Sakura to come in carrying their take out. "We were looking at a property that Iruka found in the classifieds."

"How did it go, Iruka-sensei?" Sakura asked. She set the bags out on the table Iruka had been sitting at earlier and passed out containers as they all sat down.

"I really like it," Iruka answered, stealing a glance at Kakashi. The man nodded back and allowed Sakura to slide into the booth before him. "Kakashi arranged to see the inside, so we're going back tomorrow around two."

"Ugh you're going with him again!?" Naruto exclaimed. Iruka pushed him into the booth before sliding in beside him.

"The realtor is a friend of his, so yes," Iruka replied sternly. "Besides, after the rain and the floors, there's really not much left to be done. That'll give you the day off."

"Do you guys want to do something tomorrow, then?" Sakura offered. Kakashi glanced over from his miso bowl.

"What did you have in mind?" He asked, looking at Iruka.

"Well, there's the community picnic tomorrow afternoon," she continued. "Maybe we could help Iruka make some of those cookies and pass them out, really get the word around that the café will be back open for business soon."

"I won't be opening for another month after, at least," Iruka answered, shaking his head. "They'll have forgotten by then."

"Not likely," Sakura countered. "This is a small town, and if your cookies are as good Naruto says, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about."

"They are!" Naruto announced around a mouthful of ramen. "I bet the kids at university would like 'em, too!"

Sakura smiled. "That's a great idea, Naruto! We'll pass them out tomorrow and then again after school officially gets out for the summer. They'll take them home to their families and then you'll be so busy you won't be able to stand it!"

Iruka smiled slightly, glancing between his former student, Sakura, and Kakashi. The kids had a hopeful gleam in their eyes, too excited to contain themselves. Kakashi even looked pretty excited, too.

"You think this is a good idea?" He asked. Naruto and Sakura both looked at Kakashi.

"Yeah, it couldn't hurt," Kakashi responded, swirling his ramen around.

"I don't mean to keep asking," Iruka paused; Naruto and Sakura shifted back to him. "I'm sure you could be spending your time better, but would you mind helping? Gathering all the supplies and baking will take quite a while."

"Sure, Iruka," Kakashi answered. Iruka loved talking to Kakashi like the teens weren't there, all their rapt attention bouncing back and forth like a tennis match. "I'm all yours."

Iruka smirked again down at his ramen, the silent spell over Naruto being broken with Kakashi's answer. "WHAT!? What does he mean, Iruka?! I don't want to hang out with him all over again!"

"Naruto!" Sakura hissed, accompanying her response with a sharp kick under the table.

"OUCH!" Naruto roared, rocking the table as he tried to jump up. Iruka put his hand on his shoulder to keep him in his seat.

"Naruto, it'll be fine, you'll be fine," Iruka chuckled. "I'll make the orange cinnamon ones, okay?"

Naruto huffed but settled down. "Fine. But I'm not letting Kakashi-pervert corrupt you while I'm around!"

Sakura hissed and kicked Naruto again, starting the teen on another round of hysterics. Iruka couldn't help but laugh at the whole ordeal - Naruto had no idea.

He glanced at Kakashi, who had his scarf down and was grinning at the pair's antics, and felt his heart beat a little faster and his stomach tighten.

No idea.

A/N: So, with this chapter i realized something - Kakashi can be kind of a jerk, maybe. A little. Thoughts? :)