Naruto Fic: Field Trip 1/1
Title: Field Trip 1/1
Authors: datenshiblue and DaMoyre
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Rating: NC-17
Setting: Shortly after Tsunade comes to Konoha and heals Sasuke and Kakashi.
Spoilers: For the series and possibly the manga.
--
Kakashi was surprised to see another person in the little glade this early in the morning. As a rule he had it to himself, in the cold hour of predawn. He recognized the person kneeling there in silent thought. That also surprised him, a little. His first impulse was to leave silently before his presence was detected. But his second impulse kept him where he was for a little while, and then moved him forward, walking through the dewy grass silently, but not too silently to be heard if the other person was a shinobi and was paying attention.
Iruka's hands rested on his lap, his eyes were closed and his head reverently lowered. This was where he came when he needed to meditate and today, before a mission, it was important to pay respects to the dead of Konoha, to all the heroes that had passed away, to his parents. He was almost done with his silent prayer, when he heard the steps of another approaching. He opened his eyes and straightened up a little.
The figure was easily recognized in the early light of morning. "Ah, Kakashi," he said, looking in the man's direction with the corner of his eye.
"Sorry for disturbing you," Kakashi said quietly. He didn't kneel, but came right up beside Iruka and stood beside him, hands in his pockets, not looking at the other shinobi. His eyes were on a line of writing chiseled in the stone, a name, but it would have been hard for an onlooker to tell which one.
He mentally greeted the one he'd come here for, hearing the cheerful careless answer as clearly as if he'd heard the same voice the day before.
"It's not a problem," Iruka said softly. This place demanded reverence. The peace of nature should not be disturbed with voices that were louder than absolutely necessary. "I was finished."
He stood up with one swift movement and dusted grass from his pants. The dew of morning clung a little to his knees, making them damp. It seemed proper to take his leave now and allow Kakashi time alone with his thoughts. Iruka took a look at the man standing next to him, the one who had been unconscious only a few days before. "You look well, Kakashi. Konoha needs you and you have recovered quickly."
The one visible eye didn't turn to focus on Iruka but an expression flickered through it. Then it closed, and Kakashi inclined his head, acknowledging the other man's words.
Almost too softly to be heard under the mask, he murmured something, but it was almost as if he were talking to someone else.
As if Iruka wasn't meant to hear.
"The moment they label you a genius, you can kiss your soul good-bye."
Iruka didn't know what Kakashi was referring to, but judging by their current location and the words spoken, he knew they were meant for someone else, someone who could no longer hear them in this realm.
"Every genin in this village has a genius inside. Different, for each of them, but if you look closely it's there. If you lose your life for the way of the ninja, you have not really lost your soul. It's more of a gain." Iruka lowered his head. "Forgive me, Kakashi," he said, almost apologetically. "I don't know the details of your loss."
Kakashi straightened a little, and brushed the back of his neck with his hand.
"Words of wisdom, Iruka-sensei," he said, in a much more casual tone, with just the right touch of embarrassment, that could as easily have been assumed for effect. He turned away from the monument. The last comment, however quietly, was another kind of acknowledgement. "And I wasn't talking about him. He was never in danger of being called a genius. And he had enough soul to have been able to lose his twice over and still have more than me."
"A big soul." Iruka nodded. He had known students with little talent but big souls. Those ones always had a way of worming themselves into his heart. "That in itself could be a gift of genius," he said.
It would not be polite to go any further into that subject, particularly if Kakashi-sensei didn't seem inclined to offer any more detail. Iruka turned towards the other man and offered a smile. "Tell me, Kakashi...how is Sasuke doing? I heard that Tsunade-sama helped with his healing."
Kakashi looked sharply at Iruka - how had he put a finger so quickly on the sore spot? - and realized the man was innocently asking out of genuine concern.
"Ah. He seems ok," he managed to say casually. "Team Seven is on a mission to the Tea Country."
"Ah. Their first important mission... on their own." Iruka's expression softened. "In the time they've spent with you...they have grown so much. Naruto, in particular. But I can see the difference in all three." The chuunin teacher lowered his head a little in acknowledgement of the other instructor. "They are very fortunate to have you."
Kakashi glanced away from Iruka. "Come on. It's time to go. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Iruka nodded. This was his first mission in a very long time, and though he much preferred to be at the school, surrounded by his students, Konoha needed him now. Konoha needed every available and capable ninja.
Kakashi glanced over at Iruka and his expression under the mask softened slightly.
"I'll get you back to your students in one piece," he said.
"We're a team now," Iruka said with a little smile. "I'll get you back to your students in one piece. They will need you when they return from the Country of Tea."
A shadow seemed to flicker over Kakashi face for a moment but he smiled with one visible eye and nodded. "Of course. Let's go."
~ * ~
The mission seemed routine enough, though not easy, otherwise why send a jounin; otherwise, if sending one, why not send him alone. The four children of a very rich man with enemies had to be escorted across a lengthy distance to safety in the village of an uncle until a business war was settled.
The will of the business rival rose to the task of acquiring at least one of the children, for blackmail purposes, and outlaw ninja had been hired to do the job.
Lots of them. And at least three more powerful than had been expected.
The team was forced to split. Iruka managed the difficult job of getting three of the children to safety, while Kakashi went after the kidnapped fourth. And brought him back.
But not without injury to himself. Leaving two dead and one injured jounin-rank criminals behind him, he turned the child over to Iruka and collapsed.
Iruka had taken the children to hide in one of the villages along their path, the one where he and Kakashi had stayed the night before, prior to picking up their charges. It had been agreed that if anything were to happen that made the team split, they'd return there.
It had taken a lot of patience and a soothing tone of voice to keep the remaining three children calm, but Iruka had managed to do just that, assuring them that Kakashi would rescue their sibling and return to join them very soon.
Iruka seemed to have a gift with children, and this was perhaps the reason he'd been sent on this task. The Fifth was a wise woman, after all. But in the midst of all the commotion, Iruka was thankful to have brought a few sweets with him. His talent with children alone would not do the trick.
"Now, now!" He'd said. "This will be like a game of hide and seek! We all need to remain together and *very* quiet. The only person allowed to find us is Kakashi, do you understand?"
Three little heads had nodded and Iruka had reached out to wipe the tears away from the face of the youngest one. "When Kakashi returns, the one who has kept the most quiet, gets a sweet." He'd shown them the treats in his front pocket and tried to make the situation as light as possible. He gathered the children and waited. And waited.
The wait had turned out to be much longer than expected and Iruka felt his calm slowly slipping away. What if Kakashi...?
No, no. He couldn't think that. Kakashi was the powerful and legendary Copy Ninja, and he'd return to them. He'd return with the missing child.
When Kakashi finally arrived, Iruka felt a wave of relief washing over him. He took the child from his companion and made him go join the other three. He gave a small sweet to each of them, telling them that they'd all won the game, and if they remained quiet for a little while longer, perhaps there would be another reward.
Turning his attention to Kakashi, while keeping an eye on the children, Iruka took out a small bottle of medicine from his bag. Having a Hokage that was also a medic certainly had its advantages. He lifted Kakashi's head over his lap and lowered the mask a little, only enough to have access to Kakashi's mouth, pressing the small bottle to his lips. "Drink this, Kakashi. It will help you," he said softly.
Kakashi closed his one visible eye and accepted the medicine. Afterwards, he struggled to sit up, causing a little bit of blood to escape from the corner of his mouth. He reached up to wipe it with the back of his glove, and pulled the mask back up reflexively.
"I'll be fine. You have a little time before the weaker ones decide whether to abandon this or regroup. You should take the children and get as far as you can. You've very close to the border." The uncle would have reinforcements and guards waiting for them.
Iruka looked up and watched the children closely as he began weighing his options. What Kakashi had said was true, this would be the time for the enemy to regroup and sketch out a new plan. If he took the children now, he might be able to cross the border. But then, it was also possible to fall into an ambush right outside the town. If that were the case, he wouldn't be able to fight the enemy alone. More important, he wouldn't be able to protect the children. Also, if he decided to leave now and was spotted by the enemy, they'd easily trace their way back to this location and come to take revenge on Kakashi. He couldn't leave him alone in this condition.
Iruka shook his head. "That medicine you drank will speed up your healing process. If we rest here for the night and take care of your wounds, you will be ready to go by early morning." He motioned over to the children. "They need to rest, too. It has been a long day for them."
Kakashi closed his eye. He mentally analyzed the situation and came up with a similar outcome. Not good enough. "We'll rest an hour," he said quietly. "Then I'll come with you."
Iruka watched Kakashi, trying to assess the damages from the battle. Regardless of the fact he'd barely recovered from his encounter with Itachi and had just taken another beating, Kakashi was very strong. Strong, like the heroes whose names were engraved in the memorial stone back at home. Strong like his parents, Iruka thought. He was one of the best Konoha had and it was an honor to be working with him.
"An hour, then." Iruka nodded. "I will get the children something to eat and drink."
Kakashi barely nodded, and closed his eyes, setting his internal alarm and then sinking into an exhausted trance. He hadn't explained to Iruka the real problem wasn't his wounds, but the combination of them and his use of the Sharingan. It was the first time he'd used it since Itachi's assault and for a short time he'd been afraid Sasuke's brother had somehow managed to impair or short-circuit his use of it. He reminded himself that he wasn't entirely alone when he used it. And that the one who gave it to him would never have given up.
Iruka walked over to the children and picked up the smallest one, settling her little legs around his hip as he carried her. He took the second youngest by the hand and then looked at the two older siblings. "I need to go out for a few minutes," he said. "Kakashi is sleeping," he whispered and pointed his finger towards his companion. "So you two are in charge. You must stay here and take care of him. Do not go anywhere without him, and if you hear any strange noises, you must wake him immediately. More important, do not open the door for anyone. I have they key and will not need to knock. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Iruka-sensei," the oldest one replied with a little nod.
"I will return soon."
He went out and locked the door of the small room. There was a little shop not a half block away from their location, and once he was there he bought dumplings, barbeque pork, fish, rice, and enough water for the children as well as Kakashi and himself.
On his way back, he looked around the street, scanning for anyone that might look suspicious and heaved a sigh of relief when he found himself back in the room without any problems. The children were perched over Kakashi, silently watching him.
Iruka smiled and called the children to him. "You must let him rest. Come and eat."
He made sure the children were fed and then sat on a corner to eat his portion, watching his companion.
When the hour was up, Kakashi's one visible eye opened and he sat up slowly. He did a quick check of those present, not surprised to find the kids resting with eyes closed. The youngest was pillowed on Iruka's lap. Kakashi wasn't immune to the charm of the image.
Taking a deep breath, he got up, feeling expected pain but not enough to keep him from moving.
The sound from Kakashi's movements made Iruka's eyes flutter open. He'd closed them for a few moments, allowing the warmth of the small child curled on his lap to relax him a little. Not enough to let his guard down, however. "Ready to go?" he said, petting the little head on his lap. "I saved you food and water. If you feel well enough to eat."
Kakashi nodded and found the saved food and water, eating quickly while Iruka roused the children.
To make the best speed possible, he took the second to smallest on his back, leaving the smallest child to Iruka. The older siblings could go on their own feet for the distance they were going to travel.
They were moving fast through the forest, and Iruka kept scanning their surroundings, feeling a little nervous when they approached the place where they'd been attacked earlier that day. He shook the feeling away. The enemy would not attack them the same way or in the same place twice.
His hand clutched on the little leg of the child he carried on his back and took a deep breath. Nothing mattered more at the moment than safely bringing these children to their destination.
As they approached the previous ambush location, Kakashi pushed the forehead protector up, scanning the area. The Sharingan wasn't comparable to the Byakugan for seeing things at distance or through solid objects, but it did allow the user to recognize patterns that might otherwise blend in to the surroundings, so it was useful for detecting some kinds of ninjustu camouflage. Kakashi kept both eyes open as they moved through the area.
Another hour brought them almost to the country border.
This time the ambush was weaker, but then so, the enemy must assume, were they.
As expected, the enemy had waited for them right outside the village borders and Iruka was very glad he'd not decided to come here alone, leaving Kakashi behind.
He made a few shadow replications and took the child from Kakashi's back, then gathered the other three to him, making a run for the trees to procure a safe hiding place for them, keeping them all at a calculated distance, far enough that they would not all be gathered in once place, but also not so far that they could not easily be able to run to each other, if needed.
He dodged a few attacks with taijutsu and successfully took out a few of the enemy with well-aimed kunai. Then stood his ground, protecting the children while watching as Kakashi took care of the most dangerous ninja in this group.
Kakashi cornered was Kakashi vicious. Iruka got to see a whole other side of the jounin but he had to watch closely to see it. It was over rather quickly.
Kakashi afterwards wished he'd had time to tell Iruka to cover the children's eyes.
Once the enemy was defeated, the shadow replications disappeared with a soft 'pop' and Iruka collected the children, kneeling down to be at their level and pulling them into a tight embrace. "It's okay now," he said soothingly. "We're not far from your uncle's place now. You will be safe."
He looked up at Kakashi. He'd seen few fights like that in his life... It was no wonder Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura had grown so much, having Kakashi as their sensei.
Kakashi had pulled the forehead protector back down, panting a little from the exertion. He glanced at the cluster of children and Iruka. /I could not have done this alone./ He admitted to himself.
"Come," he said quietly. He reached out for the little boy he'd been carrying earlier. It was time for the last dash.
Iruka picked the youngest child and carried her on his back, stroking the little hands that wrapped around his neck. He pulled the other two up by the hand and motioned for them to follow as Kakashi led the way.
It was almost surreal, reaching lights and friendly faces, welcoming arms to take the children, and guards to ensure the safety of the travelers.
An hour or so later, the two ninja completed the contract and were shown to overnight accommodations by a grateful uncle.
They were given what amounted to a suite - two rooms connected by a small intermediate one.
Once inside, Kakashi leaned against the nearest wall and slowly slid down it until the floor was under his ass.
"You must be exhausted." Iruka could feel the fatigue in his own body, and he could only imagine how Kakashi was feeling at the moment. Though Iruka had received a few hits, Kakashi had somehow made sure that none of the heavy blows reached him or the children, using his own body as shield more than a couple times. Kakashi had not only protected the children, he'd also... protected him.
He crouched down on the floor next to Kakashi and extended his hand. "Wouldn't you rather use the bed to rest?"
Kakashi opened his eye and looked up at Iruka. He was painted with blood - some of his own, much of it not. As impractical as his fastidiousness was at the moment, he didn't want to get into or onto a clean bed this way. He'd really planned to sleep pretty much where he was, until he had the energy to get up and bathe.
He gazed at Iruka, trying to remember what he'd just been asked.
"Have you...ever failed anyone, sensei?"
The question took Iruka by surprise. There had been a time when he'd thought he'd failed his parents by not staying with them to fight the Nine-Tails, in the battle that had cost them their lives. But that was a childish regret. He'd been very young and unskilled, and though his will had been strong, he would not have been any help by staying. He'd have only brought more pain to his parents, if they'd watched him get injured and die right before their eyes. The villagers that had taken him away had known this. They'd saved his life and given his parents a little peace of mind, knowing that though they'd not be there to watch him grow, he'd live. Their legacy would live on.
His father had been a wise man, and Iruka had always looked up to him. He'd been a man who loved the village and everyone in it as though they were family. It was Iruka's hope to become like him.
Later, he'd thought that he'd failed Naruto. When Mizuki had managed to trick him, Iruka had felt somewhat responsible. Perhaps he'd not done enough, perhaps he'd not reached out enough, not paid enough attention. He loved all his students and avoided playing favorites, but perhaps...a little more attention for Naruto.
That had passed, too. And Naruto had proved that Iruka's faith in him had bore sweet fruits.
There were others, of course. He had many students to teach and look after, and sometimes he worried about not doing enough, about failing someone. But once, his father had told him to always do his best, and by doing his very best, he was doing enough, no matter what the results.
There was only so much a person could do, but giving everything they had was doing their best. That was the only way not to fail.
"I try not to." Iruka shifted and leaned against the wall, sitting next to Kakashi. "Who do you think you have failed?"
Kakashi didn't answer that question. He answered his own. "I have," he said, his gaze wandering a little. "I failed every team I tested until those three. They were the first to figure it out..." He blinked and focused, shaking his head slightly. "At least I thought so then." He was babbling. He was exhausted but it was more than that. There was something haunting him.
"I didn't think they were ready for the chuunin exam." Iruka shook his head. "I was angry for your recommendation. I didn't expect them to do as well as they did...but you knew," he said. "You knew their abilities and in a few short weeks you did amazing things with them. That shows you are a great teacher." Iruka tilted his head and looked at Kakashi. "Not all students are the same. I have to fail several of mine each year."
Kakashi laughed softly. "You're giving me too much credit," he said. The soft words were unexpectedly bitter.
"I only speak from what I see, sensei." Iruka turned away from Kakashi and pressed the back of his head against the wall.
Another soft laugh emerged from Kakashi. "Seeing is believing?" The laugh faded and a slight shudder moved through Kakashi's body.
Iruka lowered his head and smiled softly at Kakashi's words. "Sometimes you have to believe without seeing. I should have trusted your judgment from the beginning."
"Should I?" Kakashi whispered, bending over the rest of the way, his forehead on his knees.
There was something within Iruka always willing to help and reach out to the people around him. It was in his nature, and he found his hand lifting to Kakashi's shoulder in a comforting gesture without even thinking about it. "What is troubling you, Kakashi-sensei?"
The shoulders under Iruka's hand were tense to the point of trembling. Or perhaps that was the exhaustion. The little movement stilled after a moment or two, or decreased.
Kakashi felt the hand on his shoulders and a distant, observing part of him acknowledged what Iruka had said.
/Everyone was a genius at something.../
"Seeing is believing," he murmured. His head was still down. "I didn't prepare him for that... I couldn't have..."
The soft trembling of Kakashi's body brought a frown to Iruka's face. The jounin was exhausted and he'd need plenty of rest before returning to Konoha.
"What are you talking about, Kakashi?" Iruka's tone was soft. It didn't demand or push for an answer. "If you need to talk now... and feel comfortable, I have a good pair of ears."
Kakashi shook his head from side to side without raising it. He took several deep breaths, finally realizing he was letting things come out of his mouth that he probably shouldn't. Since Tsunade-sama had woken him, he'd been putting one foot in front of the other, preserving the mask fairly well, but there was something inside that hadn't been healed. An endless wasteland presided over by Sharingan eyes...
"Ah...forgive me, Iruka. You should get some rest yourself. I'm fine. I'll get up...in a minute or two."
The words he spoke were the exact opposite of the picture he painted. Kakashi wasn't really fine, despite his words. A ninja was to always act tough, to never let pain show through. That's what they had all been taught from an early age. It was a knowledge they embraced, practiced, and applied to their daily lives... sometimes a little too well.
"I think I'll go bathe now." Iruka drew back from Kakashi, running a pair of concerned eyes over him. "Keep what I said in mind," he said. "The offer stands."
Kakashi nodded without looking up.
Iruka stood up and picked up the small bag he'd brought with him, taking out a change of clothes. He walked a few steps and then turned over to Kakashi. "Why don't you come and clean up? Then you can rest."
Kakashi didn't answer immediately. He knew he should refuse and send Iruka on.
With a sudden effort, he pushed himself back up the wall. His steps were only a little uncertain as he moved almost blindly towards Iruka.
Acting purely on reflex, Iruka moved next to Kakashi and placed the jounin's arm around his neck, offering his own body as support. He took out the towels robes provided by their host and set them on the bed, then walked with Kakashi through the large hallway towards the bathing area in the back.
There was steam in the room, and the wooden floor creaked under their feet. He soaked a few washcloths in warm water and handed one to Kakashi. He began removing his clothes and cleaning himself before entering the bath.
Kakashi stripped off his clothing and let it drop - it would need rinsing before it was wearable again. He accepted the cloth, looked at it for a moment as if remembering what to do with it, and absently used it to wipe away crusted blood and dirt. He kept his facemask on out of habit until he was done with the rest of his body, despite the fact that Iruka had lowered it earlier that day when he'd given Kakashi the medicine. He just happened to have turned his back to Iruka when it finally came off. And the forehead protector was dropped on top of the mask.
Once he was done cleaning up, Iruka piled up his clothes on a wooden bench and set his forehead protector on top of them. He walked into the bath, submerging himself in the warm water, and feeling his muscles relax, releasing a tension he'd been carrying without really being aware of it. He dropped his head back and rested his shoulders on the wooden rim of the large tub.
Kakashi stepped into the bath and sat in the warm water, lifting some in his hands to run over his face before resting his head back and crooking his arm over it.
Iruka sat only a feet or two away from Kakashi. He lifted his head and looked at the other man in the bath, his eye catching the line of a scar over his chest as well as a few fresh bruises and cuts from the most recent battle.
He moved closer and set his right hand over Kakashi's shoulder, as he'd done earlier. "Allow me," he said, as his left hand came to rest on Kakashi's right shoulder and began a firm massage. "You're exhausted and tense. This will relax you."
Kakashi inhaled sharply at the unexpected touch and his arm dropped. He turned his head and looked at Iruka in surprise.
Two mismatched eyes, one with a vertical scar over the upper and lower lid.
One uncovered nose and mouth. Iruka had just joined a very small and exclusive club - people who had seen Kakashi's face all uncovered at one time for more than seconds.
Iruka had known about the Sharingan in Kakashi's left eye, but save for the few moments when Kakashi had lowered the mask to use its power and fight off the enemy, Iruka had never seen the man's eyes up close. The irregularity of the mismatched color in the pupils and the vertical scar didn't make his face unattractive. It made him look...interesting, with a distinctive beauty to be found in the asymmetry. The rest of his face was made of a combination of fine features and sharp lines.
"I learned this from my mother," he said. His father had suffered and injury that had left one of his arms very weak and suffering from cramps and spasms. Sometimes, after long missions, the massage would help to soothe the pain. "It's not a ninja technique," Iruka said with a certain amount of humor as he continued working the tight muscles. "It's just a massage. But an effective one."
Kakashi stayed tense for a moment, then his head nodded forward as he relaxed. "Unh."
Once he felt Kakashi relax under the touch, Iruka moved a little closer to allow his hands more access to the sore muscles he was tending to. They were still several inches away, allowing for a considerable box of personal space. His hands worked Kakashi's shoulders and then slowly moved to his arms, adding a combination of closed-fisted light punches. "Turn around," he said.
Kakashi simply surrendered to Iruka's instructions. He couldn't remember the last time a pair of hands had felt this comforting. Iruka was so down to earth, completely genuine. So many things Kakashi knew, or believed, himself not to be.
With full access to Kakashi's back, Iruka's hands began moving in longer patterns, stroking and rubbing, combined with the light punches he'd used on Kakashi's arms. He used some of the warm water to periodically splash the man's back and successfully dissolved some of the bigger knots of tension.
It had been a long time since he'd done something like this for anyone, but after today's furious battle, Kakashi could certainly use a little help to release stress. Their mission had been accomplished, they could allow themselves a few hours of comfort and rest.
Kakashi felt his muscles slowly turning into jelly as Iruka continued. After a little while, he reached out and circled Iruka's wrists with his hands, stilling them.
Iruka looked down at his hands and stopped movement. "Ah, Kakashi. I'm not done yet..."
Kakashi cleared his throat. The level of the water was such that his motivation for stopping Iruka wasn't immediately apparent. Which he thought was probably a good thing.
"Yes," he said gently, unable to keep a tiny bit of regret from his voice. "You are, I'm afraid."
Iruka analyzed the situation for a moment or two and then he seemed to suddenly understand. He twisted his wrists a little within Kakashi's hands and flexed his fingers.
On mere impulse, he lowered his head and his lips pressed on Kakashi's back. "If you ask me to stop, I will," he said. "But I could continue." His mouth made contact with the wet skin again.
Kakashi's nostrils flared in surprise.
He slowly released Iruka's hands.
His hands were free and Kakashi didn't seem particularly inclined to leave the bath at the very moment. Iruka reached out for him once again; this time his hands moved along his back more in the fashion of a caress, no longer a massage.
He felt confused by his own actions, but his instincts always seemed to lead him to people who needed comfort or recognition, people who were lonely or in pain.
He had been like that once.
Iruka didn't know what troubled Kakashi, but there was something that pulled at his heart and made him unhappy. Kakashi didn't need to be alone.
Perhaps this wasn't the right way to reach out to his fellow ninja, but at the moment, this seemed to be the most efficient connection. Sometimes touch could be more soothing than words.
Kakashi relaxed for a few moments, accepting Iruka's touch. It was very easy to do.
Finally he turned and settled his own hands on Iruka's shoulders and pulled the younger man around so they were more or less facing.
"Some kinds of charity aren't good either for the giver or the receiver."
However in spite of his words, he leaned forward and placed his lips over Iruka's in a kiss.
It began as a tentative kiss, but then Iruka moved closer and opened his mouth, accepting and encouraging the motion of Kakashi's lips.
When he broke away, his hands moved around Kakashi's neck. "It's not charity," he said firmly. "It's...an extension of my earlier offer to you."
Kakashi gazed back at the younger man. The taste had been sweet and he realized he wasn't ready to give it up just yet, not matter how bad an idea it was.
"That's exactly what it shouldn't be," he murmured, and then slid his hands around the back of Iruka's head, pulling him closer. This time the kiss was more invasive, skilled but curious. Almost lazy.
Iruka's eyes shut tightly, surrendering to the feeling, the warm water splashing around him only adding to the swooning effect Kakashi's lips were having on him. How could a fearsome and dangerous ninja have such soft hands and lips that tasted like this? The contrast of the two sides was too obvious to be dismissed.
The circle his hands were forming around Kakashi's neck became tighter. Iruka found himself parting his lips again and pulling the other man's tongue deeply into his mouth.
Kakashi accepted Iruka's invitation to kiss deeper, one arm drifting down to encircle the younger man's body. It was firm and solid, and felt both comforting and arousing against him.
/Am I still this kind of fool after all these years?/
Iruka took a step forward, coming a little closer to Kakashi, his body fitting perfectly in the embrace. His hands slid from Kakashi's neck and slowly began tracing patterns on his chest, deft and avid fingers that seemed to know just how and where to touch.
Kakashi leaned back, finally, his own breathing deep and regular, looking at Iruka's face for a moment. Then he leaned in for one kiss against the hinge of Iruka's jaw.
His body was still exhausted but sexually driven energy was burning away some of the feeling.
"Let's get out of this bath," he murmured, standing slowly up.
Iruka simply nodded. He wasn't sure he could find his voice at the moment. It would be better not to speak. He followed Kakashi out of the tub and walked back to the suite, to the bed where he'd left the robes.
Kakashi's walk was a lot steadier than before, though it was a little loose-hipped; the bath and what was happening *in* the bath having given his body a bit of a revival. He didn't wait for Iruka to put on a robe. He slipped behind the other man and put his arms around Iruka's waist, pulling their bodies together. Pressing a kiss to the side of Iruka's neck, he murmured quietly, "How far do you want to take this?"
Iruka's eyes closed and his head tilted. He took a small breath and cleared his throat. "As far as it goes, sensei," he murmured. He brought his hands over Kakashi's and leaned back against him.
/This is a very bad idea./ Kakashi thought. But he didn't have any desire to make it stop, none at all.
He licked the skin at the side of Iruka's neck, still damp from the bath. The double curve of Iruka's ass was pressed lightly against his lap and his body was responding, coming to attention, demurely pressing up against the cleft.
One of his hands pressed flat against Iruka's stomach and moved slowly down.
Lowering his hands from their position, Iruka reached back, moving them along Kakashi's sides. He gently stroked the man's thighs and then settled on his hips in a firm grasp. He could feel Kakashi's arousal rubbing against him, a desire that his own body mirrored as Kakashi's touch lowered all his defenses, stirring a fire within him.
Kakashi's fingers combed through the dark triangle below Iruka's belly and then circled around his cock as it began to rise. He pressed his teeth against the skin of Iruka's neck and shoulder, biting gently, not even enough to leave a mark, just enough to be felt. His fingers circled Iruka's cock loosely and stroked down the length of it in a slow, lazy motion before stroking back up, to repeat the action.
There was pressure on Iruka's chest and he took a few slow and deep breaths, filling his lungs, to release it. His body continued reacting to Kakashi, his control slowly slipping away as he felt the fluttering sensation in his belly, moving lower and lower. A soft grunt escaped his lips and he remained motionless for a few moments, simply enjoying the strokes, his hands still gripping Kakashi's hips.
After a while his hands moved to take Kakashi's in his and slowly turned around until they were facing. He leaned forward, pressing a feverish kiss to Kakashi's lips.
Kakashi accepted the kiss, letting Iruka lead for a while before subtly taking it back until Kakashi was kissing the other man. His hands moved up to the other hand's head, finding the fastening of his tight ponytail with skillful fingers and releasing the hair from its confinement to fall around Iruka's shoulders.
Then his hands slipped around to the back of Iruka's neck and worked themselves up into the scalp from below. The kiss deepened, becoming warmer and warmer until Iruka's body was dying for oxygen.
The lack of oxygen was beginning to make him feel lightheaded, but the sensation was too sweet and intoxicating to let it go. Fainting in Kakashi's arms would not be very becoming, however, and not very efficient for the occasion. Iruka forced himself to break the kiss only long enough to gasp for air before closing his mouth on the other man once again, gently biting on his lower lip.
Kakashi didn't know what it was exactly, but Iruka made him suddenly feel lighter, and younger. There wasn't but a year's difference between them, but Kakashi frequently felt a lot older than his 26 years.
He smiled internally as Iruka nipped at his bottom lip, and ran his hands slowly down the other man's back to his waist, and then lower, to his hips, spreading his fingers to grip around both curves and pull him forward. He felt Iruka's erection grow and rub against his own, the sensation extremely arousing.
Iruka's hand sneaked in between their bodies, taking a hold of Kakashi's cock, thin fingers curling along the length. Kakashi's hands on his rear made Iruka's hips jerk forward. Their bodies made for a warm and tight prison, but Iruka managed a few strokes, the limited motion of his hand only adding to the friction on Kakashi's shaft.
Kakashi found himself thrusting his tongue somewhat abruptly down Iruka's throat, matching the quick jerks his body made as he pushed into Iruka's grip and bumped against the other man's body. He chided himself for his impatience but suddenly he didn't want to take his time any more. He wanted to crawl down Iruka's throat or thrust into his body until all the emptiness that seemed to fill him up lately was melted away by Iruka's warmth.
He pulled away from Iruka, just enough to pull the young teacher over to the nearest bed and push him down on it in a tangle of arms and legs.
Iruka wrapped his legs around Kakashi's waist and his arms circled Kakashi's upper body, hands lazily running up and down his back, well-trimmed nails gently scratching the damp skin, while his mouth left a trail of searing kisses on Kakashi's face and neck.
He was completely open, feeling his body surrendering and melting beneath Kakashi's. There was no reason to hold anything back on what he was willingly giving to his fellow Leaf shinobi.
When you gave all you had, there was no way to fail.
Kakashi reached down between their bodies, lifting his hips enough to give him room to explore with touch. He gave himself a tour of Iruka's private parts, stroking his cock again, then straying down to run fingers over his scrotum, feeling the heat through the skin and the firm ovals inside. He slid experienced fingers underneath and stroked along the cleft, petting the sensitive area and groping further back, fingertips finding and circling Iruka's anus. He lifted his head so he could watch Iruka's expressions as he did these things, the change in the teacher's personality very satisfying.
"Ma, ma," he murmured. "I'm pretty sure I didn't come prepared for this..."
"Ah, no," Iruka managed his voice much lower than usual. "Me neither." His lips curved up in a smile. "But I do have..." He pressed his hand on Kakashi's chest and pushed him back a bit, managing to sit up on the bed.
When he'd taken the change of clothes out, he'd left his bag near the bed, as though he'd foreseen that he'd be needing the contents. "I have this." The constant use of chalk at school made him wash his hands several times during the day, until the skin was dry and chapped. He'd begun carrying a small bottle of hand cream out of habit, and he handed it to Kakashi.
Kakashi smiled, eyes closing to crescents. "Teachers are so resourceful," he said admiringly.
The smile relaxed to something a little different, both relaxed and a bit feral at the same time, as he took a little of the cream in his hand, waiting for Iruka to rejoin him on the bed.
"It's probably not what you'd expect to find in a ninja's bag." Iruka's face brightened with another open smile. The expression seemed to come very easy to him.
He slid back on the bed, lying down next to Kakashi.
Kakashi admired Iruka's body as the teacher-nin lay down beside him again. Most ninja kept themselves in excellent condition and just because Iruka was primarily an academy teacher, he did not use it as an excuse to let himself go.
Kakashi rubbed his fingertips together, warming the cream. "Do you have a favorite position," he murmured. They were both tired, and this could be more or less enjoyable depending on several things. No sense in not making an effort to please...
Iruka didn't answer right away. Instead, he watched Kakashi for a few moments and ran fingertips along the man's flat stomach, slowly making his way down until his fingers were circling his cock once again.
"Kakashi," he said, as he used his free hand to guide Kakashi's, coating the man's cock with lotion, lubricating his entire length. "Any position will be pleasurable tonight."
He brushed a kiss on Kakashi's chin and then slowly shifted on the bed, turning until he was lying on his stomach. He rose to his knees, lifting his hips towards Kakashi, while resting his face on a pillow. "I want you inside," he whispered.
Kakashi's breath stuttered in his chest for a moment. He wondered fleetingly how Iruka knew to choose that particular pose, as if he must have somehow realized the effect it had on Kakashi. The whisper was a line straight out of a torrid romance scene (in fact Kakashi could have quoted the volumes, chapters and pages where it had been used in Icha Icha Paradise), but it didn't come off as contrived or false. Kakashi believed Iruka meant it.
He licked his lips, and took a little more of the cream, moving up on his knees behind Iruka. He began applying it, circling Iruka's tightly closed entrance with slippery fingertips.
Iruka pressed his forehead on the pillow and took a deep breath, trying to take control of his ragged respiration. He closed his eyes and relaxed, feeling his knees weakening as Kakashi's fingers flickered over his entrance.
"I never thought I'd get to know you this much better," Kakashi murmured, as his slick fingers began to penetrate Iruka, first one, then another.
It was taking a certain amount of control not to go a lot faster. Kakashi wondered when the last time Iruka had done this was - he hoped for the sake of the other man's comfort it hadn't been that long.
Before Iruka could speak, a moan caught in the back of his throat. His hands moved under the pillow supporting his head, fingers digging in the mattress as his body began stretching, accepting the invasion.
"Neither did I," he said softly, when he finally found his voice.
Kakashi felt a soft sound like a purr in the back of his throat as Iruka pushed back against his fingers. He worked them in and out a bit, stretching the opening, then slid his fingers out and moved up behind Iruka on his knees.
His hands ran over the contours of the other man's ass, caressing, then gripping firmly as he positioned himself and slowly pushed it home.
Iruka groaned and his muscles tightened around Kakashi's cock for a moment. He took a sharp breath through his nose and exhaled through his mouth, blocking out the pain and concentrating on the pleasure, slowly relaxing and welcoming the intrusion.
His heart beat fast inside his chest as he felt Kakashi's length slowly entering. Iruka pushed his body back, impaling himself until his ass was firmly pressed against Kakashi's stomach.
Kakashi's hands held Iruka's ass a little tighter as he began to move, rocking his hips back and then forward again, dancing on his knees with a loose-hipped easy rhythm. Whatever else one might say about the Copy Ninja, he knew how to fuck.
Kakashi's rhythm slowly drove Iruka to madness and he rocked back and forth with him, meeting his thrusts. Soft moans quickly became whimpers and Iruka buried his face on the pillow, grinding his teeth. His body was being consumed by pure fire.
He could feel his limbs loosening, shivering under the other man; sweat slowly dripping from his forehead as the speed of their movements increased.
Kakashi's hands stroked and kneaded Iruka's skin and muscle when he wasn't holding the other man firmly for their dance. He could feel the pulse under the flesh, could almost see it with one of his eyes. He followed it, matching the increase in his movements to the pace of their quickening heartbeats, leading it just a little. The sensations of the other man around him, so wholesome and alive, ran to his head leaving him almost dizzy.
Kakashi had easily found the right spot within Iruka's body, successfully hitting it with each thrust, sending electric shocks through his body. It was almost like a discharge of chakra, but instead of weakening him, it was refueling him, releasing all the tension of the day and rendering him into a trance-like state of pure pleasure.
Iruka pushed up on his arms and lifted his face, his back arching, his head tilting back, as his mouth released several soft moans.
"Kakashi," he murmured, rocking his hips back again...and again.
This would not last long. Iruka's senses were silently shutting down, surrendering to the encounter with a wanton abandon that seemed a very unlikely side of the quiet and disciplined personality of the young chuunin teacher.
It happened very quickly, like an attack and the rush of battle, only this rush was of quite a different nature and crashed through both of them at nearly the same time. Kakashi dug his fingers a little harder in than he intended. Iruka would have bruises.
It was like lighting, sudden and quick, but intense. Powerful. Iruka gasped and then collapsed on the bed, tilting his head to the side and pressing his cheek to the soft pillow beneath. The cool cotton felt good on his heated skin. His eyes fluttered open for only a moment, and the entire room was spinning around him, as though he were suddenly inside an illusion.
Only the hot body of the man behind him felt real. And there was a warm sting on his hips. It wasn't really painful, but more a dull sensation, entirely undermined by the lazy stupor that was now taking over his body. Iruka sighed softly, closing his eyes once again.
Kakashi sagged, his knees melting along with most of the rest of him and he slipped out of Iruka, bending in a slow collapse to rest his face against the other man's back. He rested there until his breathing became more normal. Then he crawled beside Iruka and lay on his side facing the teacher-nin. He was too limp to even clean either of them up.
Once he was free and capable of movement, Iruka slowly turned on his side to fully face Kakashi. He slipped his hand underneath the pillow and watched his companion without disturbing the peaceful silence that reigned in the room, allowing only their breathing to be heard.
After a while, he slipped out of bed and pulled on his robe. He walked out of the room for a few minutes, and returned with warm, damp washcloths. He sat on the edge of the bed and proceeded to wipe away Kakashi's stomach, cleaning all remnants of seed with slow strokes. He then focused on the man's limp cock, cleaning him up with the washcloth in the thoughtful, almost methodic manner that seemed to be the rule in everything he did.
~*~
Kakashi woke up, aware before his eyes opened that he was not alone, remembering everything from the night before. He felt warm radiating from beside him. Iruka was curled on his side, hair splayed around his head, face peaceful in sleep.
Once again, Kakashi thought about what a bad idea this was. But it was done. Reaching over, he brushed a few strands of hair back from Iruka's face.
On reflex, Iruka moved and caught Kakashi by the wrist. His eyes flickered open and he looked at Kakashi for a moment. "Kakashi." He smiled. "Good morning. Oh...sorry about that," he said, immediately releasing his hold.
Kakashi chuckled. "Perfectly all right," he said. He relaxed and stretched a little, then sat up. His pack was somewhere near the entrance to the suite and he only paused a moment before getting up to retrieve it.
Iruka sat on the bed and pulled his knees up, loosely wrapping his arms around them. He followed Kakashi with his eyes. The jounin looked rested and seemingly recovered from the struggles of battle the day before. Iruka couldn't help but admire his strength and his quick healing process. Even with the help of Tsunade-sama's medicine, another shinobi in his place would not be looking this well.
Still...it was possible he'd require more rest before he was ready to return to Konoha. One never knew what kind of danger they'd find along the way.
Iruka tilted his head and noticed the small bottle of lotion on the side of the bed, remembering the details of the night before. He was unable to avoid the hot rush the memories brought with them.
He cleared his throat and looked up at Kakashi. "How are you feeling today?"
The Copy Ninja brought his pack over to the bed and sat down while he pulled clothes and a brush out of it. He gave the question consideration. "Fine," he said, giving Iruka a brief smile. "We can go back today."
Iruka nodded, offering a smile in return. He leaned back against the headboard and stretched his legs, then he got up reached for the clean set of clothes he'd laid out the night before.
Kakashi glanced over at Iruka, and then placed his hand on the other man's shoulder. He leaned over and brushed a light kiss over the corner of Iruka's mouth.
Iruka reached out, his hand slipping in the soft strands of silver hair, brushing them back from Kakashi's face and taking a long look at the man's face. The mask would be back on very soon and it was possible Iruka would never have the chance to see Kakashi's face uncovered again. He brushed a soft kiss on his cheek and then another over the scar on his left eye.
"As promised, we will both return to our students in one piece," he said.
Kakashi stilled as Iruka's lips touched those two places. He cupped his hand under Iruka's jaw and brushed his thumb across Iruka's lower lip. Something flickered in his grey eye (the Sharingan was unreadable) as he seemed to search Iruka's face. Then he nodded. "Yes, both in one piece."
Iruka remained still for a moment, his lips parting slightly under Kakashi's thumb. "Yes," he said finally. "Success of a mission. It's a really good feeling, isn't it?"
He drew back and began getting dressed. "If we leave now, we could reach Konoha before sundown."
Kakashi watched Iruka for a moment, then pulled on his own clothes, his mask, and settled the forehead protector over his Sharingan eye. He shoved his clothes from the day before into his pack.
Standing up, he glanced around the room, allowing himself a moment to try and remember it.
Once he was fully dressed, Iruka pulled a brush and a new hairband from his bag. He couldn't remember where they had discarded the one he was wearing the day before. He pulled his hair back into the usual ponytail and put on his forehead protector.
Picking up all his belongings and taking one last look around, he slid the bag over his shoulder and stood next to Kakashi, ready to leave.
"We'll need breakfast. Maybe there will be a ramen shop along the way," he said casually, as if eating ramen for breakfast was the most normal thing to do. Naruto had very likely picked up the habit from him.
Kakashi smiled slightly, under the mask. He reached out and pulled Iruka against him for a moment. He pulled down the mask with a practiced gesture and kissed Iruka thoroughly. Then he replaced the cloth.
"Thank you," he said. Then he moved toward the door.
Iruka stood in place for a few moments. He brought his hand up, fingertips brushing over his lips, mimicking the contact of Kakashi's mouth. He looked at Kakashi and then walked over to him, backing him up against the doorframe and leaning over to kiss him again, barely feeling the other man's lips through the mask.
"You don't need to thank me," he said, looking into Kakashi's visible eye. "Konoha will regain her strength and soon I will be back in my classroom full-time. But...I'm grateful for this chance to work with you. To know you better." Iruka paused for a moment and lowered his head. "Hatake Kakashi now carries more meaning than simply being the real name of the legendary Copy Ninja. It is now the name of a comrade."
Iruka had lost all the important people in his life at a very early age. Eventually, he'd found new people to care for. The Third, who had been there for him when he'd believed himself to be alone. Then his students, each of them, all of them. And now...
Iruka looked at Kakashi again. He was a man he could respect and admire. He was certainly someone he could care for. "It's now the name of someone special," Iruka finished.
Kakashi gazed back. There were any number of things he wasn't going to say to Iruka, not now, not here, and probably never. Like the fact that he preferred to keep the number of people he let himself get close to small. For their sakes, and for his.
The only thing that slipped out was, "Stay in the classroom. You're a fine ninja. But...you're more valuable where you are."
"I'd never leave my classroom." Iruka smiled softly. "That's where I belong. Always being there for my students, guiding them, and helping if I can...that's my way of the ninja."
Kakashi smiled. "You are the true strength of Konoha, Iruka-sensei."
"No," Iruka shook his head. "They are."
Kakashi made a soft noise in gentle denial that Iruka wasn't very important to the matter. Then he shrugged. "Shall we?"
"Yes." Iruka nodded and walked out of the suite, closing the door behind them. "Kakashi," he said, as he walked next to the other man. "Back in Konoha, our paths don't cross often, but should you ever wish to...you will always find me at the Academy, in my classroom."
Kakashi glanced at Iruka, only for a brief second. "I'll remember that."
Iruka nodded and continued walking with Kakashi, allowing a companionable silence to fall over them.
- Fin -
Authors: datenshiblue and DaMoyre
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Rating: NC-17
Setting: Shortly after Tsunade comes to Konoha and heals Sasuke and Kakashi.
Spoilers: For the series and possibly the manga.
--
Kakashi was surprised to see another person in the little glade this early in the morning. As a rule he had it to himself, in the cold hour of predawn. He recognized the person kneeling there in silent thought. That also surprised him, a little. His first impulse was to leave silently before his presence was detected. But his second impulse kept him where he was for a little while, and then moved him forward, walking through the dewy grass silently, but not too silently to be heard if the other person was a shinobi and was paying attention.
Iruka's hands rested on his lap, his eyes were closed and his head reverently lowered. This was where he came when he needed to meditate and today, before a mission, it was important to pay respects to the dead of Konoha, to all the heroes that had passed away, to his parents. He was almost done with his silent prayer, when he heard the steps of another approaching. He opened his eyes and straightened up a little.
The figure was easily recognized in the early light of morning. "Ah, Kakashi," he said, looking in the man's direction with the corner of his eye.
"Sorry for disturbing you," Kakashi said quietly. He didn't kneel, but came right up beside Iruka and stood beside him, hands in his pockets, not looking at the other shinobi. His eyes were on a line of writing chiseled in the stone, a name, but it would have been hard for an onlooker to tell which one.
He mentally greeted the one he'd come here for, hearing the cheerful careless answer as clearly as if he'd heard the same voice the day before.
"It's not a problem," Iruka said softly. This place demanded reverence. The peace of nature should not be disturbed with voices that were louder than absolutely necessary. "I was finished."
He stood up with one swift movement and dusted grass from his pants. The dew of morning clung a little to his knees, making them damp. It seemed proper to take his leave now and allow Kakashi time alone with his thoughts. Iruka took a look at the man standing next to him, the one who had been unconscious only a few days before. "You look well, Kakashi. Konoha needs you and you have recovered quickly."
The one visible eye didn't turn to focus on Iruka but an expression flickered through it. Then it closed, and Kakashi inclined his head, acknowledging the other man's words.
Almost too softly to be heard under the mask, he murmured something, but it was almost as if he were talking to someone else.
As if Iruka wasn't meant to hear.
"The moment they label you a genius, you can kiss your soul good-bye."
Iruka didn't know what Kakashi was referring to, but judging by their current location and the words spoken, he knew they were meant for someone else, someone who could no longer hear them in this realm.
"Every genin in this village has a genius inside. Different, for each of them, but if you look closely it's there. If you lose your life for the way of the ninja, you have not really lost your soul. It's more of a gain." Iruka lowered his head. "Forgive me, Kakashi," he said, almost apologetically. "I don't know the details of your loss."
Kakashi straightened a little, and brushed the back of his neck with his hand.
"Words of wisdom, Iruka-sensei," he said, in a much more casual tone, with just the right touch of embarrassment, that could as easily have been assumed for effect. He turned away from the monument. The last comment, however quietly, was another kind of acknowledgement. "And I wasn't talking about him. He was never in danger of being called a genius. And he had enough soul to have been able to lose his twice over and still have more than me."
"A big soul." Iruka nodded. He had known students with little talent but big souls. Those ones always had a way of worming themselves into his heart. "That in itself could be a gift of genius," he said.
It would not be polite to go any further into that subject, particularly if Kakashi-sensei didn't seem inclined to offer any more detail. Iruka turned towards the other man and offered a smile. "Tell me, Kakashi...how is Sasuke doing? I heard that Tsunade-sama helped with his healing."
Kakashi looked sharply at Iruka - how had he put a finger so quickly on the sore spot? - and realized the man was innocently asking out of genuine concern.
"Ah. He seems ok," he managed to say casually. "Team Seven is on a mission to the Tea Country."
"Ah. Their first important mission... on their own." Iruka's expression softened. "In the time they've spent with you...they have grown so much. Naruto, in particular. But I can see the difference in all three." The chuunin teacher lowered his head a little in acknowledgement of the other instructor. "They are very fortunate to have you."
Kakashi glanced away from Iruka. "Come on. It's time to go. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Iruka nodded. This was his first mission in a very long time, and though he much preferred to be at the school, surrounded by his students, Konoha needed him now. Konoha needed every available and capable ninja.
Kakashi glanced over at Iruka and his expression under the mask softened slightly.
"I'll get you back to your students in one piece," he said.
"We're a team now," Iruka said with a little smile. "I'll get you back to your students in one piece. They will need you when they return from the Country of Tea."
A shadow seemed to flicker over Kakashi face for a moment but he smiled with one visible eye and nodded. "Of course. Let's go."
~ * ~
The mission seemed routine enough, though not easy, otherwise why send a jounin; otherwise, if sending one, why not send him alone. The four children of a very rich man with enemies had to be escorted across a lengthy distance to safety in the village of an uncle until a business war was settled.
The will of the business rival rose to the task of acquiring at least one of the children, for blackmail purposes, and outlaw ninja had been hired to do the job.
Lots of them. And at least three more powerful than had been expected.
The team was forced to split. Iruka managed the difficult job of getting three of the children to safety, while Kakashi went after the kidnapped fourth. And brought him back.
But not without injury to himself. Leaving two dead and one injured jounin-rank criminals behind him, he turned the child over to Iruka and collapsed.
Iruka had taken the children to hide in one of the villages along their path, the one where he and Kakashi had stayed the night before, prior to picking up their charges. It had been agreed that if anything were to happen that made the team split, they'd return there.
It had taken a lot of patience and a soothing tone of voice to keep the remaining three children calm, but Iruka had managed to do just that, assuring them that Kakashi would rescue their sibling and return to join them very soon.
Iruka seemed to have a gift with children, and this was perhaps the reason he'd been sent on this task. The Fifth was a wise woman, after all. But in the midst of all the commotion, Iruka was thankful to have brought a few sweets with him. His talent with children alone would not do the trick.
"Now, now!" He'd said. "This will be like a game of hide and seek! We all need to remain together and *very* quiet. The only person allowed to find us is Kakashi, do you understand?"
Three little heads had nodded and Iruka had reached out to wipe the tears away from the face of the youngest one. "When Kakashi returns, the one who has kept the most quiet, gets a sweet." He'd shown them the treats in his front pocket and tried to make the situation as light as possible. He gathered the children and waited. And waited.
The wait had turned out to be much longer than expected and Iruka felt his calm slowly slipping away. What if Kakashi...?
No, no. He couldn't think that. Kakashi was the powerful and legendary Copy Ninja, and he'd return to them. He'd return with the missing child.
When Kakashi finally arrived, Iruka felt a wave of relief washing over him. He took the child from his companion and made him go join the other three. He gave a small sweet to each of them, telling them that they'd all won the game, and if they remained quiet for a little while longer, perhaps there would be another reward.
Turning his attention to Kakashi, while keeping an eye on the children, Iruka took out a small bottle of medicine from his bag. Having a Hokage that was also a medic certainly had its advantages. He lifted Kakashi's head over his lap and lowered the mask a little, only enough to have access to Kakashi's mouth, pressing the small bottle to his lips. "Drink this, Kakashi. It will help you," he said softly.
Kakashi closed his one visible eye and accepted the medicine. Afterwards, he struggled to sit up, causing a little bit of blood to escape from the corner of his mouth. He reached up to wipe it with the back of his glove, and pulled the mask back up reflexively.
"I'll be fine. You have a little time before the weaker ones decide whether to abandon this or regroup. You should take the children and get as far as you can. You've very close to the border." The uncle would have reinforcements and guards waiting for them.
Iruka looked up and watched the children closely as he began weighing his options. What Kakashi had said was true, this would be the time for the enemy to regroup and sketch out a new plan. If he took the children now, he might be able to cross the border. But then, it was also possible to fall into an ambush right outside the town. If that were the case, he wouldn't be able to fight the enemy alone. More important, he wouldn't be able to protect the children. Also, if he decided to leave now and was spotted by the enemy, they'd easily trace their way back to this location and come to take revenge on Kakashi. He couldn't leave him alone in this condition.
Iruka shook his head. "That medicine you drank will speed up your healing process. If we rest here for the night and take care of your wounds, you will be ready to go by early morning." He motioned over to the children. "They need to rest, too. It has been a long day for them."
Kakashi closed his eye. He mentally analyzed the situation and came up with a similar outcome. Not good enough. "We'll rest an hour," he said quietly. "Then I'll come with you."
Iruka watched Kakashi, trying to assess the damages from the battle. Regardless of the fact he'd barely recovered from his encounter with Itachi and had just taken another beating, Kakashi was very strong. Strong, like the heroes whose names were engraved in the memorial stone back at home. Strong like his parents, Iruka thought. He was one of the best Konoha had and it was an honor to be working with him.
"An hour, then." Iruka nodded. "I will get the children something to eat and drink."
Kakashi barely nodded, and closed his eyes, setting his internal alarm and then sinking into an exhausted trance. He hadn't explained to Iruka the real problem wasn't his wounds, but the combination of them and his use of the Sharingan. It was the first time he'd used it since Itachi's assault and for a short time he'd been afraid Sasuke's brother had somehow managed to impair or short-circuit his use of it. He reminded himself that he wasn't entirely alone when he used it. And that the one who gave it to him would never have given up.
Iruka walked over to the children and picked up the smallest one, settling her little legs around his hip as he carried her. He took the second youngest by the hand and then looked at the two older siblings. "I need to go out for a few minutes," he said. "Kakashi is sleeping," he whispered and pointed his finger towards his companion. "So you two are in charge. You must stay here and take care of him. Do not go anywhere without him, and if you hear any strange noises, you must wake him immediately. More important, do not open the door for anyone. I have they key and will not need to knock. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Iruka-sensei," the oldest one replied with a little nod.
"I will return soon."
He went out and locked the door of the small room. There was a little shop not a half block away from their location, and once he was there he bought dumplings, barbeque pork, fish, rice, and enough water for the children as well as Kakashi and himself.
On his way back, he looked around the street, scanning for anyone that might look suspicious and heaved a sigh of relief when he found himself back in the room without any problems. The children were perched over Kakashi, silently watching him.
Iruka smiled and called the children to him. "You must let him rest. Come and eat."
He made sure the children were fed and then sat on a corner to eat his portion, watching his companion.
When the hour was up, Kakashi's one visible eye opened and he sat up slowly. He did a quick check of those present, not surprised to find the kids resting with eyes closed. The youngest was pillowed on Iruka's lap. Kakashi wasn't immune to the charm of the image.
Taking a deep breath, he got up, feeling expected pain but not enough to keep him from moving.
The sound from Kakashi's movements made Iruka's eyes flutter open. He'd closed them for a few moments, allowing the warmth of the small child curled on his lap to relax him a little. Not enough to let his guard down, however. "Ready to go?" he said, petting the little head on his lap. "I saved you food and water. If you feel well enough to eat."
Kakashi nodded and found the saved food and water, eating quickly while Iruka roused the children.
To make the best speed possible, he took the second to smallest on his back, leaving the smallest child to Iruka. The older siblings could go on their own feet for the distance they were going to travel.
They were moving fast through the forest, and Iruka kept scanning their surroundings, feeling a little nervous when they approached the place where they'd been attacked earlier that day. He shook the feeling away. The enemy would not attack them the same way or in the same place twice.
His hand clutched on the little leg of the child he carried on his back and took a deep breath. Nothing mattered more at the moment than safely bringing these children to their destination.
As they approached the previous ambush location, Kakashi pushed the forehead protector up, scanning the area. The Sharingan wasn't comparable to the Byakugan for seeing things at distance or through solid objects, but it did allow the user to recognize patterns that might otherwise blend in to the surroundings, so it was useful for detecting some kinds of ninjustu camouflage. Kakashi kept both eyes open as they moved through the area.
Another hour brought them almost to the country border.
This time the ambush was weaker, but then so, the enemy must assume, were they.
As expected, the enemy had waited for them right outside the village borders and Iruka was very glad he'd not decided to come here alone, leaving Kakashi behind.
He made a few shadow replications and took the child from Kakashi's back, then gathered the other three to him, making a run for the trees to procure a safe hiding place for them, keeping them all at a calculated distance, far enough that they would not all be gathered in once place, but also not so far that they could not easily be able to run to each other, if needed.
He dodged a few attacks with taijutsu and successfully took out a few of the enemy with well-aimed kunai. Then stood his ground, protecting the children while watching as Kakashi took care of the most dangerous ninja in this group.
Kakashi cornered was Kakashi vicious. Iruka got to see a whole other side of the jounin but he had to watch closely to see it. It was over rather quickly.
Kakashi afterwards wished he'd had time to tell Iruka to cover the children's eyes.
Once the enemy was defeated, the shadow replications disappeared with a soft 'pop' and Iruka collected the children, kneeling down to be at their level and pulling them into a tight embrace. "It's okay now," he said soothingly. "We're not far from your uncle's place now. You will be safe."
He looked up at Kakashi. He'd seen few fights like that in his life... It was no wonder Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura had grown so much, having Kakashi as their sensei.
Kakashi had pulled the forehead protector back down, panting a little from the exertion. He glanced at the cluster of children and Iruka. /I could not have done this alone./ He admitted to himself.
"Come," he said quietly. He reached out for the little boy he'd been carrying earlier. It was time for the last dash.
Iruka picked the youngest child and carried her on his back, stroking the little hands that wrapped around his neck. He pulled the other two up by the hand and motioned for them to follow as Kakashi led the way.
It was almost surreal, reaching lights and friendly faces, welcoming arms to take the children, and guards to ensure the safety of the travelers.
An hour or so later, the two ninja completed the contract and were shown to overnight accommodations by a grateful uncle.
They were given what amounted to a suite - two rooms connected by a small intermediate one.
Once inside, Kakashi leaned against the nearest wall and slowly slid down it until the floor was under his ass.
"You must be exhausted." Iruka could feel the fatigue in his own body, and he could only imagine how Kakashi was feeling at the moment. Though Iruka had received a few hits, Kakashi had somehow made sure that none of the heavy blows reached him or the children, using his own body as shield more than a couple times. Kakashi had not only protected the children, he'd also... protected him.
He crouched down on the floor next to Kakashi and extended his hand. "Wouldn't you rather use the bed to rest?"
Kakashi opened his eye and looked up at Iruka. He was painted with blood - some of his own, much of it not. As impractical as his fastidiousness was at the moment, he didn't want to get into or onto a clean bed this way. He'd really planned to sleep pretty much where he was, until he had the energy to get up and bathe.
He gazed at Iruka, trying to remember what he'd just been asked.
"Have you...ever failed anyone, sensei?"
The question took Iruka by surprise. There had been a time when he'd thought he'd failed his parents by not staying with them to fight the Nine-Tails, in the battle that had cost them their lives. But that was a childish regret. He'd been very young and unskilled, and though his will had been strong, he would not have been any help by staying. He'd have only brought more pain to his parents, if they'd watched him get injured and die right before their eyes. The villagers that had taken him away had known this. They'd saved his life and given his parents a little peace of mind, knowing that though they'd not be there to watch him grow, he'd live. Their legacy would live on.
His father had been a wise man, and Iruka had always looked up to him. He'd been a man who loved the village and everyone in it as though they were family. It was Iruka's hope to become like him.
Later, he'd thought that he'd failed Naruto. When Mizuki had managed to trick him, Iruka had felt somewhat responsible. Perhaps he'd not done enough, perhaps he'd not reached out enough, not paid enough attention. He loved all his students and avoided playing favorites, but perhaps...a little more attention for Naruto.
That had passed, too. And Naruto had proved that Iruka's faith in him had bore sweet fruits.
There were others, of course. He had many students to teach and look after, and sometimes he worried about not doing enough, about failing someone. But once, his father had told him to always do his best, and by doing his very best, he was doing enough, no matter what the results.
There was only so much a person could do, but giving everything they had was doing their best. That was the only way not to fail.
"I try not to." Iruka shifted and leaned against the wall, sitting next to Kakashi. "Who do you think you have failed?"
Kakashi didn't answer that question. He answered his own. "I have," he said, his gaze wandering a little. "I failed every team I tested until those three. They were the first to figure it out..." He blinked and focused, shaking his head slightly. "At least I thought so then." He was babbling. He was exhausted but it was more than that. There was something haunting him.
"I didn't think they were ready for the chuunin exam." Iruka shook his head. "I was angry for your recommendation. I didn't expect them to do as well as they did...but you knew," he said. "You knew their abilities and in a few short weeks you did amazing things with them. That shows you are a great teacher." Iruka tilted his head and looked at Kakashi. "Not all students are the same. I have to fail several of mine each year."
Kakashi laughed softly. "You're giving me too much credit," he said. The soft words were unexpectedly bitter.
"I only speak from what I see, sensei." Iruka turned away from Kakashi and pressed the back of his head against the wall.
Another soft laugh emerged from Kakashi. "Seeing is believing?" The laugh faded and a slight shudder moved through Kakashi's body.
Iruka lowered his head and smiled softly at Kakashi's words. "Sometimes you have to believe without seeing. I should have trusted your judgment from the beginning."
"Should I?" Kakashi whispered, bending over the rest of the way, his forehead on his knees.
There was something within Iruka always willing to help and reach out to the people around him. It was in his nature, and he found his hand lifting to Kakashi's shoulder in a comforting gesture without even thinking about it. "What is troubling you, Kakashi-sensei?"
The shoulders under Iruka's hand were tense to the point of trembling. Or perhaps that was the exhaustion. The little movement stilled after a moment or two, or decreased.
Kakashi felt the hand on his shoulders and a distant, observing part of him acknowledged what Iruka had said.
/Everyone was a genius at something.../
"Seeing is believing," he murmured. His head was still down. "I didn't prepare him for that... I couldn't have..."
The soft trembling of Kakashi's body brought a frown to Iruka's face. The jounin was exhausted and he'd need plenty of rest before returning to Konoha.
"What are you talking about, Kakashi?" Iruka's tone was soft. It didn't demand or push for an answer. "If you need to talk now... and feel comfortable, I have a good pair of ears."
Kakashi shook his head from side to side without raising it. He took several deep breaths, finally realizing he was letting things come out of his mouth that he probably shouldn't. Since Tsunade-sama had woken him, he'd been putting one foot in front of the other, preserving the mask fairly well, but there was something inside that hadn't been healed. An endless wasteland presided over by Sharingan eyes...
"Ah...forgive me, Iruka. You should get some rest yourself. I'm fine. I'll get up...in a minute or two."
The words he spoke were the exact opposite of the picture he painted. Kakashi wasn't really fine, despite his words. A ninja was to always act tough, to never let pain show through. That's what they had all been taught from an early age. It was a knowledge they embraced, practiced, and applied to their daily lives... sometimes a little too well.
"I think I'll go bathe now." Iruka drew back from Kakashi, running a pair of concerned eyes over him. "Keep what I said in mind," he said. "The offer stands."
Kakashi nodded without looking up.
Iruka stood up and picked up the small bag he'd brought with him, taking out a change of clothes. He walked a few steps and then turned over to Kakashi. "Why don't you come and clean up? Then you can rest."
Kakashi didn't answer immediately. He knew he should refuse and send Iruka on.
With a sudden effort, he pushed himself back up the wall. His steps were only a little uncertain as he moved almost blindly towards Iruka.
Acting purely on reflex, Iruka moved next to Kakashi and placed the jounin's arm around his neck, offering his own body as support. He took out the towels robes provided by their host and set them on the bed, then walked with Kakashi through the large hallway towards the bathing area in the back.
There was steam in the room, and the wooden floor creaked under their feet. He soaked a few washcloths in warm water and handed one to Kakashi. He began removing his clothes and cleaning himself before entering the bath.
Kakashi stripped off his clothing and let it drop - it would need rinsing before it was wearable again. He accepted the cloth, looked at it for a moment as if remembering what to do with it, and absently used it to wipe away crusted blood and dirt. He kept his facemask on out of habit until he was done with the rest of his body, despite the fact that Iruka had lowered it earlier that day when he'd given Kakashi the medicine. He just happened to have turned his back to Iruka when it finally came off. And the forehead protector was dropped on top of the mask.
Once he was done cleaning up, Iruka piled up his clothes on a wooden bench and set his forehead protector on top of them. He walked into the bath, submerging himself in the warm water, and feeling his muscles relax, releasing a tension he'd been carrying without really being aware of it. He dropped his head back and rested his shoulders on the wooden rim of the large tub.
Kakashi stepped into the bath and sat in the warm water, lifting some in his hands to run over his face before resting his head back and crooking his arm over it.
Iruka sat only a feet or two away from Kakashi. He lifted his head and looked at the other man in the bath, his eye catching the line of a scar over his chest as well as a few fresh bruises and cuts from the most recent battle.
He moved closer and set his right hand over Kakashi's shoulder, as he'd done earlier. "Allow me," he said, as his left hand came to rest on Kakashi's right shoulder and began a firm massage. "You're exhausted and tense. This will relax you."
Kakashi inhaled sharply at the unexpected touch and his arm dropped. He turned his head and looked at Iruka in surprise.
Two mismatched eyes, one with a vertical scar over the upper and lower lid.
One uncovered nose and mouth. Iruka had just joined a very small and exclusive club - people who had seen Kakashi's face all uncovered at one time for more than seconds.
Iruka had known about the Sharingan in Kakashi's left eye, but save for the few moments when Kakashi had lowered the mask to use its power and fight off the enemy, Iruka had never seen the man's eyes up close. The irregularity of the mismatched color in the pupils and the vertical scar didn't make his face unattractive. It made him look...interesting, with a distinctive beauty to be found in the asymmetry. The rest of his face was made of a combination of fine features and sharp lines.
"I learned this from my mother," he said. His father had suffered and injury that had left one of his arms very weak and suffering from cramps and spasms. Sometimes, after long missions, the massage would help to soothe the pain. "It's not a ninja technique," Iruka said with a certain amount of humor as he continued working the tight muscles. "It's just a massage. But an effective one."
Kakashi stayed tense for a moment, then his head nodded forward as he relaxed. "Unh."
Once he felt Kakashi relax under the touch, Iruka moved a little closer to allow his hands more access to the sore muscles he was tending to. They were still several inches away, allowing for a considerable box of personal space. His hands worked Kakashi's shoulders and then slowly moved to his arms, adding a combination of closed-fisted light punches. "Turn around," he said.
Kakashi simply surrendered to Iruka's instructions. He couldn't remember the last time a pair of hands had felt this comforting. Iruka was so down to earth, completely genuine. So many things Kakashi knew, or believed, himself not to be.
With full access to Kakashi's back, Iruka's hands began moving in longer patterns, stroking and rubbing, combined with the light punches he'd used on Kakashi's arms. He used some of the warm water to periodically splash the man's back and successfully dissolved some of the bigger knots of tension.
It had been a long time since he'd done something like this for anyone, but after today's furious battle, Kakashi could certainly use a little help to release stress. Their mission had been accomplished, they could allow themselves a few hours of comfort and rest.
Kakashi felt his muscles slowly turning into jelly as Iruka continued. After a little while, he reached out and circled Iruka's wrists with his hands, stilling them.
Iruka looked down at his hands and stopped movement. "Ah, Kakashi. I'm not done yet..."
Kakashi cleared his throat. The level of the water was such that his motivation for stopping Iruka wasn't immediately apparent. Which he thought was probably a good thing.
"Yes," he said gently, unable to keep a tiny bit of regret from his voice. "You are, I'm afraid."
Iruka analyzed the situation for a moment or two and then he seemed to suddenly understand. He twisted his wrists a little within Kakashi's hands and flexed his fingers.
On mere impulse, he lowered his head and his lips pressed on Kakashi's back. "If you ask me to stop, I will," he said. "But I could continue." His mouth made contact with the wet skin again.
Kakashi's nostrils flared in surprise.
He slowly released Iruka's hands.
His hands were free and Kakashi didn't seem particularly inclined to leave the bath at the very moment. Iruka reached out for him once again; this time his hands moved along his back more in the fashion of a caress, no longer a massage.
He felt confused by his own actions, but his instincts always seemed to lead him to people who needed comfort or recognition, people who were lonely or in pain.
He had been like that once.
Iruka didn't know what troubled Kakashi, but there was something that pulled at his heart and made him unhappy. Kakashi didn't need to be alone.
Perhaps this wasn't the right way to reach out to his fellow ninja, but at the moment, this seemed to be the most efficient connection. Sometimes touch could be more soothing than words.
Kakashi relaxed for a few moments, accepting Iruka's touch. It was very easy to do.
Finally he turned and settled his own hands on Iruka's shoulders and pulled the younger man around so they were more or less facing.
"Some kinds of charity aren't good either for the giver or the receiver."
However in spite of his words, he leaned forward and placed his lips over Iruka's in a kiss.
It began as a tentative kiss, but then Iruka moved closer and opened his mouth, accepting and encouraging the motion of Kakashi's lips.
When he broke away, his hands moved around Kakashi's neck. "It's not charity," he said firmly. "It's...an extension of my earlier offer to you."
Kakashi gazed back at the younger man. The taste had been sweet and he realized he wasn't ready to give it up just yet, not matter how bad an idea it was.
"That's exactly what it shouldn't be," he murmured, and then slid his hands around the back of Iruka's head, pulling him closer. This time the kiss was more invasive, skilled but curious. Almost lazy.
Iruka's eyes shut tightly, surrendering to the feeling, the warm water splashing around him only adding to the swooning effect Kakashi's lips were having on him. How could a fearsome and dangerous ninja have such soft hands and lips that tasted like this? The contrast of the two sides was too obvious to be dismissed.
The circle his hands were forming around Kakashi's neck became tighter. Iruka found himself parting his lips again and pulling the other man's tongue deeply into his mouth.
Kakashi accepted Iruka's invitation to kiss deeper, one arm drifting down to encircle the younger man's body. It was firm and solid, and felt both comforting and arousing against him.
/Am I still this kind of fool after all these years?/
Iruka took a step forward, coming a little closer to Kakashi, his body fitting perfectly in the embrace. His hands slid from Kakashi's neck and slowly began tracing patterns on his chest, deft and avid fingers that seemed to know just how and where to touch.
Kakashi leaned back, finally, his own breathing deep and regular, looking at Iruka's face for a moment. Then he leaned in for one kiss against the hinge of Iruka's jaw.
His body was still exhausted but sexually driven energy was burning away some of the feeling.
"Let's get out of this bath," he murmured, standing slowly up.
Iruka simply nodded. He wasn't sure he could find his voice at the moment. It would be better not to speak. He followed Kakashi out of the tub and walked back to the suite, to the bed where he'd left the robes.
Kakashi's walk was a lot steadier than before, though it was a little loose-hipped; the bath and what was happening *in* the bath having given his body a bit of a revival. He didn't wait for Iruka to put on a robe. He slipped behind the other man and put his arms around Iruka's waist, pulling their bodies together. Pressing a kiss to the side of Iruka's neck, he murmured quietly, "How far do you want to take this?"
Iruka's eyes closed and his head tilted. He took a small breath and cleared his throat. "As far as it goes, sensei," he murmured. He brought his hands over Kakashi's and leaned back against him.
/This is a very bad idea./ Kakashi thought. But he didn't have any desire to make it stop, none at all.
He licked the skin at the side of Iruka's neck, still damp from the bath. The double curve of Iruka's ass was pressed lightly against his lap and his body was responding, coming to attention, demurely pressing up against the cleft.
One of his hands pressed flat against Iruka's stomach and moved slowly down.
Lowering his hands from their position, Iruka reached back, moving them along Kakashi's sides. He gently stroked the man's thighs and then settled on his hips in a firm grasp. He could feel Kakashi's arousal rubbing against him, a desire that his own body mirrored as Kakashi's touch lowered all his defenses, stirring a fire within him.
Kakashi's fingers combed through the dark triangle below Iruka's belly and then circled around his cock as it began to rise. He pressed his teeth against the skin of Iruka's neck and shoulder, biting gently, not even enough to leave a mark, just enough to be felt. His fingers circled Iruka's cock loosely and stroked down the length of it in a slow, lazy motion before stroking back up, to repeat the action.
There was pressure on Iruka's chest and he took a few slow and deep breaths, filling his lungs, to release it. His body continued reacting to Kakashi, his control slowly slipping away as he felt the fluttering sensation in his belly, moving lower and lower. A soft grunt escaped his lips and he remained motionless for a few moments, simply enjoying the strokes, his hands still gripping Kakashi's hips.
After a while his hands moved to take Kakashi's in his and slowly turned around until they were facing. He leaned forward, pressing a feverish kiss to Kakashi's lips.
Kakashi accepted the kiss, letting Iruka lead for a while before subtly taking it back until Kakashi was kissing the other man. His hands moved up to the other hand's head, finding the fastening of his tight ponytail with skillful fingers and releasing the hair from its confinement to fall around Iruka's shoulders.
Then his hands slipped around to the back of Iruka's neck and worked themselves up into the scalp from below. The kiss deepened, becoming warmer and warmer until Iruka's body was dying for oxygen.
The lack of oxygen was beginning to make him feel lightheaded, but the sensation was too sweet and intoxicating to let it go. Fainting in Kakashi's arms would not be very becoming, however, and not very efficient for the occasion. Iruka forced himself to break the kiss only long enough to gasp for air before closing his mouth on the other man once again, gently biting on his lower lip.
Kakashi didn't know what it was exactly, but Iruka made him suddenly feel lighter, and younger. There wasn't but a year's difference between them, but Kakashi frequently felt a lot older than his 26 years.
He smiled internally as Iruka nipped at his bottom lip, and ran his hands slowly down the other man's back to his waist, and then lower, to his hips, spreading his fingers to grip around both curves and pull him forward. He felt Iruka's erection grow and rub against his own, the sensation extremely arousing.
Iruka's hand sneaked in between their bodies, taking a hold of Kakashi's cock, thin fingers curling along the length. Kakashi's hands on his rear made Iruka's hips jerk forward. Their bodies made for a warm and tight prison, but Iruka managed a few strokes, the limited motion of his hand only adding to the friction on Kakashi's shaft.
Kakashi found himself thrusting his tongue somewhat abruptly down Iruka's throat, matching the quick jerks his body made as he pushed into Iruka's grip and bumped against the other man's body. He chided himself for his impatience but suddenly he didn't want to take his time any more. He wanted to crawl down Iruka's throat or thrust into his body until all the emptiness that seemed to fill him up lately was melted away by Iruka's warmth.
He pulled away from Iruka, just enough to pull the young teacher over to the nearest bed and push him down on it in a tangle of arms and legs.
Iruka wrapped his legs around Kakashi's waist and his arms circled Kakashi's upper body, hands lazily running up and down his back, well-trimmed nails gently scratching the damp skin, while his mouth left a trail of searing kisses on Kakashi's face and neck.
He was completely open, feeling his body surrendering and melting beneath Kakashi's. There was no reason to hold anything back on what he was willingly giving to his fellow Leaf shinobi.
When you gave all you had, there was no way to fail.
Kakashi reached down between their bodies, lifting his hips enough to give him room to explore with touch. He gave himself a tour of Iruka's private parts, stroking his cock again, then straying down to run fingers over his scrotum, feeling the heat through the skin and the firm ovals inside. He slid experienced fingers underneath and stroked along the cleft, petting the sensitive area and groping further back, fingertips finding and circling Iruka's anus. He lifted his head so he could watch Iruka's expressions as he did these things, the change in the teacher's personality very satisfying.
"Ma, ma," he murmured. "I'm pretty sure I didn't come prepared for this..."
"Ah, no," Iruka managed his voice much lower than usual. "Me neither." His lips curved up in a smile. "But I do have..." He pressed his hand on Kakashi's chest and pushed him back a bit, managing to sit up on the bed.
When he'd taken the change of clothes out, he'd left his bag near the bed, as though he'd foreseen that he'd be needing the contents. "I have this." The constant use of chalk at school made him wash his hands several times during the day, until the skin was dry and chapped. He'd begun carrying a small bottle of hand cream out of habit, and he handed it to Kakashi.
Kakashi smiled, eyes closing to crescents. "Teachers are so resourceful," he said admiringly.
The smile relaxed to something a little different, both relaxed and a bit feral at the same time, as he took a little of the cream in his hand, waiting for Iruka to rejoin him on the bed.
"It's probably not what you'd expect to find in a ninja's bag." Iruka's face brightened with another open smile. The expression seemed to come very easy to him.
He slid back on the bed, lying down next to Kakashi.
Kakashi admired Iruka's body as the teacher-nin lay down beside him again. Most ninja kept themselves in excellent condition and just because Iruka was primarily an academy teacher, he did not use it as an excuse to let himself go.
Kakashi rubbed his fingertips together, warming the cream. "Do you have a favorite position," he murmured. They were both tired, and this could be more or less enjoyable depending on several things. No sense in not making an effort to please...
Iruka didn't answer right away. Instead, he watched Kakashi for a few moments and ran fingertips along the man's flat stomach, slowly making his way down until his fingers were circling his cock once again.
"Kakashi," he said, as he used his free hand to guide Kakashi's, coating the man's cock with lotion, lubricating his entire length. "Any position will be pleasurable tonight."
He brushed a kiss on Kakashi's chin and then slowly shifted on the bed, turning until he was lying on his stomach. He rose to his knees, lifting his hips towards Kakashi, while resting his face on a pillow. "I want you inside," he whispered.
Kakashi's breath stuttered in his chest for a moment. He wondered fleetingly how Iruka knew to choose that particular pose, as if he must have somehow realized the effect it had on Kakashi. The whisper was a line straight out of a torrid romance scene (in fact Kakashi could have quoted the volumes, chapters and pages where it had been used in Icha Icha Paradise), but it didn't come off as contrived or false. Kakashi believed Iruka meant it.
He licked his lips, and took a little more of the cream, moving up on his knees behind Iruka. He began applying it, circling Iruka's tightly closed entrance with slippery fingertips.
Iruka pressed his forehead on the pillow and took a deep breath, trying to take control of his ragged respiration. He closed his eyes and relaxed, feeling his knees weakening as Kakashi's fingers flickered over his entrance.
"I never thought I'd get to know you this much better," Kakashi murmured, as his slick fingers began to penetrate Iruka, first one, then another.
It was taking a certain amount of control not to go a lot faster. Kakashi wondered when the last time Iruka had done this was - he hoped for the sake of the other man's comfort it hadn't been that long.
Before Iruka could speak, a moan caught in the back of his throat. His hands moved under the pillow supporting his head, fingers digging in the mattress as his body began stretching, accepting the invasion.
"Neither did I," he said softly, when he finally found his voice.
Kakashi felt a soft sound like a purr in the back of his throat as Iruka pushed back against his fingers. He worked them in and out a bit, stretching the opening, then slid his fingers out and moved up behind Iruka on his knees.
His hands ran over the contours of the other man's ass, caressing, then gripping firmly as he positioned himself and slowly pushed it home.
Iruka groaned and his muscles tightened around Kakashi's cock for a moment. He took a sharp breath through his nose and exhaled through his mouth, blocking out the pain and concentrating on the pleasure, slowly relaxing and welcoming the intrusion.
His heart beat fast inside his chest as he felt Kakashi's length slowly entering. Iruka pushed his body back, impaling himself until his ass was firmly pressed against Kakashi's stomach.
Kakashi's hands held Iruka's ass a little tighter as he began to move, rocking his hips back and then forward again, dancing on his knees with a loose-hipped easy rhythm. Whatever else one might say about the Copy Ninja, he knew how to fuck.
Kakashi's rhythm slowly drove Iruka to madness and he rocked back and forth with him, meeting his thrusts. Soft moans quickly became whimpers and Iruka buried his face on the pillow, grinding his teeth. His body was being consumed by pure fire.
He could feel his limbs loosening, shivering under the other man; sweat slowly dripping from his forehead as the speed of their movements increased.
Kakashi's hands stroked and kneaded Iruka's skin and muscle when he wasn't holding the other man firmly for their dance. He could feel the pulse under the flesh, could almost see it with one of his eyes. He followed it, matching the increase in his movements to the pace of their quickening heartbeats, leading it just a little. The sensations of the other man around him, so wholesome and alive, ran to his head leaving him almost dizzy.
Kakashi had easily found the right spot within Iruka's body, successfully hitting it with each thrust, sending electric shocks through his body. It was almost like a discharge of chakra, but instead of weakening him, it was refueling him, releasing all the tension of the day and rendering him into a trance-like state of pure pleasure.
Iruka pushed up on his arms and lifted his face, his back arching, his head tilting back, as his mouth released several soft moans.
"Kakashi," he murmured, rocking his hips back again...and again.
This would not last long. Iruka's senses were silently shutting down, surrendering to the encounter with a wanton abandon that seemed a very unlikely side of the quiet and disciplined personality of the young chuunin teacher.
It happened very quickly, like an attack and the rush of battle, only this rush was of quite a different nature and crashed through both of them at nearly the same time. Kakashi dug his fingers a little harder in than he intended. Iruka would have bruises.
It was like lighting, sudden and quick, but intense. Powerful. Iruka gasped and then collapsed on the bed, tilting his head to the side and pressing his cheek to the soft pillow beneath. The cool cotton felt good on his heated skin. His eyes fluttered open for only a moment, and the entire room was spinning around him, as though he were suddenly inside an illusion.
Only the hot body of the man behind him felt real. And there was a warm sting on his hips. It wasn't really painful, but more a dull sensation, entirely undermined by the lazy stupor that was now taking over his body. Iruka sighed softly, closing his eyes once again.
Kakashi sagged, his knees melting along with most of the rest of him and he slipped out of Iruka, bending in a slow collapse to rest his face against the other man's back. He rested there until his breathing became more normal. Then he crawled beside Iruka and lay on his side facing the teacher-nin. He was too limp to even clean either of them up.
Once he was free and capable of movement, Iruka slowly turned on his side to fully face Kakashi. He slipped his hand underneath the pillow and watched his companion without disturbing the peaceful silence that reigned in the room, allowing only their breathing to be heard.
After a while, he slipped out of bed and pulled on his robe. He walked out of the room for a few minutes, and returned with warm, damp washcloths. He sat on the edge of the bed and proceeded to wipe away Kakashi's stomach, cleaning all remnants of seed with slow strokes. He then focused on the man's limp cock, cleaning him up with the washcloth in the thoughtful, almost methodic manner that seemed to be the rule in everything he did.
~*~
Kakashi woke up, aware before his eyes opened that he was not alone, remembering everything from the night before. He felt warm radiating from beside him. Iruka was curled on his side, hair splayed around his head, face peaceful in sleep.
Once again, Kakashi thought about what a bad idea this was. But it was done. Reaching over, he brushed a few strands of hair back from Iruka's face.
On reflex, Iruka moved and caught Kakashi by the wrist. His eyes flickered open and he looked at Kakashi for a moment. "Kakashi." He smiled. "Good morning. Oh...sorry about that," he said, immediately releasing his hold.
Kakashi chuckled. "Perfectly all right," he said. He relaxed and stretched a little, then sat up. His pack was somewhere near the entrance to the suite and he only paused a moment before getting up to retrieve it.
Iruka sat on the bed and pulled his knees up, loosely wrapping his arms around them. He followed Kakashi with his eyes. The jounin looked rested and seemingly recovered from the struggles of battle the day before. Iruka couldn't help but admire his strength and his quick healing process. Even with the help of Tsunade-sama's medicine, another shinobi in his place would not be looking this well.
Still...it was possible he'd require more rest before he was ready to return to Konoha. One never knew what kind of danger they'd find along the way.
Iruka tilted his head and noticed the small bottle of lotion on the side of the bed, remembering the details of the night before. He was unable to avoid the hot rush the memories brought with them.
He cleared his throat and looked up at Kakashi. "How are you feeling today?"
The Copy Ninja brought his pack over to the bed and sat down while he pulled clothes and a brush out of it. He gave the question consideration. "Fine," he said, giving Iruka a brief smile. "We can go back today."
Iruka nodded, offering a smile in return. He leaned back against the headboard and stretched his legs, then he got up reached for the clean set of clothes he'd laid out the night before.
Kakashi glanced over at Iruka, and then placed his hand on the other man's shoulder. He leaned over and brushed a light kiss over the corner of Iruka's mouth.
Iruka reached out, his hand slipping in the soft strands of silver hair, brushing them back from Kakashi's face and taking a long look at the man's face. The mask would be back on very soon and it was possible Iruka would never have the chance to see Kakashi's face uncovered again. He brushed a soft kiss on his cheek and then another over the scar on his left eye.
"As promised, we will both return to our students in one piece," he said.
Kakashi stilled as Iruka's lips touched those two places. He cupped his hand under Iruka's jaw and brushed his thumb across Iruka's lower lip. Something flickered in his grey eye (the Sharingan was unreadable) as he seemed to search Iruka's face. Then he nodded. "Yes, both in one piece."
Iruka remained still for a moment, his lips parting slightly under Kakashi's thumb. "Yes," he said finally. "Success of a mission. It's a really good feeling, isn't it?"
He drew back and began getting dressed. "If we leave now, we could reach Konoha before sundown."
Kakashi watched Iruka for a moment, then pulled on his own clothes, his mask, and settled the forehead protector over his Sharingan eye. He shoved his clothes from the day before into his pack.
Standing up, he glanced around the room, allowing himself a moment to try and remember it.
Once he was fully dressed, Iruka pulled a brush and a new hairband from his bag. He couldn't remember where they had discarded the one he was wearing the day before. He pulled his hair back into the usual ponytail and put on his forehead protector.
Picking up all his belongings and taking one last look around, he slid the bag over his shoulder and stood next to Kakashi, ready to leave.
"We'll need breakfast. Maybe there will be a ramen shop along the way," he said casually, as if eating ramen for breakfast was the most normal thing to do. Naruto had very likely picked up the habit from him.
Kakashi smiled slightly, under the mask. He reached out and pulled Iruka against him for a moment. He pulled down the mask with a practiced gesture and kissed Iruka thoroughly. Then he replaced the cloth.
"Thank you," he said. Then he moved toward the door.
Iruka stood in place for a few moments. He brought his hand up, fingertips brushing over his lips, mimicking the contact of Kakashi's mouth. He looked at Kakashi and then walked over to him, backing him up against the doorframe and leaning over to kiss him again, barely feeling the other man's lips through the mask.
"You don't need to thank me," he said, looking into Kakashi's visible eye. "Konoha will regain her strength and soon I will be back in my classroom full-time. But...I'm grateful for this chance to work with you. To know you better." Iruka paused for a moment and lowered his head. "Hatake Kakashi now carries more meaning than simply being the real name of the legendary Copy Ninja. It is now the name of a comrade."
Iruka had lost all the important people in his life at a very early age. Eventually, he'd found new people to care for. The Third, who had been there for him when he'd believed himself to be alone. Then his students, each of them, all of them. And now...
Iruka looked at Kakashi again. He was a man he could respect and admire. He was certainly someone he could care for. "It's now the name of someone special," Iruka finished.
Kakashi gazed back. There were any number of things he wasn't going to say to Iruka, not now, not here, and probably never. Like the fact that he preferred to keep the number of people he let himself get close to small. For their sakes, and for his.
The only thing that slipped out was, "Stay in the classroom. You're a fine ninja. But...you're more valuable where you are."
"I'd never leave my classroom." Iruka smiled softly. "That's where I belong. Always being there for my students, guiding them, and helping if I can...that's my way of the ninja."
Kakashi smiled. "You are the true strength of Konoha, Iruka-sensei."
"No," Iruka shook his head. "They are."
Kakashi made a soft noise in gentle denial that Iruka wasn't very important to the matter. Then he shrugged. "Shall we?"
"Yes." Iruka nodded and walked out of the suite, closing the door behind them. "Kakashi," he said, as he walked next to the other man. "Back in Konoha, our paths don't cross often, but should you ever wish to...you will always find me at the Academy, in my classroom."
Kakashi glanced at Iruka, only for a brief second. "I'll remember that."
Iruka nodded and continued walking with Kakashi, allowing a companionable silence to fall over them.
- Fin -