Chapter Text
There are so many things
That I have left unsaid
I'd rather be with you
Be with you instead
A lot of things had happened after that practice match. Kakashi got to embarrass himself in front of his friends, Gai had recited him how love was perfect for someone as youthful as him, Kurenai’s snickers and Asuma’s tired glances, and lastly, his favorite.
He got to walk Iruka home.
The volleyball player was tired during their walk home, they talked a little about just anything their mind can come up to all the while bumping shoulder to shoulder with Iruka.
Ever since then, Kakashi would always walk Iruka home after practice. Good thing they lived two blocks away so it’s good. But of course, if one person was in a team, they would be bound to know what’s happening with the other. Kakashi was nervous at first that they would shame on him, especially Iruka—who doesn’t deserve to be treated like shit, but as Kakashi mentioned before, Konoha High was full of surprises.
Iruka’s team were okay with them hanging out, they were pretty open about their own sexualities, and heck one of them even has a boyfriend!
All in all, everything was going smoothly and Kakashi couldn’t wish for more.
“Kakashi!”
With wide eyes, Kakashi froze and Iruka, who was beside him, noticed and both eyes landed on Kakashi’s father by the school gate.
Kakashi gulped, unable to process how and why was his father at his school. Once they’ve reached Sakumo, Kakashi scratched the back of his neck and introduced Iruka to his father.
“Nice to meet you, sir,” Kakashi noticed how Iruka was fidgeting, fingers clutched on the hem of his shirt. He felt sorry for he didn’t know his father would pick him up. After a few minutes, the teenagers found themselves at the back of Sakumo’s car.
The journey home was fine. Kakashi resorted to talking to Iruka in hopes of calming the other. Sakumo had remained quiet up until they reached in front of Iruka’s house.
“Thank you for the ride, Mr. Hatake,”
“No problem, I’m glad to meet one of my boy’s friends,” Kakashi blushed at his father’s word before saying his own goodbye to Iruka, not noticing how his eyes lingered a little too long at Iruka.
While Sakumo drove back to their own home, Kakashi looked out at the window, appreciating the quietness and the view of never-ending farmlands that only belonged to Miyagi Prefecture.
“He’s nice.” Sakumo said out of the blue, glancing up at Kakashi through the rear-view mirror. Kakashi pouted, mask already done, and just answered his dad with a light grunt. Actually, he was hoping his dad wouldn’t say any bad thing about Iruka, or the obvious something between them—Kakashi hadn’t even asked Iruka out yet, so there wasn’t really a label but there was something.
Something Kakashi wished his dad wouldn’t mind in the future.
“I like him. Take care of him,”
Kakashi looked at his father. Mind still processing on what just came out of his mouth. What does that mean? Did he know? Did he felt like there was something going on between them or—
“He’ll be good for you,”
“Damn right,” Kakashi answered with a scoff, not liking one bit on how hot his cheeks felt right now.
~*~
The first time Kakashi held Iruka’s hand was the day he knew he could die peacefully. It was during lunchtime, Kakashi had sneaked off to the gym because he had promised the athlete to accompany him while he practices his spikes. Kakashi gladly did, he stood by the net and threw some balls at Iruka’s way, amazed by how high Iruka could jump, how his palm hits the ball onto the ground.
Few more minutes before lunch ends, they were seated on the gym floor, Kakashi eating his sand which whilst Iruka had already finished his. “What does that taste?” Iruka asked as he scooted closer until sweaty shoulder met his. Kakashi didn’t mind one bit, put his hand near Iruka’s view so he could take a better look at his food, “Meat bun actually. I bought these at the convenience store near our home. Want to try?”
Then after a while, the food was gone and only comfortable silence remained, Kakashi was about to stand up and clean when suddenly his hand was covered with warmth. He glanced at the athlete, saw that he’s on the phone but his cheeks were visibly red.
Kakashi smiled under his mask, adjusted his hand so it was interlocked with Iruka’s.
On the way back to the main building, they were still holding hands up ‘till they’ve reached their own floors.
-
Exams would be in the next 2 weeks, surprising Kakashi himself but he knew he could manage. He wasn’t top 5 in his school back in Tokyo. However, since he was a graduating student, he needed had to double his review time because he actually cared for his grades and he’ll be anxious if he failed.
He won’t admit it but he’s secretly a perfectionist.
Maybe his friends and dad knew but what the heck.
But the point was, since he spent more of his time studying, he didn’t have the time to stay and watch Iruka practice. Though the thought of how Iruka could keep up with practice and studying at the same made Kakashi confused, he just concluded that Iruka was a genius, a test won’t be a problem for him.
The day today was Friday, two days before their exams on Monday. Kakashi’s stress level were so high at this point that he decided that it won’t hurt to sacrifice a few study time to watch Iruka practice. It’ll be an hour before his practice would end and he kind of missed going home with him.
When he arrived at the 3rd gym, he greeted some of Iruka’s teammates, the coach and Asuma, whose face was contorted in a frown while reading his chemistry book.
“Yo,” Kakashi greeted Asuma and cast a smile at Iruka’s direction. After a few more minutes of Kakashi watching the match and answering some of Asuma’s question about a chemistry problem, the coach blew a whistle, indicating for the team to take a break.
Iruka made a beeline towards Kakashi, presented a very wide and adorable smile to the 3rd year. “Kakashi, you’re here,”
“Yeah,” Kakashi observed how Iruka panted, hair messy, and face all sweaty.
“You’ll go with me?”
“Yeah. Hope you don’t mind? You were awesome earlier,” Iruka rolled his eyes, a faint blush painted his cheeks. Kakashi chuckled as he stood up, like how he’s a little taller than Iruka—it meant that he was able to see everything of this precious person before him.
“Thanks, Kakashi but don’t you have to study? Exams are on Monday,” Iruka continued to talk animatedly, and Kakashi used this moment to get his handkerchief from his pocket then proceeded to dab the cloth on Iruka’s forehead.
Iruka’s voice died down as he continued with his ministrations, evidently shocked with heated cheeks. Kakashi seemed to be too focus on wiping annoying sweat off his forehead, both boys not noticing the looks of Iruka’s teammates on them.
“I think I’ve studied enough, Iruka. Besides, I missed walking you home,” When he was done, he gave his infamous eye smile at Iruka and then the whistle blew again.
That night, Kakashi went home. The feeling of Iruka’s hand in his still lingered on his hand, didn’t bother to check that his father was looking at him with a soft smile.
~*~
Finally exam free. Kakashi was kind of confident he did great. Somehow. But that’s all in the past now, all he could do was wait for the results and hope for the best.
His routine had resumed to the usual, go to school either by bike or feet, meet his friends, greet Iruka at the hallway, study, eat lunch with Iruka, study, and go home with Iruka. It was a fairly good routine, just a few changes that included Iruka but he didn’t mind.
“Summer Tournament would be around the corner,” Iruka muttered one night, hands linked with his as they took their time to strolling along the empty road. It was quite chilly even though summer was starting, but that doesn’t stop Kakashi from being the gentleman that he was. Even though Iruka had refused him in carrying his bag, saying ‘I can carry my own bag, I’m a man,’ Kakashi just went for the classic, give your jacket to your special someone.
And he did. Their hands intertwined and Kakashi’s big jacket over Iruka’s form. What a sight.
“Oh? Where would it be held?” He felt Iruka’s hold tightened a little bit, “at Sendai stadium…”
“Cool,”
Kakashi wasn’t that much of a talker, Iruka had known, but when he spotted Iruka’s pout at the corner of his eyes, he instantly knew where Iruka was getting at.
He smiled as he pulled on Iruka’s hand for he wanted him nearer. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Iruka.”
The athlete released a very beautiful laugh that Kakashi can’t help but to join along. It seemed like every minute he spent with Iruka, time was very slow and soothing, Kakashi’s surrounding vanishing because while he was busy looking deeply into Iruka’s eyes, he had failed to notice a faint light from a car until it stopped beside them.
“Hey, Kakashi…”
Kakashi’s head snapped to the source of voice, eyes went wide as his father’s smiling face greeted him. Iruka’s hand immediately disappeared from his hold but he was too mortified to pull it back.
Shit. He got caught and—and he doesn’t know what his dad thought of all of this. Heck, he wasn’t even sure if he had outed himself yet.
“Iruka…” Sakumo tilted his head, gave an equal soft smile at Iruka.
Iruka wasn’t as good as Kakashi also. He was shaking, eyes avoiding Sakumo as he responded with a hello. Kakashi groaned internally, if in some world he had powers, or if he was a ninja, he would’ve flickered them away from his dad.
“D-dad, I—”
“Want me to give you two a ride home?” Sakuma asked, voice neutral and kind that Kakashi found it hard to distinguish his father’s feelings. For a while, the two teenager just stood there, Sakumo waiting patiently. It was a funny sight if you looked past the trembling teenager. God, the last time Kakashi felt this tense was—never.
“Okay, I think you didn’t need a ride to begin with,” Sakumo chuckled, his gaze pointed at Kakashi’s hand, which he quickly hid behind his back with Iruka who had done the same. “Well, I’ll leave you boys there. See you at home, Kakashi. Don’t come home too late,” With one last wave to him and Iruka, Sakumo drove off.
“Kakashi…” He quickly averted his gaze to Iruka who seemed to be in the verge of tears but Kakashi quickly wiped it away. He pulled down at his mask, gave Iruka a reassuring smile even though he can’t convince himself that everything would be fine.
“It’s okay. Let’s go home and I’ll handle him,”
He doesn’t know if he can but he’ll hold onto him. That is if Iruka would…
“I don’t want to never see you again,”
Kakashi’s heart jumped, his stomach did some weird backflips that he can’t help but to just embrace the other.
-
“I’m home…” Kakashi can’t really find the right word of what he felt right now, between nervous and wanting to die. But before he had entered, he took a few inhale and exhale, and maybe walked around the house five times.
As soon as he entered, he thought he would be greeted with his father’s frowning face, but surprisingly, he was greeted with the heavenly smell of miso soup with eggplants. Kakashi’s mouth watered at the smell. It instantly vanished his anxious feeling like magic. However, as he arrived at the dining area, Sakumo was seated there reading a book.
“Dad…”
“Welcome home, Kakashi.” He smiled again. That same calm smile that would irk Kakashi soon if he didn’t get a clue on what that smile meant.
Would he be thrown away?
“Yeah… dad, about—”
“I made miso soup with eggplant, your favorite. Come on sit down, everything’s already set. “
Reluctantly, Kakashi sat down and didn’t manage to utter any more words as they started eating. Kakashi had his head bowed, eyes glued on his food as he chowed down the rice. Sakumo wasn’t speaking also, just calmly eating in front of him as if he just didn’t saw his son holding another boy’s hand.
“Kakashi,” Kakashi froze for a second before he returned to stuffing his mouth with more food.
“You and Iruka looked good together,” Kakashi suddenly looked up, a ball of rice fell from his mouth as he stared at his father in disbelief.
So he agrees? He won’t take me away from Iruka?
Sakumo chuckled, hand reaching out to wipe away a stray rice on Kakashi’s cheeks. “Kakashi, no matter what, you’re always gonna be my stubborn son. I love you,”
“Dad…”
Sakumo pulled away and resumed eating as if he just didn’t surprised his son with those three words they rarely say to each other. “Tell me how you two met,”
Kakashi just smiled and shook his head.
This was a good night.
~*~
The class had finally ended last week, and the Summer Tournament was today. Kakashi was happy that somehow his first summer was spent with Iruka, and of course him supporting his volleyball career, but he couldn’t be any happier when his dad drove him and Iruka at Sendai. The car ride was pretty chill, Iruka was now relaxed to Sakumo and at some point, and the two of them had started to bond over talking about him.
It was embarrassing to be honest, but hearing his dad and Iruka’s laughter? Worth it.
“You all got your bag?”
“Yes, Mr. Hatake,” Iruka beamed, patted his hand against his big bag with Kakashi beside him. Sakumo chuckled before he threw something with Kakashi catching it just in time. He noticed it was a wallet, a very thick wallet at that. “Go have fun after, I’ll pick you two up tonight,”
“Thanks, dad.” Kakashi nodded, a grin under his mask.
“Thank you, Mr. Hatake,”
“Good luck, Iruka. Do you best!”
Kakashi once again found himself at the bleachers with his usual gang. He was in the middle of Gai and Kurenai, Asuma seated by her side. After the players were instructed to go to their respective team, Kakashi took hold of Iruka’s hand and wished him luck.
He can’t believe how Iruka had gone far. His number 11.
He knew Iruka could do it, but he gently reminded the other that, win or lose, it doesn’t matter. Iruka had scoffed at him and firmly told him he would win.
“Okay, if you win I’ll give you a reward,”
“Yeah?” Iruka smirked his thumb grazing every so softly against Kakashi’s palm. “What’s the reward?”
“I’ll kiss you,” Kakashi said, a visible hue of red can be seen at the edge of his mask. “And probably eat at that ramen store you wanted,”
“Deal!”
The gym was crowded with a mix of Konoha High’s color and its opponent Kaminari School. Blues and green filled the stadium but Kakashi couldn’t care less about color coordination. Why? Because he’s wearing Iruka’s practice jersey, the green color so vibrant and the number 11 on his back was something Kakashi wanted to show to everyone. Although it’s a little tight but Iruka said he looked nice in it.
Kurenai said he looked hot and he blushed.
Ball bouncing and echoing through the stadium. The match started with Konoha earning the lead, students from their school screamed on top of their lungs every time they scored. In the middle of the game, it became intense when Kaminari was following two points below.
“Let’s go Konoha!” They all cheered.
It was tiring and nerve-wracking to see the ball fly from left to right, but every time Konoha High would score, Iruka would search for him through the crowd and Kakashi didn’t fail to wave his arms every time their gazes met.
Minutes passed and it was now down to their last set with Konoha only needed 2 points in order to defeat Kaminari, sadly though, the other school was leading.
It was an intense battle, Iruka had jumped and served the ball. Kakashi’s breath hitched when it hit the net but fortunately it bounced to the opponent’s side. He could also tell that Iruka was getting more and more frustrated as some of their teammates had failed to catch an oncoming ball.
Genma looked restless also but they kept on cheering each other as the game went on.
Until 1 point left before Kaminari could win. Iruka was now all sweats, his jersey stuck to his back and Kakashi wanted to run up to him and wipe away his sweat and maybe give him kisses but he knew, all he could do was hope for Konoha to win.
Kaminari was the serving team, one of their players made a jumping serve, palm hitting the ball way too loudly. Fortunately, Genma caught it up, shouted one touch before a series of toss and spike was made by Iruka and his other teammate named Izumo.
Back and forth, jumps and slides, seeing the team playing and catching the ball up until they were mesmerizing and made everyone’s breath hitch.
But then, one miss receive from Konoha, the ball bouncing back at the other team instead of their. One receive, toss, then spike.
Kakashi watched as if everything had slowed down, the ball passing through Genma and headed near Iruka’s space. His number 11, gaze sharp on the ball scrambled through his feet, muscles in his legs flexed for being used too much today.
Kakashi knew Iruka was fast. He knew Iruka could do it but then again as what he had said earlier to Iruka, win or lose- it doesn’t matter.
The whistle blew, everyone cheered and the Kaminari School won the Summer Tournament.
-
Finding Iruka was a maze. After the match and announcement of the winners, Kakashi and his friends stayed put at the bleachers until Iruka’s team were dismissed. Kakashi kept an eye glued on number 11, worried etched on his face because not once had Iruka looked at him.
He knew he’s devastated that they lost. And he also knew he’s blaming himself inside that pretty head of his.
After the team was dismissed, Iruka had zoomed out of the court, and Kakashi had no choice but to go through the crowd in order to catch up to him.
Kakashi hated crowds, especially unwanted skin contact to people but Iruka wasn’t slowing down that it’s irking him.
After a while, the crowd had died down, only a few athletes were left and still no Iruka to be found. He had Iruka’s bag with him, getting it after Iruka stormed off the court, and the bag wasn’t light at that. Kakashi grabbed for his phone and dialed Iruka’s number.
Once he realized that Iruka’s bag was vibrating, he released a frustrated groan and proceeded to continue walking.
The people lessened and lessened, Kakashi worrying as each second passed by. He needed to find him, he doesn’t really want to be alone in this big sta—
Kakashi stopped, head snapping to his left because finally, fucking finally he saw Iruka. He was by the emergency stairs, head on his knees as soft sobs echoed through. Slowly, Kakashi sat beside Iruka, putting the bag on the side.
Only Iruka’s sobs and some distant chatter was heard between the two teenagers. Admittedly, Kakashi doesn’t know how to start. He’s fairly new to this relationship thing but one thing he knew was that, Iruka needed him. With or without words, he would stay beside him.
“I let the team lose,” After minutes of silence, Iruka finally spoke. His voice, tinted with hurt and bitterness pained Kakashi. The silver-haired teen pulled his mask down and wrapped an arm around the other.
“Iruka,”
“One point…” Iruka looked up, greeted Kakashi with his puffed eyes with tears streaming down. “Only one point and I—”
Kakashi planted his soft lips against the athlete and he tasted saltiness and sweetness at the same time. He had his eyes closed, breathing calm as his other hand cupped Iruka’s cheeks. He slightly pulled back but remained the closeness of their faces, nuzzling Iruka’s scar with his nose. “It’s not your fault… never,”
Fresh tears rained down again but Kakashi continued, ignoring Iruka’s soft hiccups. “In a game, there would be winners and losers,” He murmured against Iruka’s lips, eyes finally opening to meet Iruka’s closed ones. “But that doesn’t mean those who lost didn’t do their best,”
Doe eyes met his.
Those same eyes Kakashi saw galaxies inside.
Iruka sniffed, one hand coming up to wipe away his tear-stained cheeks. “Kakashi… thanks,”
Kakashi just smiled, leaned in closer to press his lips on Iruka’s again. It was electrifying, and the wild beating of his heart didn’t help either. This was the closest thing they’ve done in their relationship and Kakashi hoped that somehow this had helped Iruka calmed down.
Once they pulled back, Iruka gave him a sheepish smile. “I lost but you still kissed me,”
“Silly. I would kiss you even if you didn’t do anything,”
~*~
Kakashi had spent the rest of the late afternoon tending to everything that would make Iruka happy. He treated him by going to that small arcade near the stadium. They played and sang karaoke while stealing a few quick kisses. He brought him ice cream, his was matcha flavored and Iruka was chocolate. Who knew the athlete has a sweet tooth?
They walked through every store they deemed interesting enough to look through, all the while with Kakashi carrying Iruka’s things and his hand in Iruka’s.
Lastly, to the newly opened ramen shop downtown. Ichiraku’s and Kakashi wasn’t surprised when Iruka managed to take down three bowls of ramen. Few more talks, holding hands, and kisses, Sakumo finally arrived to pick him up and they all went home silently with Iruka resting his head on Kakashi’s shoulder.
Sakumo smiled as he looked at them through the rear-view mirror.
“Kakashi, thank you…” They were now at Iruka’s front door, his house seemed empty so they assumed that Iruka’s adoptive parents were out and Kakashi didn’t have to worry about meeting the parents accidentally.
Kakashi had his hands behind his back, head bowed down as Iruka talked, “You don’t know how much you made me happy today,”
“Maa, glad I made you happy,”
“You always do,”
After a few small talks, it was finally time to say goodbye. Kakashi can’t keep Sakumo waiting, it was embarrassing enough that he’s there—able to watch them and all—but he really doesn’t want to separate with Iruka right now.
“See you, Kakashi,” Kakashi pouted which resulted in Iruka chuckling.
The bid goodbye and small promises for another date when suddenly, he felt Iruka’s lips on his. It was quick, cute, and very lovely because the other left too quickly and closed the door in front of Kakashi’s face.
Astonishment was written on Kakashi’s face as he entered the passenger seat. “Well, you two move quickly,” Sakumo commented as he pulled away from the parking lot.
“Dad, stop.”
“It’s so cute. I remember back then your mom and I—”
“Dad!”
-
“Wow, who’s the cute boy, Ruka-chan?”
“Kushina!!” Iruka gasped, his duffle bag falling on the floor with a loud thud as he turned around, only to be greeted with Kushina’s sweet smile. “Aww, don’t be shy, Ruru,”
“W-why are you home? Aren’t you supposed to be at the teacher’s meeting?” Kushina rolled her eyes and got the duffle bag on the floor. As they walked towards the kitchen, Iruka’s face was painted red from his neck to ears as Kushina continued on gushing about that boy who he kissed.
Damn it, Iruka thought, I thought she wouldn’t be home.
“Wait—he looked familiar.” Kushina stopped, hand resting on Iruka’s chest as she scrambled her brain on where she had seen those familiar silver locks and pulled down face mask.
“Kakashi Hatake?!”
“Ugh, please stop,”
“Wait ‘till Minato hears about this~”
“No, please,”