Evolution
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Summary
With the reminder of a ridiculous goal that he had set in the past, Iruka is set up on a blind date with one of Genma's friends.
Glancing at the doorway of the lab, Iruka saw Genma. They had worked together for years and while Iruka thought he was an insufferable jerk when he first met him, the jokester had grown on him. Work lunches had turned into evenings at the bar or hanging out at each other’s apartments before they knew it. Their coworkers teased them about the pair being polar opposites but were intrigued by their quirky friendship.
“No. I spend my every minute waiting for you to drop by so I can be at your beck and call,” Iruka teased, grinning when Genma joined him, “What’s up?”
“I was lying in bed last night and thinking,” Genma replied.
“Did you hurt yourself?” Iruka inquired jokingly.
“No, jerk,” Genma answered with a smirk, “Your birthday is coming up, and I seem to remember someone hoping that he’d be in a loving relationship by the time he turned thirty. Tick tock, buddy.”
“I think you’re the jerk,” Iruka countered, “What about it?”
“I have a friend that’s looking to get back in the game, and I think you’d be compatible with him,” he replied.
Series
- Part 1 of Evolution
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Summary
Following their first date, Kakashi and Iruka have a few opportunities to learn more about each other.
He ranted about the project he was working on and how the client hadn’t met a deadline, messing up his schedule for the entire week while Kakashi loaded the trunk with bags. The cart was empty before he knew it, Iruka feeling terrible about taking advantage of Kakashi’s generosity once more.
“You must think me a horrible person that can’t do anything right,” Iruka said.
“No, I don’t. Everyone has off days. If you have time, want to grab smoothies at the park and talk for a few?” Kakashi asked.
“I wish I could, but I have a friend coming over for dinner and ice cream in the trunk,” Iruka apologized, “Rain check?”
“That would be lovely,” Kakashi replied with a smile, “What time is your friend leaving? I’d still like to call you but don’t want to intrude on your time with them.”
“He should be leaving by nine at the latest. Would you like me to text you?”
“No, I’ll call you around nine,” Kakashi said, leaning over and pecking Iruka’s cheek, “Be careful on your way home.”
“You too,” Iruka said, absently touching his cheek as Kakashi walked away.
Series
- Part 2 of Evolution
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Summary
Iruka has plans to attend Naruto's first basketball game of the season where a surprise awaits him.
“I’m surprised that Coach Sarutobi is doing that,” Iruka stated in perplexity.
“He’s not our coach anymore. His wife is expecting a baby and he got a new job,” Naruto said sullenly, Iruka seeing his expression darken, “We have this new guy and he’s a jerk.”
“What’s his name? Have you given him a chance?” he questioned.
“I don’t remember. We just call him Jerk,” Naruto responded, “He’s too hands off and barks orders. He’s so different than Coach Sarutobi.”
“Everyone is unique in how they approach things, Naruto,” Iruka said, “It’s how you learn. If everyone taught the same way, the world would be a boring, one-dimensional place as far as knowledge goes.”
“If you say so,” he mumbled.
“Can I meet your coach?” Iruka asked.
“You are insane,” Naruto replied, jerking his head to the other side of the court, “Come on.”
Series
- Part 3 of Evolution
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Summary
Kakashi invites Iruka over for dinner, the evening going better than he had expected.
“Why is this so hard, Pakkun? It’s not like Iruka’s the first guy I’ve had over for dinner,” Kakashi said, reaching down to scratch between the pug’s ears, “He just really matters. I click with him like no other. I want him to be impressed and hopefully come back or invite me to his place.”
Half expecting the canine to answer him, Kakashi sighed when Pakkun panted happily. He stood when the timer dinged, pulling the lasagna from the oven. A quick glance at the clock had him stepping up his pace since Iruka was due to arrive any minute. He was in the middle of tossing a salad when he heard the doorbell, wiping his hands off on a towel before welcoming his guest.
“Hey,” Kakashi greeted, tilting his head in interest when he saw the box in Iruka’s hands, “What’s that?”
“Raspberry cheesecake,” Iruka answered, giving him the dessert, “I couldn’t in good conscience have dinner with you without contributing to the meal.”
“This is great though you didn’t have to. I wanted to have you over so I could spend more time with you. I didn’t expect anything from you in return,” he said.
Series
- Part 4 of Evolution
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Summary
Iruka is bogged down with work but an unplanned visit brightens his day.
His brain was so muddled from lack of sleep that he left his phone at home two days in a row, not realizing it was still on his nightstand until he stepped onto his floor at work. Huffing in irritation when he realized the device was missing that morning, he threw himself into his work to drown out his annoyance.
He was in the middle of outlining a tedious character in the hospital campaign when he heard a knock on the doorjamb of the art lab. Not wanting to be interrupted, he ignored the disturbance until he heard the clearing of a throat. He glared at the individual since it was known to leave him alone when he was immersed in a project. That person knew it better than anyone.
“I’m busy. Talk to me later,” Iruka commanded, his attention returning to his task.
“Hey, want to grab some lunch?” Genma asked.
“Don’t have time. I have to get this image done before I leave tonight and I’m not even half done,” he replied, “Now go away so I can go home sometime tonight.”
“How about lunch with me instead?”
Series
- Part 5 of Evolution
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Summary
Kakashi and Iruka spend the day together, the topic of discussion that Kakashi wants to have looming in Iruka's mind.
Leftovers were put away and a plate set aside for Kakashi to take home. Cleaning the kitchen and loading the dishwasher didn’t take long, Iruka guiding Kakashi back to the living room once the task was complete. He sat at one end of the couch, sighing in contentment when Kakashi pulled him closer.
“I’m sure you’re chomping at the bit to know what I wanted to talk about,” Kakashi said.
“A little. It has been on my mind since you brought it up,” Iruka said.
“You know that I’ve enjoyed every minute that I’ve spent with you. It’s been a ton of fun getting to know you and everything I’ve learned has been amazing,” he said.
Iruka’s heart began to pound out of fear. He had heard the beginning of the conversation a few times before, and it never ended well. Not wanting to go through it with Kakashi since the pain would be amplified, Iruka sat up and shook his head.
“It sounds like there’s a but coming,” Iruka said sadly, prying his hand from Kakashi’s.
Series
- Part 6 of Evolution
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Summary
Following an invitation from his mother, Iruka asks Kakashi to meet his parents.
Iruka's mind flew to the worst-case scenario constantly, imagining Kakashi’s disapproving voice telling him that he was too zealous in their relationship and breaking up over his clinging and neediness. Taking a deep breath, Iruka decided to get it over with and pressed the call button on Kakashi’s contact information.
“Hey. Everything alright?” Kakashi asked when he answered.
“I’m not sure yet,” Iruka admitted, “Naruto and I had dinner with my parents last night.”
“Did you have a good time?” he inquired when there was a long pause.
“It was nice. We get together every other week, but that’s only part of why I’m calling,” Iruka said.
“Ok.”
“Instead of eating at a restaurant, my mom wanted to know if you’d like to come over for dinner before the movie on Saturday,” he said, rushing his words.
Series
- Part 7 of Evolution
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Summary
Not able to reach Iruka, Kakashi stumbles upon something that changes their relationship.
He rounded the corner to the lab Iruka was assigned to only to find it empty. Frowning at the discovery, Kakashi looked around for someone to ask about the art department’s whereabouts but everyone appeared engrossed in one task or another. He headed for Genma’s office and entered when he saw his friend at his desk speaking on the phone. Waiting patiently when he waved him closer, Kakashi sank into a chair and studied his surroundings. The architect in him admired the construction that he could see but determined it was basic. Looking at the subtle bulges in the walls indicating supports behind them, Kakashi snapped to attention when he heard his name.
“What brings you to my humble hellhole?” Genma asked, Kakashi chuckling at his friend’s choice of words.
“Have you seen Iruka? I’ve been trying to get ahold of him all day and he isn’t in the lab,” he responded, “I was hoping he’d have lunch with me.”
Series
- Part 8 of Evolution
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Summary
Finally getting their young friends to meet for the first time, it doesn't go as hoped for Kakashi and Iruka.
“I missed you,” Kakashi said, kissing Iruka’s cheek before embracing him.
“It’s only been five hours,” Iruka said humorously.
“I know yet I still missed you. Iruka and Naruto, this is my neighbor and friend Sasuke,” Kakashi introduced, “Sasuke, this is Iruka and Naruto.”
“Hello, Sasuke. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” Iruka said, smiling as he extended his arm.
“Yeah, likewise,” Sasuke said, shaking Iruka’s outstretched hand, “How long does this basketball thing last?”
“Usually a couple hours,” Naruto chimed in, a bright smile on his face, “It’s fun to watch but much more fun when you’re on the court playing.”
“Why would I find tossing a ball around while running back and forth countless times compelling?” Sasuke inquired, Iruka seeing redness from anger on the blond’s ears, “It sounds primitive.”
“Now listen here—” Naruto snapped before he was interrupted.
Series
- Part 9 of Evolution