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I had a lot of fun today
I didn’t know a day could pass so quickly!
I felt like it was night before I knew it
~*Iruka*~
I know what you mean
I’ve never enjoyed myself so much
I know it was the company
What was your favorite part?
~K
I would have to say the hot air balloon festival
The colors and designs were so vivid
I just love seeing them float across the sky
Yours?
~*Iruka*~
Watching your eyes sparkle and smile grow
That was my favorite hands down
~K
You’re making me blush
Quick question: do you like raspberries?
~*Iruka*~
I love them
That was a random question
Are you going to fill me in?
~K
Just something I wanted to learn about you
The bathtub is calling me and then my bed
I’ll see you tomorrow evening
Don’t forget to send me your address
~*Iruka*~
323 Willow Lane
Until tomorrow
Sleep well, Iruka, and sweet dreams
~K
Kakashi was a nervous wreck as he rushed from room to room trying to make sure everything was perfect, his many dogs trailing behind him. The placement of candles had to be rearranged several times before he lit them, the playlist he had softly piping through the speakers not setting the mood he wanted to create for the evening. As he moved the vases of flowers that he had purchased for the occasion for the twelfth time, Kakashi knew he had to draw the line somewhere. He sank into a kitchen chair and took a few deep breaths to help calm his anxiety, looking down when he heard loud panting next to him.
“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.
“I know, but I wanted to do this,” Iruka said, smiling at Kakashi as he followed him into the kitchen, “Anything I can do to help?”
“You can have a seat and keep me company while I finish this salad and make the dressing,” Kakashi replied.
“I’m impressed that you make your own dressing,” he said as he eased himself onto the nearest chair, “I’m excited when I find the higher quality brand bottles on sale.”
“Don’t give me too much credit,” Kakashi said, holding up a box, “It’s a mix.”
“You should have run with it,” Iruka teased, grinning when he laughed, “What did you make?”
“Lasagna, garlic bread, and salad,” Kakashi responded, “I hope that’s alright.”
“More than alright. I love lasagna,” he said.
Kakashi asked Iruka how the drive over was while he put the finishing touches on dinner. It was intriguing listening to Iruka talk about the small glimpses of beauty that he took advantage of every time he left the house. Smiling at Iruka when he paused to breathe, Kakashi held a hand out and helped him to his feet.
“Let me give you the tour and introduce you to the pack,” Kakashi said.
“After you,” Iruka said.
As they roamed from room to room, Kakashi described the function of each room and pointed out several details he found interesting. Iruka seemed to be in awe of how vast the house was but none more so than meeting his beloved canines. All were curious about the visitor and approached him warily though their suspicions didn’t last once he started speaking to and petting them. When Bull neared, the shock on Iruka’s face was priceless but Kakashi didn’t want him frightened, gently pulling on the goliath’s collar until he sat.
“That is the biggest dog I’ve seen in my life,” Iruka said as he stared at Bull, “I know you said he was huge, but I thought you were exaggerating.”
“Nope, definitely not exaggerating,” Kakashi said, “He’s big but the sweetest boy I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I promise he won’t hurt you.”
Though Kakashi couldn’t blame his reluctance, he thought the way that Iruka approached Bull was adorable. How his hand flinched when Bull lifted his head to sniff it made him smile slightly, but the smile that crept onto Iruka’s face made his heart skip a beat, especially when he looked at him. Taking a few steps until he was standing next to Iruka, he held his hand out and waited his turn for Bull to bathe it with his monstrous tongue.
“He’s so unassuming,” Iruka said.
“He really is. He loves it when I lie on the floor next to him. I’ll rest my head on his belly and read while he takes a nap,” he said, “It’s funny when he starts snoring though. I can feel the vibrations run through me.”
“I bet that is funny,” Iruka said, “I love your house. I can tell you’re an architect. You showed me things that most don’t even think about. Did you go around your house admiring every structural element when you moved in?”
“No, I designed it and oversaw the construction when I could,” Kakashi replied, “I got this parcel of land for a really good price, so it was the perfect time to build my dream house.”
“Wow, that is amazing,” Iruka said, his gaze drifting along the room, “I have a new appreciation and respect for you.”
“Thank you very much. Hungry?” Kakashi asked.
“Famished,” Iruka responded with a grin.
Holding Iruka’s chair for him until he was seated, Kakashi set the various dishes on the table. He wanted to be the perfect host and serve Iruka, but he caved when Iruka insisted he plate his own meal. They fell into comfortable conversation while they ate, talking about their day and what the upcoming week had in store for them. Iruka dreaded his since he only had one project to work on. Kakashi teased him and extended the invitation to join him since he had to visit multiple clients per day. Iruka said he’d love it as long as he could create cartoon characters to go on whatever building was being erected, Kakashi choking on a mouthful of salad when he laughed.
Iruka helped Kakashi clean up after the meal much to the latter’s chagrin. They worked well together though and had the room tidied in no time. Setting the dishwasher, Kakashi pressed the power button before walking toward Iruka and touching the palm of his hand with a forefinger.
“Living room while our stomachs settle before dessert?” Kakashi proposed, Iruka nodding seconds later.
Lacing his fingers through Iruka’s, he led him to the leather sofa and gently lowered himself onto it, Iruka following suit moments later. The nearness of the man next to him begged him to touch, but he didn’t want to startle him or cross any lines. Choosing to trace the veins on Iruka’s hand instead, he lifted his head and smiled.
“I’m glad you came over tonight. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed you being here,” Kakashi confessed.
“It’s been very nice. I’ve never done this before,” Iruka admitted.
“I’m happy to provide your first,” he said, smiling when Iruka chuckled.
“You’ve been doing that since our first date,” Iruka said, a shy smile on his face when his eyes met Kakashi’s, “I like it.”
“Good. I don’t plan on stopping,” Kakashi said, grinning when he laughed, “I’ve been wondering about something since we’ve talked about it a little.”
“What?”
“What were you like as a kid?” Kakashi inquired.
“Me?” Iruka questioned, exhaling loudly as he sat back, “I was mostly quiet but a heathen to those I felt comfortable around. I liked playing pranks on my family and the few friends that I had. I spent a lot of time alone though. I enjoyed reading and daydreaming. We had this huge tree in the backyard that I’d climb and space out for hours on end. My dad would wind up climbing up the tree to get me for dinner. Eventually he built me a treehouse since it was safer. Mom was worried that I’d roll off a limb since I was in my own little world and break my neck.”
“Do you still talk to your friends from then?” Kakashi questioned.
“No. Mizuki was my best friend then and the only one I hung out with consistently. We went to different colleges since his major wasn’t offered in the state,” Iruka said sadly, “The last time I saw him was the day he left. He promised to call me when he was done for the day, but he didn’t.”
“That’s terrible,” Kakashi said quietly, “I’m sorry he did that.”
“Me too, but I think our friendship wasn’t meant to be,” he said, “Besides, I have Genma now.”
“I’m sorry about that, by the way,” Kakashi teased, grinning when Iruka burst into laughter.
“He’s not that bad if you look past his quirks,” Iruka said.
“He’s ninety percent quirk,” Kakashi argued playfully, “Nah, he’s a good guy even though he’s crazy.”
“He and Naruto get along famously,” Iruka stated.
“That doesn’t surprise me. Though he’s older than me, he acts like he’s fifteen,” he joked.
“Does he know how horribly you talk about him?” Iruka asked in jest.
“Yep. I’ll be calling him after you leave to tell him how I slandered him this evening,” Kakashi replied, Iruka giggling at him.
“What about you? What were you like?” Iruka inquired, furrowing his brows when Kakashi’s expression became solemn, “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s only fair. I’m not going to go into it much since it’s really dark and I don’t want to scare you away, but I lost both of my parents at a young age,” Kakashi said.
“I’m so sorry,” Iruka said, moving his hand to entwine his fingers through Kakashi’s, “Were you in foster care or lived with family?”
“An uncle a million times removed took me in,” Kakashi replied, giving Iruka a lopsided smile when he chuckled, “He was great and taught me a lot. I could have been lost in anger of what I didn’t have, but he showed me how the little things in life could form someone’s whole.”
“That’s amazing. Do you still see him?”
“Not as much as I’d like to. He lives in an assisted living facility that’s a few towns over and with my work schedule, it’s hard at times,” he responded, “I try as much as I can though.”
“I’m sure he loves whatever time you do spend with him,” Iruka said quietly.
“I know he’d love you,” Kakashi said, convinced Iruka’s blossoming blush couldn’t be more darling, “He likes soft-spoken individuals with a mischievous streak.”
“There’s a lot more to me that just that,” Iruka said in slight embarrassment.
“I’m learning that and can’t wait to find out more,” Kakashi confessed.
“Like what?” Iruka whispered, searching his eyes for his intentions.
The subtle boldness in Iruka’s question wasn’t lost on Kakashi, but when he inched closer, Kakashi was aware of everything around him. The ticking of the clock in the hallway, Urushi’s snores from feet away, the dripping from the bathroom faucet.
The intoxicating spicy scent that wafted from Iruka as he drew near.
He wanted so much but didn’t want to go at the breakneck pace he was known for when it came to relationships. Wanting to take his time with Iruka was important as was getting to know him better. While he thought they were compatible on the surface and figured they would be as layers of themselves were peeled back, experience had taught him not to assume anything.
Iruka made it hard to listen to the voice of reason and not give into temptation.
Letting go of Iruka’s hand, Kakashi let his finger slowly run up Iruka’s arm and rest on his shoulder. His fingers seemed to have a mind of their own however, reaching up and feathering against the velvety skin of his face before drifting to his neck. Feeling the tendrils of chestnut hair that had escaped Iruka’s ponytail, Kakashi sighed in contentment. He tucked the loose hair behind Iruka’s ear and let his hand explore further, eventually resting at the base of his neck and pushing his fingertips through the hair at the nape.
“I knew your hair was thick but didn’t expect it to be so soft,” Kakashi murmured as he leaned forward and inhaled, “Smells nice too.”
“Thanks,” Iruka said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Is this ok?” Kakashi asked, leaning back a bit to watch him, “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“This is fine,” he replied, licking his lower lip while staring at Kakashi’s.
“Can I kiss you?”
Not wasting a second when Iruka nodded, Kakashi claimed his mouth in a kiss with an intensity they hadn’t shared thus far. The way Iruka’s head fell back as their lips moved against each other fed Kakashi’s desire for the man, but when he felt arms wind around his neck, he groaned and tugged Iruka until their chests touched. It felt so right holding Iruka while sipping on the addicting taste he could never get enough of while they kissed. He wanted the caress to go on forever but pinpricks glittered beneath his closed lids, Kakashi reluctantly breaking the kiss moments later.
“Still fine?” Kakashi questioned, Iruka nodding again, “Can I say something and hopefully it won’t freak you out?”
“I don’t freak out easily, so sure,” Iruka said, sliding his hands down to Kakashi’s shoulders.
“I could kiss you forever,” he admitted.
“I know that it’s still very early into this, but I’d let you,” Iruka professed, “I can’t go too fast though. This is a huge learning experience for me, and I really don’t want to ruin us.”
“I’m happy with however you want to do this,” Kakashi said, releasing Iruka and sitting back, “I think if we get our expectations out in the open, we’ll have a better chance of success.”
“Alright. I want the dream. I want sentimental dates and a smile on my face when we hang out. I want my heart to skip a beat every time I see you and be lost in thoughts of you when we’re apart,” Iruka said, smiling shyly when he took a deep breath, “I want to know what your favorite cereal is and if you bend the corner of a page to mark your spot. I want to know what food you like least and why your favorite shirt is an atrocious shade of blue. I want to know everything I can about you, Kakashi. After that, I want to consider maybe going to the next stage.”
Kakashi searched his eyes for any sign of fear or anxiety, only seeing openness and affection in them. Grazing his lips across Iruka’s briefly, he smiled against them when he rested his forehead on the other man’s. Hearing Iruka’s dreams echo his own meant the world to him, Kakashi feeling the sky was the limit regarding their fledgling relationship.
“I want to know if you cry during emotional scenes in movies. I want to find out if your sneezes are as adorable as I expect them to be. I want to hear your voice the moment you wake up so I can wish you a good day,” Kakashi confessed, “I want to dance with you in a light rain and gaze at the stars with you. I want you to draw silly cartoon animals that I can color in just so I can say we did it together. I want whatever feels right for you and nothing more at that time. We can figure it out as we go.”
“Thank you,” Iruka said, gazing at Kakashi with such adoration he thought he’d fly into the atmosphere, “This means so much to me.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, pecking Iruka’s lips before smiling, “I have the most important question of your life now.”
“I’m suddenly very frightened,” Iruka said, taking a deep breath as seriousness fell over his face, “Go ahead.”
“Are you ready for cheesecake?” Kakashi inquired, Iruka falling back onto the sofa as he busted out laughing, “I’m so happy that I want to celebrate. Raspberry cheesecake is perfect for it.”
“Sounds great,” Iruka said, sitting up and holding up a hand when Kakashi stood, “Lead the way.”