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The morning was quiet as two bodies were embraced in an entanglement of limbs as the warm sun filtered through the open window. The light jaded by the white curtains that soundlessly floated up, then down as the air calmed when the sudden burst of movement was gone.
Both men slept soundlessly as their chests moved in unison, foreheads pressed together as they give and take each other's air. And Naruto couldn’t do anything but stare, in silent seething confusion, at the gray-haired man who slept innocently beside his sensei. He didn’t recognize this man and there was something about it that seemed oddly familiar to Naruto, and it bothered him immensely. Iruka clearly knew who he was if he slept beside the man and Naruto couldn’t help but look down at the couple in amazement as the brunette looked more relaxed than ever.
Naruto puffed out his cheeks in indignation when, clearly, Iruka has forgotten their plans for the day. They were going to the supermarket together, to get supplies and make homemade rame. But it seemed that his sensei was currently preoccupied.
The blonde knew that Iruka was trying his hardest to keep his mind off of… Naruto shook those thoughts away before they ruined his day even more. He wound his leg back and kicked Iruka in the shins, hard. Making his sensei let out a surprised yelp, reaching for the kunai that he stored under his pillow but stopping when he sleepily noticed the head of bright yellow hair. Iruka immediately froze and started harshly nudging the sleeping man beside him. The silver-haired man stirred immediately but with less urgency or alarm than Iruka did. The man seemed annoyed at the rude awakening until he saw Iruka pointing at Naruto, making him bolt upright in the bed.
Naruto immediately caught a glimpse of the scar on the man’s face, and how it mapped the right side of his face. His stormy blue eyes narrowed at the red spinning one.
“Naruto-” Iruka started, then stopped when he could see Naruto’s hair bristling and snapped his mouth shut.
“Why is Kakashi-sensei here?” Naruto huffed, and ignored how the other man cringed at being recognized without his usual guise. Kakashi was quick to pull a blanket over part of his face.
“He- Um- uh-” Iruka stammered, looking inside his head for a possible answer that would take the edge out of the boy’s feelings. He elbowed Kakashi for some help but he only got a fervent shake of the head as a response. Naruto’s eyes narrowed while he glanced at the two men, crossing his arms, essentially imitating Iruka’s stance when he caught the blonde in the middle of a prank. Iruka slinked back further onto the bed at the gesture, recognizing it all too well.
“Now Naruto-” Kakashi sighed with his usual bored drawl that he used when lecturing the boy. And Naruto was having none of it.
“Answer the question Iruka sensei,” Naruto said, surprising both older nin that he wasn’t yelling, yet.
“We’re together Naruto. That’s why I’m here” Kakashi said boldly, letting go of the blankets to properly make his point. Iruka could only look between the two, to gauge their reaction to each other. The brunette knew that Naruto enjoyed Kakashi’s company, but as Iruka’s partner? He was unsure.
"Together?" Naruto challenged. Sounding unconvinced since Kakashi was the only one talking. That's when Iruka decided he had to speak up.
"He's my partner, Naruto. My boyfriend" Iruka said, grabbing Kakashi's hand and squeezing tightly. Blue eyes watched in horror at the gesture before narrowing to storm sky slits.
"I know this is sudden, and I know I should have told you sooner but I hope you can get-" Iruka started in a soothing tone.
"No!" Naruto finally burst out, his face slightly flushed as his anger rose to the surface.
"No?" Iruka asked with a policed tone, trying to hide the pain from his face. It didn't escape Naruto's notice and it seemed to agitate him even more.
"No! You and Kakashi-sensei can't be together! I won't have it!"
"Naruto that's not up to you to decide" Iruka's fatherly tone slipped out. But immediately regretted it when he saw Naruto balls his hands into fists, they were shaking.
"Screw you!" Naruto growled before he dashed out the open window.
"Naruto!" Iruka called out, getting up from his bed but Kakashi grabbed his wrist.
"Let him cool off, we won't be able to get a word in otherwise," Kakashi said softly. Iruka looked over at the window, feeling the teen's chakra signature fade away until it was unintelligible.
"I should go look for him"
"Iruka-"
"He literally lost his friend, Kakashi. He needs some company," Iruka said still looking out the window, desperately trying to find Naruto's signature even though he knew better than that. Desperate to bring the teen back and explain everything.
"Maa sensei, your mind is already racing," Kakashi said, pulling the brunette into his arms. Iruka looked up at him, the worry wrinkling his forehead and turning his amber eyes darker, losing their usual glint.
"Don't worry, I'm sure if we give him the time he'll come around" Kakashi reassured.
Iruka shook his head but eventually relented and stared out the window. He could still see the younger man trying to search for Naruto. Kakashi sighed, hoping that this would be resolved soon enough.
*******
And Kakashi was completely wrong. It had been a little over a week and neither he nor Iruka had seen Naruto. The teen had skipped every meal he usually had with his first sensei and didn't show up for training either.
Kakashi sighed as if that would help relieve his body of all the tension it had. Every moment he wasn't with Iruka he would be looking for Naruto. Since Iruka was too busy at the Academy to properly look for him during the day. So, Kakashi took it upon himself to do it. Even if he only felt a sliver of guilt in this whole situation.
He looked down at the village seeing the usual streets butling hoping to see a pop of yellow or orange in the crowd. But what he did see was a bundle of pink hair walking among the crowd of people. Kakashi quickly slid from the roof he was hunched over on and dropped down the nearest alley.
"Sakura" Kakashi called knowing the young nin had heard him. Sakura quickly noticed and made her way over to him.
"Hey, Kakashi-sensei! What's up?" Sakura said looking up, she was holding up a bundle of white lilies. They were neatly wrapped in white tissue paper and had a golden bow holding everything neatly together. It was probably a delivery of sorts.
"Have you seen Naruto?" Kakashi asked, and immediately regretted the way he phrased the question. Sakura was taking Sasuke's disappearance better than Naruto, trying her best to keep her head up and train. But he knew that she blamed herself for not being able to stop the Uchiha, so he quickly tried to amend himself.
"Nothing bad happened, he just hasn't been to Iruka's recently," Kakashi said and didn't miss the slight recognition in her jade eyes. Sakura was clever enough to diminish it until it morphed into something akin to innocence.
"Y-you scared me there Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura said, looking back at the crowd behind her. Probably wishing she could lose herself in it for her own sake.
"Sakura..." Kakashi hummed, she knew something. And Sakura was a bad liar.
"I promised him I wouldn't tell you or Iruka. So, tough luck!" She huffed, sticking her tongue out in defiance. Kakashi rolled his eye before rubbing the back of his neck. He had to think about a way to bribe her, and quickly. He knew the longer he took the harder it would be to crack her and get the information he needed.
"I'll take off my mask if you tell me" Kakashi relents, remembering how desperate his three students were to see it. Sakura looked up at him with wide eyes, almost dropping the flowers. But then her eyes narrowed, she was suspicious now.
"You're lying"
"Sakura you know I don't lie"
The girl looked up at him unamused.
"You always say you'll be on time one day, and then the next your half an hour late" Sakura deadpanned, and Kakashi sighed even harsher than before. He was a deadly nin, being bested by his student. he couldn't help but feel a bit proud.
"Fine! Can you at least tell me for Iruka sensei's sake? He's been worried sick"
That seemed to be the right thing to say because her features immediately soften and gave a defeated sigh. She looked around as if she was afraid to get caught before leaning up to her tip-toes covering one side of her mouth. Kakashi leaned down, cupping his ear and smiling under his mask at her antics.
"He's at Shikimaru's, he hides there during the days. Shikamaru lets him stay cause he can beat Naruto at that weird board game he likes" Sakura whispered, and Kakahis hums in acknowledgment.
"Thank you Sakura," Kakashi said and Sakura sighed annoyed. But she looked more relieved so it made Kakashi feel better.
"I'm blaming you if he asks. See ya!" Sakura huffed with a small smile before turning away to leave the alley. Kakashi knew he should at least keep his promise.
"Hey, Sakura?" Kakashi called before she stepped out to the wandering crowd. When she looked over, he pulled his mask down and gave her a wolfish smile.
"A deal is a deal" Kakashi drawled before jumping up to the rooftops again. Leaving a very shocked nin behind.
*******
"Oh thank god" Iruka sighed in relief as he sat on the floor of his apartment. He leaned heavily on his arms behind him. Kakashi studied Iruka, glad that his partner could have some solace in the situation.
Kakashi decided not to confront Naruto when Sakura told him the boy's location. But decided to immediately meet up with Iruka, to lessen his burden for a bit. This was probably the hardest week that Iruka has had this year, right after losing Sasuke. There were dark circles that were barely visible. But Kakashi could see them, he would never ignore any signs of distress from the other man.
"What should we do now?" Kakashi asked, and Iruka stared at the ceiling for a bit. Then looked over at the silver-haired man.
"I think you should talk to him," Iruka said getting up from his spot. Probably off to fidget with something in the kitchen.
"Why me? Would he even listen to me?" Kakashi grumbled, and Iruka hummed. So, he was still thinking it over? That won't do, Kakashi thought.
"I think it would be better for you to do it, Iruka. You're the one closest to him"
"Just because I raised him, doesn't mean it who he needs to hear"
"Then what could I even offer to him?"
Iruka grabbed a tea kettle, and he paused. Then started shaking it slightly, as if the flopping lid would somehow spew out some advice.
"I think... I think he needs to hear it from you. You need to show him that he can trust you, no?" Iruka mumbled still deep in thought. Kakashi watched how the brunette automatically filled the kettle and boiled the water. Then carefully placed some miscellaneous tea leaves that Kakashi enjoyed on the counter.
"He's just probably frazzled that he won't have me exclusively anymore. And doesn't understand that I would still spend time with him. We'll spend time with him" Iruka paused, then looked over at Kakashi. "Right?"
This moment took him back to their first few dates. Iruka was very nervous that night and he was bouncing his leg up rapidly, trying to find the right words. Back then it wasn't as general knowledge that Iruka practically raised Naruto, so the younger sensei knew he had to talk about it before they got even more serious. And Kakashi would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised. Iruka had quickly fretted and started saying that he understood if Kakashi wasn't interested anymore. But Kakashi said he was willing to have a life with Iruka, and that, without a doubt, included Naruto. He remembered how his heart wrenched when he saw Iruka's eyes water in relief.
"Of course. Always." Kakashi said. Iruka's shoulders dropped, while he turned to the gushing kettle and prepared tea for the both of them.
"I just wish he would just talk instead of bursting out and running away" Iruka sighed placing a small mug in front of Kakashi.
"But I can't really say he learned better from me" Iruka chuckled sadly, before plopping himself beside Kakashi. The copy-nin quickly wrapped his arm around Iruka's shoulder and kissed the top of his head.
"I'll try my best. I'll wait around Shikimaru's tomorrow and bring him home" Kakashi promised, lightly shaking at Iruka.
"Thank you," Iruka said slumping against Kakashi, seemingly passing out. Kakashi clicked his tongue.
"Maa Iruka" He hummed before gently handling Iruka into his arms, letting him sleep there while he looked out the setting sun. He needed to fix this, for Iruka and Naruto's sake. But he had no idea why Naruto had reacted that way about it. He would have completely thought the teen would just brush it off and ignore him like he always does when Kakashi is around the other sensei. He could guess that it was what Iruka had said, that he didn't understand their relationship. But it nagged him. Naruto wasn't that simple-minded, he would probably have a whirlwind of emotions before grasping at the first one he could. Which this time was anger and confusion.
Kakashi knew that Iruka had probably already had the same idea as him. But he was probably too tired to choose one of the various scenarios that he had thought up. Kakashi lovingly dug his chin into Iruka's neck, letting his warmth calm his racing thoughts. He should probably start thinking of what he should say to Naruto.
*******
Kakashi woke up the second the pinkish hue of dawn spilled in through the windows. Kakashi knew it was too early to even check on Naruto. The teen probably slept probably well into noon, but he wasn't going to take any chances today.
He noticed that Iruka was still sleeping in his arms so he smiled something soft and loving. Kakashi gently rose, holding on to the younger man in his arms and taking him to his bed. Iruka roused for a second before Kakashi whispered in his hair:
"I'm going to look for Naruto, I'm going to bring him back"
Iruka hummed opening his eyes slightly. He pulled Kakashi into a slow and languid kiss, that was as sweet as molasses.
"Thank you" Iruka mumbled and Kakashi smiled.
"Anything for you 'Ruka," Kakashi said to an already sleeping Iruka. With a bit more motivation than before, Kakashi made his way to Naruto's apartment.
When he arrived he knew he was right. Naruto was sprawled out in his bed, sleeping. He would have to wait for a bit until Naruto actually woke up. But then Kakashi noticed something. Naruto was awake, he was looking up at the ceiling.
Kakashi thought something was seriously wrong and was about to burst into his apartment. But he saw Naruto sit up over his bed not bothering to look at the window in Kakashi's direction. The kid looked roughed up, his eyes had dark bags under them and his hair was drooping, going along with his mood. Kakashi cursed as he leaned back on his heels. He let this go on for too long.
It wasn't until late morning that Naruto decided to leave his apartment. He seemed to take a deep breath before plastering a fake smile on his face but quickly giving up as he opened the window.
Kakashi watched him crawl out and slowly followed him up until Shikimaru's house. Where he decided to wait for Naruto to come out, to talk to him. Maybe Shikimaru would cheer him up a bit.
*******
Kakashi didn't expect him to be that long in the shadow nin's house, but he found himself watching the sunset, while still splayed out in a not-so-subtle way. He couldn't help that his muscles felt stiff and unused, but he had no other choice but to wait for him.
It wasn't until the sky was veiled in familiar darkness and stars dusted its surface that Kakashi saw the small blonde pop his head out of the entrance. And Kakashi had to scatter up the tree before he was seen. Naruto looked much better than he did in the morning, his cheeks were slightly flushed probably from laughing, and his eyes had a small twinkle that wasn't there before.
The copy-nin found himself unable to move for a second, he didn't know what he was going to say to the boy. He couldn't apologize, he could only talk to him and bring him home. And he could only hope that Naruto would listen and not keep driving himself into a hole.
Kakashi waited until Naruto sauntered under the three he was hidden, after that he had no idea. And soon enough it was time for action.
"Naruto" Kakashi called out calmly. He hated how the blonde jumped at his name and he could see how Naruto's shoulder squared up as if he was trying to decide what would be the best way to get out of the situation. Kakashi could only see his back, but he could see how his gaze wandered trying to find a way out. Luckily, there weren't many buildings where the blonde could spring up too, the only way out would be to run. And Kakashi hoped it didn't end like that, he would like to bring Naruto back when the teen was willing.
After weighing his options, Naruto turned back slightly to Kakashi, and he could see the stormy look in his eyes. His hands were shaking as they were balled up to fist, almost readying himself for a fight.
"What do you want?" Naruto snapped without any venom to this tone.
"It's time to come home Naruto," Kakashi said softly and Naruto scoffed.
"I don't need you to get to my apartment"
"You know what I meant"
Naruto froze, the storm in his eyes becoming darker, and sadder, before becoming electrified by anger.
"There's no way I'm going back!" Naruto yelled, then dashed off in the direction of the village, Kakashi sighed rubbing the back of his neck setting off to chase after him. Naruto quickly weaved through the dwindling crowd heading back to their homes, before jumping up to the nearest house's roof. Kakashi quickly climbed and immediately was right behind Naruto, almost an arm's length away. Noticing, Naruto tried to gracefully jump to the ground below them but the hem of his jumper caught on the fence that surrounded the house. So, he fell face-first onto the ground.
"Naruto!" Kakashi called tumbling down the house. The blonde groaned pushing himself up from the ground. Kakashi quickly wrapped his hand around Naruto's forearm to help him up.
"Are you ok-?"
"Don't touch me!" Naruto growled scattering on the ground to get away from Kakashi. The older man was grateful that he didn't decide to run away again.
"Can you hear me out? I just wanted to talk to you"
"No" Naruto huffed, patting away the dust that stuck to his jumper.
"Please, Naruto. Iruka is worried"
Naruto stayed quiet, his hands settling on the top zipper of his jumpsuit, then nervously fiddled with it. He had never seen the blonde so unsure of himself, he usually did everything head first but now he paused. Sifting through his thoughts looking for what he should do or not. And he looked so tired when he did so. Naruto's eyes just became a deep blue, holding something miserable inside.
"We just want to know what's wrong" Kakashi spoke up slowly, trying to keep Naruto calm but obviously it doesn't work.
"Iruka isn't here" he challenges
"He's resting, been worried sick about you not coming to see him"
Naruto paused again, his eyes looking up at Kakashi before looking back at his sandals.
"He has?"
Kakashi looked at the teen stunned. Did he really think Iruka didn't want to see him anymore? Was that it? Why would he even think for a second Iruka wouldn't want to see him?
"Of course he has, you're the most important person to him," Kakashi said, taking a step closer to Naruto. That was the wrong move, Naruto took a step back and the storm clouds were back.
"No, I'm not! He just feels bad that I'm not his charity case anymore!" Naruto yelled, his voice trembling and sounding desperate to believe his own words.
"Charity case? Naruto, you know he loves you like his own so-"
"Stop lying!"
Kakashi froze, the ocean in Naruto's eyes seemed to spill over into tears running down his cheeks. His breath was ragged and his lips were trembling trying to keep himself at bay.
"He's just going to abandon me like everyone else! Just like my parents did, and just like Sasuke too!"
Naruto's lips wobbled once more before he chokes back a sob, Kakashi just staring in shock.
"And then, I'm going to be alone all over again! No one ever really cares about me, they just leave!" Naruto growled, now he was hanging by a thread to what anger he had surmised. It was slowly being drowned out by pure misery.
"Naruto, you know that's not true" Kakashi tried again
"Iruka has you now, he doesn't need me anymore" Naruto snapped. Kakashi sighed, closing in on the kid and then kneeling in front of him. He took off his mask and looked Naruto in the eyes.
"Iruka loves you like you were his own, Naruto. He cares so much about you"
Naruto stifled another sob and shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut, and pouring out even more tears.
"He's never going to leave you alone because of anyone, not because of me, heck, not even for the Hokage himself" Kakashi chuckled putting his hands on Naruto's shoulders, trying to ground him. "I know what happened with Sasuke was devastating, but it will get better, and you will find him. Beating yourself up about it is just going to cause you more pain"
Naruto freely let out a sob, almost slumping over if it wasn't for Kakashi's hand.
"But Iruka has you now" Naruto repeats, trying to wipe the never-ending trail of tears from the boy's face. "Naruto, Iruka wouldn't be with me if I disliked the idea of him having a family," Kakashi said softly, trying to find Naruto's gaze. Naruto looked at him unwillingly and was unsure of him.
"And I would still be out looking for you even if I wasn't with Iruka"
Naruto looked at him in surprise, tears still free falling from his face.
"The reason I'm here is that I want to be a family with you and Iruka. And I promise Iruka and I will never leave you alone" Kakashi looked at Naruto and saw the blonde's face contort in pain, still holding on to what semblance of fear he had.
"Will you let me be part of your family too?"
Naruto nodded harshly, making his headband all crooked. Kakashi quickly grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug. Letting some of his weight onto Naruto so he felt secure. That seemed to break something in Naruto when he starts wailing into Kakashi's shoulders. Completely slumping on Kakashi while desperately blabbering apologies. Kakashi could only soothe him.
Eventually, Naruto slumped completely over Kakashi, passing out. Kakashi chuckled and maneuvered the teen onto his back. He wrapped Naruto's arms around his neck and grabbed the back of his legs. Happily trudging along towards Iruka's apartment.
*******
Iruka quickly rushed to his apartment, it was the next morning after the day Kakashi had left to go get Naruto. And he wished that he wasn't forced to stay the night to help Tsunade with her paperwork, but it couldn't be helped. He grumbled exasperated but was hoping for the best. And his heart skyrocketed when he sensed two chakra signatures.
Iruka didn't even go through the front door, deciding it was faster to barge in through the window. He quickly turned off the wards and let himself in. His heart hammered against his chest as his eyes scanned for a head filled with blonde hair. Iruka craned his neck around before closing the window. He quietly walked toward his bedroom and his heart melted at the sight.
Naruto was soundly sleeping on the bed, tangled in the sheets. While Kakashi sat beside Naruto, his arms on the bed and his head rested on top of them. He was quietly snoring along with Naruto. And all that Iruka could do was smile.