Work Text:
You can follow me on Tumblr. Stay up to date on the latest chapters and story progress or just want to give a shout-out! You guys are what drives me, and I so appreciate every one of you.
I just wanted to say again how much fun I had last night
I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself that much
I can’t recall the last time I loved someone’s company as much as I do you
Next time you can come to my house for dinner
~*Iruka*~
I’m glad
It felt perfect having you over
I’d love to come over one night
Many nights if the choice is left up to me
I love your company as well, more than anyone else ever
I have to get to work, but I’ll text you when things slow down
Have a wonderful day, dear Iruka
~K
I hope all is well with you
I haven’t heard from you since Monday morning
I have this evening free if you’d like to spend some time together
There’s this great Korean street food stand a few blocks from my office
It’s to die for
Let me know when you can
Have a great day, dear Iruka
~K
It was Thursday and Iruka felt awful.
He had been slammed with a priority project as well as expected to finish the children’s hospital package. The deadlines for both were within days of each other, Iruka putting in an insane amount of overtime. 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?”
His head jerking up when he heard the raspy yet velvety voice he replayed in his head constantly, Iruka was stunned to see Kakashi pop his head around the doorjamb. A pleasant smile crept onto Iruka’s face and he rose from his chair to greet his unexpected visitor. While he didn’t have time for any delays in productivity, he couldn’t pass on the chance to talk with Kakashi.
“Hey,” Kakashi said, leaning over and pecking Iruka’s cheek, “Hope you don’t mind me dropping by. I was in the area and haven’t heard from you since Monday morning.”
“I’m so sorry. I’ve been insanely busy and have forgotten my phone at home for the past two days,” Iruka explained, “By the time I walk through the door, all I want to do is collapse in bed and sleep for a week. I even skipped dinner last night.”
“Then my invitation to lunch is just the thing that you need,” Kakashi said.
“I don’t know,” Iruka said, chewing on his lower lip, “I have so much to do.”
“Come on, Iruka. It’s an hour,” Genma said, rallying behind Kakashi’s offer, “It won’t kill you. You need a break more than anyone on this floor.”
Peering over his shoulder, Iruka stared at his workstation and considered the work he had left for that day. While it would be judicious of him to remain in the office, spending any amount of time with Kakashi was too good to pass up. He returned to his station and locked his computer, grabbing his bag and going back to where Kakashi stood.
“Lunch sounds fabulous,” Iruka said, hoping his smile expressed the gratitude he felt.
Thanking Kakashi when he stepped back and gestured for him to lead the way, Iruka fought to hide the smile that had taken over but failed miserably. The looks from his coworkers hinted at a plethora of questions when he returned, but he refused to let them encroach on his free time. He stepped into the elevator and relieved that he and Kakashi were the only ones when the door closed, Iruka took advantage of the privacy, turning Kakashi’s head and capturing his mouth in an impatient kiss.
They didn’t have the time to properly cherish the kiss since the ride was only four floors, but they tried to convey everything they felt from not speaking for days. Nudging Kakashi’s lips apart with his tongue, the tip of the wet muscle touched Kakashi’s, sighing into his mouth when Kakashi slowly slid his up the underside of Iruka’s. He moaned when Kakashi’s hand fell to his hip, Iruka clutching Kakashi’s shoulders as their mouths moved and tongues danced together. Finally parting when the ding announcing they had arrived at their floor, Iruka licked the film of saliva from his lower lip.
“I missed you too,” Kakashi whispered.
Thanking Kakashi when he held the passenger side door of his car for him, Iruka slid into the seat and waited for Kakashi. The mood that hung over him like a dark cloud for the past few days had improved drastically in a mere ten minutes. Amazed that just seeing the man that consumed his nearly every thought made him feel like a new person.
“Where would you like to go? Your choice,” Kakashi said.
“Um, how about the Irish pub near Konoha Third Bank? They have amazing food,” Iruka suggested.
“Sounds great,” Kakashi said as he put the car in gear.
The interior was quiet except for the classical music flitting from the speakers. When Kakashi reached for his hand and laced his fingers through his own, a warmth flowed through Iruka and he sighed happily. He squeezed their conjoined hands, turning his head to see a slight smile gracing his face.
“I have to confess something,” Kakashi said, alarm zipping through Iruka.
“Ok,” he said uneasily.
“I called Genma to make sure you were alright. I was worried that I had offended you or something,” Kakashi said, “My mind was wrapped about the thought that you were being polite with your last text and then you wanted nothing to do with me.”
“Oh no, that’s not it at all,” Iruka said, rushing his words while shifting in his seat, “I should have taken five minutes to let you know what’s going on. I’m horrible about communicating when I’m overwhelmed.”
“That’s what Genma said after he told me that you were fine,” Kakashi said, “I asked him what the chances were if I invited you out for lunch.”
“Oh yeah? What did he say?” Iruka inquired.
“He said not good but he’d help me carry you to my car if it came to it,” he answered, grinning when Iruka laughed, “Glad it didn’t.”
“I’ll have to thank Genma when I get back,” Iruka said, lifting Kakashi’s hand and kissing the top of it, “Thanks. I really needed this.”
“Same. I really needed to see you,” Kakashi confessed, quickly glancing at him.
Startled by Kakashi’s declaration, Iruka couldn’t believe he had made that much of an impression on the man. He lived for their talks and learning more about each other. He cherished the step they had taken in their fledging relationship the night he had gone to Kakashi’s for dinner though they hadn’t defined what they were yet. He had enjoyed the six weeks that Kakashi had been in his life but considered their commitment to being nothing more than dating.
They arrived at the pub in what Iruka thought was a blink of an eye he had been so lost in thought. Thanking Kakashi when he helped him out of the car, he smiled at his chivalry when he held the door of the restaurant open for him. They were seated quickly since they had beaten the lunch rush and perused the menu. Iruka was contemplating what special to order when he felt a soft touch run up his hand.
“When do you think things will slow down?” Kakashi asked.
“Probably sometime next week. I think I’m going to have to work this weekend,” Iruka replied.
“Both days?” he inquired.
“I’m not sure. It depends on how much I get done tomorrow,” Iruka answered, “I’m not looking forward to spending my entire weekend on projects, but I might have to.”
“If you’re free on Sunday, would you like to see each other?” Kakashi questioned, “You don’t have to go anywhere if you’re worn out. I can come to your place. I’ll even bring lunch. Dinner too if you’ll let me.”
“I’d like that if I can get out of work. Can I let you know tomorrow evening? I won’t be sure until then,” he said.
“Sounds perfect,” Kakashi said.
Kakashi let him know how his week was going while they waited for their meals. He admitted to finally firing the contractor that cut too many corners and replaced him with one of the best in the city though he was much pricier. His superiors weren’t thrilled but when he presented them with case after case of engineers and architects being sued for design flaws or building collapse, they were supportive of his decision.
Iruka tried his best not to complain but his description of breathing, sleeping, and eating the projects that he had been assigned couldn’t be projected in a positive light. He loved the clients he was working for but despised his bosses for giving him such detailed campaigns with close due dates. He was grateful for Kakashi’s commiseration and assured him it wasn’t common when he voiced his concern.
They shared their sandwiches when their entrees arrived since neither had tried them. It was amusing when they proclaimed liking the others better, Iruka and Kakashi laughing at the revelation. Iruka was quickly getting full and scooped his fries onto Kakashi’s plate, smiling when he stared at him.
“I’m a sucker for fries,” Kakashi said, “I can’t get enough of them.”
“I remembered,” Iruka said, continuing when he tilted his head in confusion, “You mentioned it on Sunday.”
“I remember you hating rye bread and tomato,” he said, smiling when Iruka chuckled, “Did you see the look the waitress gave you when you said you wanted wheat instead of rye?”
“Yeah, it’s blasphemous here,” Iruka responded, “She’s new. The others know. Genma and I come here at least once a week.”
“Good to know,” Kakashi said, pushing his plate aside and reaching across the table to hold Iruka’s hand, “I’m glad we could do this. I know we’ve been at this for less than two months, but I really missed you. I don’t get how you’re constantly in my mind. I wonder how you’re doing and if you’ve smiled that day. I think about your laughter and your eyes sparkle when you like something. How you inhale slowly when you’re super happy. I wonder if you’ve thought about me at all that day.”
“I do,” Iruka admitted quietly, “Constantly. I think the same about you and hope that I can see you again sooner than later. I remember how you make me feel and how on top of the world I am when we’re together. It’s like I can’t get enough of it.”
“Seems we’re on the same wavelength,” Kakashi said, his gaze dropping to his watch, “As much as I’d like to stay here forever with you, your lunch is almost done.”
“Time flies when you’re having fun,” Iruka said with a sigh.
Though Iruka argued about paying for his meal, Kakashi stated that lunch was his idea and he considered it a date. Iruka accepted but made Kakashi promise to let him cover their next outing, the latter vaguely agreeing. They talked about possibilities of things to do on Sunday if Iruka’s schedule cooperated yet refused to make their plans concrete.
“I had a great time,” Iruka said when they pulled in front of his office building, “I’ll call you later today. It might be late though.”
“If you can’t I understand,” Kakashi said, “I’m still going to text you.”
“Then I’ll text you back,” he said, smiling at him, “It might be a ‘I’m home, thinking of you’ message, but I’ll text you.”
“I look forward to it,” Kakashi said, leaning over and feathering his lips over Iruka’s before brushing stray strands of hair behind his ear, “Have a great rest of your day, dear Iruka.”
“You too, Kakashi,” he said.
Indulging in a quick kiss, Iruka climbed out of the car and went inside after a final wave to Kakashi. He was on cloud nine as he rode the elevator to his floor, grinning from ear to ear as he made his way to his office. Pausing outside the marketing department, he ducked inside and got his friend’s attention.
“Hey, Genma,” Iruka said, smiling when his head jerked up, “Thanks. I really needed that.”
“Anytime, buddy,” Genma said, grinning at him.
Whistling happily as he walked to his workstation, the rest of the week didn’t seem so terrible.
I’m finally home and am so glad it’s Friday
Genma convinced me to take the weekend off
Lucky for me my second project has hit a snag with advertising, so it’s put on hold
That frees up A LOT of my time
So…what are you doing tomorrow?
Would you like to come over for lunch?
Maybe dinner too?
~*Iruka*~
I would absolutely love that
Let me know what time and what you’re in the mood for
If you’re up to it and have a grill, would you like to cook out for dinner?
The weather is going to be perfect and it’s something new to do together
It’s up to you though
~K
That sounds delicious and fun
I’m a little low on the grocery front so I’ll need to go shopping
Let me know what you’d like and I’ll pick it up
~*Iruka*~
Or we could go together
~K
I’d like that
Definitely sounds more fun
11 tomorrow morning work?
I’ll think about lunch and let you know
~*Iruka*~
Perfect
It’s not bad, but there’s something I want to talk with you about tomorrow
It’s been on my mind for a bit
~K
You sure it’s not bad?
~*Iruka*~
I’m positive
I shouldn’t have said anything
Bad habit of mine
~K
Ok, I’m curious and look forward to it
Would it hurt your feelings if I said good night?
I’m absolutely exhausted and having a hard time keeping my eyes open
~*Iruka*~
Not at all
Sleep well, dear Iruka, and see you in the morning
~K
You too, Kakashi
Sweet dreams
~*Iruka*~