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.
Iruka woke early Saturday morning with a smile. Life had changed for the better since Kakashi had come into his, but that day held the promise of something different. He just wasn’t certain what.
Turning on his favorite streaming radio station, Iruka spent the next two hours cleaning his house while singing along to countless songs. Though it didn’t need it, he wanted it to be nearly impeccable when Kakashi came over. He was in the middle of scouring the microwave when the doorbell chimes got his attention, Iruka wiping his hands on a dish towel and heading for the front door.
“These are for you,” Kakashi said when Iruka was left speechless, handing him a bouquet of colorful daisies, “I’m not sure if you’re fond of flowers, but they were calling out to me.”
“They’re lovely,” Iruka said, smiling at him, “Let me put them in some water.”
Iruka could feel Kakashi behind him as he walked to the kitchen. Though he didn’t utter a word, the silence was comfortable as Kakashi leaned against the counter and watched him. Touched didn’t begin to describe what he felt, the sensation bordering on astonished that Kakashi thought so much of him to bestow such a simple yet romantic gift onto him.
“Thank you so much,” Iruka said, leaning over and kissing Kakashi’s cheek, “I’ve never been given flowers before.”
“That’s a shame for such a wonderful man like you,” Kakashi said, smiling gently when a smattering of pink popped onto Iruka’s cheeks, “Do you have a list for the store?”
“I figured we could come up with one together,” Iruka replied, “That way we can have some of our favorites instead of me controlling the menu.”
“I love your consideration,” Kakashi said, pecking Iruka’s lips before leading him to the table.
It took them close to an hour to come up with a list since Iruka wanted to compare sales and match coupons to the items on their list. Kakashi found it adorable that he wanted to save as much money as possible since he announced he was paying for the groceries. Finally completing their list, Kakashi insisted on driving, declaring his car had more trunk space. Iruka thought for a moment before he agreed.
Music played in the background while they talked about how to fill the hours of the day. Iruka fired off several ideas of things he had always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. He had expected Kakashi to laugh at the triviality of them, stunned when he said he’d love to share the new experiences with him. He tried to apologize for monopolizing their time together, but Kakashi assured him that whatever he had his heart set on was perfect for him.
The shopping trip went flawlessly, Iruka thinking that it seemed they carried out the task quite often. Their mindset as far as ingredients and pricing went were nearly the same, only differing on a few condiments. Though Iruka thought what they had on their list was sufficient for dinner, Kakashi talked him into getting two ribeye steaks when he caught him staring through the meat case at them.
Check-out was comical, Kakashi tossing an assortment of candy bars into the cart while they waited for their turn. Iruka shook his head but grabbed a magazine to pass the time, flipping through it and rolling his eyes at the immature antics that several celebrities had been up to recently. By the time Iruka put the magazine back on the rack, Kakashi had the groceries on the conveyor belt.
“Would you like to stop and get some wine?” Kakashi asked on the drive back to Iruka’s house.
“The beer we bought is enough,” Iruka replied, seeing a flicker of disappointment in Kakashi’s eyes, “I guess one bottle couldn’t hurt. You’re taking the rest home with you though. I’m not a big wine drinker.”
“Or I’ll just have to come over for dinner every night until it’s gone,” he said jokingly, “Nah, that’s fine.”
The stop at the liquor store was an education for Iruka. Kakashi gave him a crash course on the different kinds of wines and how they varied depending on the region that the grapes were grown as well as the vintner. Explaining that different components were added to the soil and flowers grown around the vines affected the flavors. Iruka never knew so much went into the process and admitted he was impressed by Kakashi’s knowledge.
They unloaded the groceries in record time considering how much they bought. Iruka set about making the salads while Kakashi put together a few marinades for the meat they were grilling. They chatted about the last barbecues they had been to while working. Iruka brought up the quiet gathering at his parents during the last summer holiday. The atmosphere had been laidback while they enjoyed the company and food. Iruka smiled fondly at the memory, telling Kakashi that he should join them next time.
Kakashi talked about the cookout that Asuma and his wife, Kurenai, had thrown the month before their first date. It had been a rowdy affair, especially when alcohol was added to the mix. Genma had been the life of the party, going from person to person and sitting in their lap while embarrassing them horribly. Knowing Genma’s personality, his friend’s behavior didn’t shock Iruka at all.
“The meat has to marinate for at least two hours,” Kakashi declared.
“Anything special that you’d like to do?” Iruka questioned, hoping he’d bring up the topic he wanted to discuss.
“What about that zombie show that you wanted to watch but are hesitant to?” he suggested, “It’s still light out and you’re not alone.”
“Sure,” Iruka answered, trying to hide his disappointment.
They got through three episodes with Iruka only having to bury his face into Kakashi’s bicep once. His fear dissipated somewhat when Kakashi rested his arm across his shoulders and drew him near, Iruka feeling comfort in the closeness. Pressing the pause button when the afternoon sun cast long shadows around the room, Iruka rose from the couch and helped Kakashi to his feet.
“If you point me to where everything is, I’ll get the grill ready,” Kakashi said.
“I can do it. It’s not a big deal,” Iruka stated.
“Please let me. I want to do something small but special for you,” he said.
“I thought that was dinner last weekend,” Iruka said.
“Nah, that was still in the getting-to-know-you stage. This is a little more,” Kakashi half-joked, chuckling when Iruka rolled his eyes.
Directing Kakashi to the utility room for the grilling supplies, Iruka prepared the final steps for their meal. He made dressings for the salads and sauces for vegetables. Craving lemonade recently, he made a pitcher with the recipe he loved from his mother. He placed the pitcher and two glasses on a tray, carrying it to the backyard patio and joining Kakashi.
“I hope you like lemonade,” Iruka said, pouring the refreshment into both glasses.
“I do,” Kakashi said, thanking him for a glass and taking a few sips, “This is delicious. Love the lemon slices at the top too.”
“Trick my mom discovered. It strengthens the flavor but slower than squeezing the juice in,” Iruka explained.
“Your mom is a genius,” Kakashi said before taking a few gulps, “I might just drink the pitcher myself.”
“I’ll get you a straw,” Iruka teased, grinning when Kakashi’s melodic laughter filled the air, “Help yourself to however much you want. I can always make more.”
The cook was filled with light banter while Kakashi kept an eye on the grill, Iruka keeping him company the entire time. Iruka felt slightly embarrassed when Kakashi gushed about how homey and close-knit his neighborhood was, a few people in the houses around them chatting for a short period and telling them to enjoy their dinner. Iruka explained he was on friendly terms with his neighbors and they all looked out for one another. Kakashi admitted he was somewhat envious, telling him that he only spoke to a neighbor’s teenage son.
“Maybe he can meet Naruto one day. Give them something different to do,” Iruka proposed.
“Maybe. They’re like night and day though. Not sure how well they’d get along,” Kakashi said, tapping his chin thoughtfully, “I’ll talk to him about it and see what he thinks.”
“That would be great,” Iruka said, looking over his shoulder when he heard sizzling, “Sounds like something might be done.”
The last of the season’s insects were swarming the patio by the time Kakashi pulled everything off the grill. Iruka was dismayed since he wanted the serenity of outdoor eating and fresh air. Kakashi pulled him closer once he set the platter on the corner, winding his arms around Iruka’s waist before kissing him.
“I know you had a mental image of how this was going to go, but I’m just so happy to be here with you,” Kakashi said, resting his forehead on Iruka’s, “We can do the whole patio experience next time. Maybe get some special torches to keep the flying friends away.”
“Alright. I just wanted this to be as close to perfect as possible,” Iruka said softly.
“It’s already perfect because I’m with you,” he stated, “We could be eating the worst fried chicken out of a bucket and I’d be in heaven.”
“Ok,” Iruka said, laughing, “You get what you want first. Where would you like to eat?”
“Your house so up to you,” Kakashi said.
Choosing the living room, Iruka waited for Kakashi to serve himself before filling his plate. He thanked Kakashi for a napkin when he sat, their thighs touching when he scooted closer. Taking a bite of steak, Iruka’s brows shot up.
“This is to die for,” Iruka proclaimed, “I don’t think I’ve had a juicier or tastier steak.”
“It’s all about the marbling and marinade. I used your wood chips too,” Kakashi said, “I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? I love it,” he said, “You can grill steak for me any day.”
“I’ll be over tomorrow for dinner then,” Kakashi jested.
“Feel free,” Iruka said with a smile.
The rest of their meal held light conversation and praises for each dish the other made. Kakashi was addicted to the potato salad that Iruka made, begging to take some home. Iruka couldn’t get over how wonderful the chicken was, the blend of meat and marinade bursting along his taste buds. Both agreed that they needed to do it again soon.
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.
“No, it’s an and,” Kakashi said, placing his fingers under Iruka’s chin until he looked at him, “I want to date you.”
“I thought that’s what we’ve been doing,” he said in confusion.
“We’ve been casually dating. Getting to know each other. Seeing if we’re compatible and whatnot,” Kakashi said, “I want to go farther. I would like to commit myself to you. I want to be in a serious relationship with you. I’m not sure what you’d like to call it, but I’d like to tell people about my boyfriend or partner, Iruka.”
Iruka stared at Kakashi, his mouth open as Kakashi’s request echoed in his head. He knew Kakashi enjoyed his company and their foray into physical affection had been tentative yet sweet. The proclamation that Kakashi wanted to deepen their relationship took his breath away.
“You’re serious?” Iruka whispered in askance.
“Absolutely,” Kakashi replied, reclaiming his hand and rubbing it lightly with his free hand, “Would you do me the honor?”
“I’d love that,” Iruka said.
Watching Kakashi lean forward, Iruka grinned against his lips when their mouths met. The kiss was tender yet filled with passion, something Iruka had never felt for anyone before. While he was frightened since he had never been in a committed relationship, he was thrilled it was with Kakashi.
“You’re going to have to show me how this goes,” Iruka said, “I’ve never gotten this far with anyone and don’t know what to do.”
“Just be yourself,” Kakashi said, running a finger down the side of Iruka’s face, “Enjoy yourself and us as we grow. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be honest. If you don’t like something, let me know. Nothing comes without communication. That’s how we last.”
“Alright,” Iruka murmured, “I’m so happy.”
“Me too,” Kakashi said, smiling before brushing his lips across Iruka’s, “I feel as giddy as a schoolgirl.”
“Me too. My heart is thumping I’m so excited,” he said.
“Want to cuddle and talk for a bit before I have to go? Possibly a kiss or a hundred?” Kakashi asked, smiling when he laughed.
“I like that idea.”
It was three hours later when Kakashi was ready to leave. Iruka walked him to the door, leaning against the jamb when Kakashi stood on the porch. He didn’t want the night to end but it was getting rather late. Taking a deep breath, Iruka smiled for the nth time that night.
“This has been the best night of my life,” Iruka confessed, “I was looking forward to seeing you anyway, but now that we’re this, it’s amazing. I’m going to be grinning from ear to ear for weeks.”
“You aren’t the only one,” Kakashi said, “You know Genma will figure it out. He’s good at that.”
“Yes, he is,” he agreed, “I should let you go though.”
“Sadly, yes,” Kakashi said, “I know I’ll see you before then, but there’s a Mediterranean food festival at the fairgrounds next weekend. Would you like to go with me? It would make for a perfect date.”
“Let me see how my work schedule shapes up, but I’d love to,” Iruka said.
“Sounds great. I’ll text you when I get home, but have a great night, Iruka,” Kakashi said.
His heart skipping a beat when he felt Kakashi’s mouth on his, Iruka sighed into it and tilted his head to deepen the kiss. Tongues exchanged light touches as well as gentle nips on lips, Iruka opening his mouth wider. He loved how Kakashi’s tongue slowly swept the inside of his mouth, a hand dropping to gently massage his hip. Becoming lost in the kiss, Iruka turned his head when he saw black dots in his vision, taking a few deep breaths to fill his lungs with air.
“Good night, Iruka,” Kakashi said, lifting his hand and kissing the top.
Watching Kakashi walk to his car, he waited for him to climb in and start it. He waved as Kakashi backed up, giggling to himself and thinking that life couldn’t possibly get better. Going inside, Iruka looked forward to how their new relationship would grow and unfold, thrilled that the one he shared it with was Kakashi Hatake.