Chapter Text
“I knew you liked older guys,” Anko said with her mouth full of cereal, “but I wasn’t expecting your professor. What about your bro’s boyfriend’s older brother? You thought he was pretty cute for a while.”
When Iruka ignored her as he searched for his shoes behind the stacks of boxes, Anko knew she wasn’t going to convince the idiot out of it. “Are you sure about this, ‘Ru?”
Iruka didn’t fight the imminent eye-roll because yes he was 100% sure this is what he wanted to do and yes he did like his 38 year old professor in more than just an academic admiration way. The man was witty, kind, horribly late to his office hours, but passionate in the work that he did. On the first day of his classes–god, over two years ago now–Iruka was ready to give his newest professor a piece of his mind. Yes, evening classes sucked, but it was no excuse to leave your entire graduate class hanging for the better half of an hour!
But every curse flew away when Iruka saw Professor Hatake Kakashi strolling in, gray hair over the black eyepatch on his left side, and clad in a comfy blue knit sweater and jeans. Iruka’s anger was mighty, but so was his pounding heart and di–
“Isn’t it weird to ask him out of the blue? Since you're his student and everything?”
To be fair, Iruka will be graduating in a week with his Masters in Education in hand, thank you very much. While, yes, they still existed as professor and student, Iruka had spent time with Kakashi outside of classes and academics; they happened to be both part of the adult book club at the library in the next town over and enjoy the same cafe down the street to Iruka’s apartment. Their meet-ups were never really planned, moreso a casual “you want to grab a bite to eat before book club” or “the cafe has a limited edition sandwich we could check out” type of hang out.
Hatake Kakashi had been a pleasant part of Iruka’s day to day outside of classes and his scarce office hours. If Kakashi didn’t have the pretext of being Iruka’s professor, he might even consider the older man a friend.
Well…a friend he had feelings for.
When Iruka first told Anko about his predicament, she laughed for a solid 5 minutes before realizing that he was dead serious. Then when he told her about his plan to ask him out before he graduated, she had forced him to spill every single detail as to why he thought it was a good idea. Iruka knew it wasn’t. For most, a romantic relationship with a graduate professor was out of the question, but Iruka was not like most and he has soberly considered having Kakashi be a part of the rest of his life. He carefully weighed his options and even consulted multiple friends, in which Genma said “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” and that resonated with Iruka more than he’d like to admit.
He was a classic hopeless romantic, a realist in practice, and an absolute fool at matters of the heart.
“I’ll never know unless I try, right?” Iruka sighed, settling his nerves as he put on his backpack. He was ready to head out for Kakashi’s last office hours before finals and felt every single emotion–mainly anxiety–as he waved bye to his best friend. “I’m off!”
“Good luck! Let me know how it goes, lover-boy!”
Iruka didn’t waste time getting to Kakashi’s office. He did have questions to ask completely unrelated to his romantic endeavor, and he hoped no one else would come during this last session. A couple of his classmates passed by, probably coming from aforementioned office hours, and he greeted them politely, inwardly thanking them for already leaving.
When he reached the closed door, he slapped the sides of his face. We got this! Iruka had been preparing for this moment all week and he decided that the worst thing that could happen is that Kakashi would never talk to him again and report him for harassment, thus potentially barring him from receiving his degree, but!
There’s absolutely no way that would happen.
“Are you going to stand out there or come in?”
Iruka startled at Kakashi’s voice and hastily opened the door, nearly tripping over his own feet.
Kakashi drawled, teasingly, “How did I know it was you, Iruka-sensei?”
Oh god. Iruka mentally clutched his chest as he took in Kakashi’s face and honey-smooth voice. “Good evening, Kakashi-san,” he managed to greet. His professor often wore a mask in the classroom and outside, but in the comfort of his office where the air purifier on his desk hummed at the highest setting, the handsome man’s beauty mark, slim jaw, and that stupidly charming smile were out on display. It wasn’t good for Iruka’s blood pressure.
Kakashi chuckled quietly as he watched Iruka gather himself. The man would oftentimes be a little clumsy around the older, but Kakashi couldn’t deny the fact that he found it quite endearing. He also couldn’t deny that he was happy to see his ever diligent student meet him right before he graduated.
The pair went over Iruka’s questions, the younger smiled frequently and nodded attentively as if every word from Kakashi’s lips was gospel. The professor found himself averting his eyes from Iruka’s face every so often, his cheeks heating up to an uncomfortable degree. He wasn’t a fool and could tell that the brunet’s smile shined a little brighter that evening.
“What’s got you all smiley, sensei?” Kakashi asked, “Got a hot date?”
Iruka’s cheeks flared a pretty crimson, making Kakashi’s stomach flip traitorously. The man at the opposite side of his desk rubbed the back of his neck, “I–um…Not yet.”
“Not yet?”
“Well,” Iruka paused for a moment, seemingly steeling his nerves, “That’s what I wanted to ask you tonight, Kakashi-san.”
The professor’s eyebrows shot up but he sat motionless.
“I was wondering if you’d like to go out on a date next week after graduation…with me,” Iruka added. His posture was rigid, but exuded confidence and eagerness that affected the professor more than he’d like to admit. Still, Kakashi’s heart thrummed in his chest, completely speechless while a flurry of emotions swirled around him. “I won’t be your student anymore by then and–”
“Maa, Iruka,” Kakashi cut him off and sighed. God, he was absolutely flattered by Iruka’s request. Kakashi would be lying if he said that he didn’t return some of the fondness that Iruka seemed to exude towards him.
But that was the whole issue.
Kakashi had grown weary of his budding crush towards his own student, a phenomenon that has never happened in his entire professional career. Even though Iruka was 27, a responsible adult, he was still 11 years Kakashi’s junior and someone who was still figuring his life out. While he did enjoy their time chatting over a meal or reading a book in each other’s company…being with him…would be so far out of the realm of reality. Even if Iruka somehow carved a place for Kakashi, he wasn’t sure if he’d let himself into that space so easily.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Kakashi-san, I can make a powerpoint presentation why a date with me would be a fantastic idea.”
Iruka looked so serious at the notion of a powerpoint. It was an absolutely absurd idea, so much so that it sent a bubble of laughter out of Kakashi. He shook his head. Iruka should be studying for his finals, not convincing his professor to go out with him!
“I don’t expect you to return my feelings or expect you to even say yes,” Iruka’s warm brown eyes locked onto Kakashi’s steel grey with such intensity, “but I am serious. I really like you, Kakashi-san, and I would like to show you how much you mean to me.”
Pink burst all over Kakashi’s face at the confession, the sheer determination of the young man before him sent waves of butterflies all over his body. This possibly couldn’t be happening; He didn’t think this silly crush at 38 years would come to anything, yet Iruka was brought here to prove him wrong.
Kakashi sighed, mostly to himself and his finicky heart, “I can’t say that I feel or will feel the same way, but I will take your feelings seriously. I accept–”
Iruka inhaled sharply.
“Hold on, sensei…I accept to go out with you as friends after your graduation.” Kakashi was weaker than he thought and simply couldn’t pass on an opportunity to spend time with the younger man. Their time outside the classroom, whether it was working quietly at the cafe or sharing their thoughts on the latest trending romance novel, always left Kakashi feeling warm–like the first sip of tea on a cold evening or a large hoodie fresh out of the dryer. Kakashi never denied Iruka. And in rare moments of weakness, he went as far as initiating casual meet-ups himself.
Despite his proposition, Kakashi hoped he didn’t squander any of Iruka’s determination. Kakashi tried to reason with the other, “Friend dates are very popular now, aren’t they?”
He shouldn’t have said any more because Iruka chuckled melodiously, making Kakashi’s stomach somersault. The man was unperturbed. “If it means spending a day with Kakashi-sensei, then a friend date it.” Iruka beamed at him, making Kakashi’s stomach perform a full gymnastics routine in his gut.
After some plans were made, Kakashi had to admire Iruka’s preparedness and enthusiasm. It was easy to go along with Iruka’s ideas, all well thought out and even considering Kakashi’s interests.The man would have made a fantastic marketing major.
With the slightest hint of awkwardness, they returned back to their usual conversation as they walked out of the academic building towards Iruka’s apartment and the parking garage.
“Well, this is me,” Iruka said as he stopped in front of the old apartment complex. The soon to be Master in Education turned to face Kakashi and stuck his hand out, “Thank you for being my professor and mentor over the past two years, Kakashi-sensei.”
Kakashi amusedly took the man’s tanned hand, which was ever so slightly larger than his, and shook it firmly, “I wish you the best in your future endeavors, Iruka-sensei.”
They dropped their hands, although Iruka’s touch seemed to linger ever so slightly before falling to his side. He ran up the stairs and spoke loudly, “Have a good night Kakashi-san! I look forward to my future endeavors next week!”
Kakashi’s face flamed, but gave a two-finger salute as he started to walk away, readjusting his mask knowing the highs of his cheeks were still pink from earlier. God, what did he get himself into, he asked introspectively. But he knows what he did. The cynic in him told him he should’ve rejected Iruka, let the crush dissolve when the other man eventually moved on with a more fitting partner or moved away after graduating. But the romantic in him took the reins, albeit not fully, yet just enough to soften Kakashi’s resolve.
Iruka, with his kind and mischievous eyes and horizontal scar that mismatched perfectly with Kakashi’s, was a temporary happiness he wished to selfishly cling onto for just a little longer.
The week before their friend date passed by all too quickly, Kakashi thought. The tidying up he needed to get done was completely overthrown by his indecisiveness on what to wear for the NOT date with Iruka in oh…30 minutes. Half of Kakashi’s closet was on his bed and his floor and most definitely lost Pakkun somewhere in his frenzy. Eventually, Kakashi settled for a mocha colored cardigan over a slightly cropped black tee and wide legged jeans.
Ding-dong!
Kakashi’s head whipped towards his door as Pakkun jumped out of one of the many piles of clothing. The pug meandered his way through the mess and towards the front door of the town house.
“One second!” Kakashi yelled, sprinting to his bathroom to put on some cologne and then to the door. He took a deep breath and peeked through the peephole. It was only a glimpse of the familiar scarred nose, yet Kakashi still felt giddy at the sight.
Kakashi opened the door and was nearly blown away by the man before him. The usual ponytail was replaced with a half-up half-down style with a few bangs framing the sides of Iruka’s slightly crimson cheeks. He wore a forest green, short sleeve button up over a white shirt and blue jeans, his forearms and part of his tattoos on display for Kakashi to see. Much to his surprise, in Iruka’s hands–with a couple fingers bandaged up, Kakashi noted–was a full bouquet of flowers.
Kakashi took the flowers from Iruka with a blush, “I thought I said this was a friend date.”
“You did,” Iruka confirmed, but shot back immediately, “And I said I wanted you to show you how I feel, so consider this a small demonstration…Also, you look really handsome.” Iruka raked his eyes over Kakashi’s person, making the blush travel to his ears. His entire face now matched the pink and red camellias in the bouquet.
“Come on in, I’ll go put these in a vase.”
Kakashi didn’t try to hide his face behind the bouquet before grabbing a vase from underneath his sink. Much to his delight, all the flowers’ leaves below the vase line were already removed and their stems cut at a 45 degree angle. He briefly admired the flowers and centered them on his dining table to be appreciated for the next week. Without much thought, Kakashi removed a red camellia from the bunch and tied it to a string to let air dry beside his kitchen sink. It would be nice to have a remembrance for today.
When he glanced into the living room, Iruka was knelt on the ground receiving greeting licks and sniffs from Pakkun. Kakashi whistled, but the pug ignored his owner to continue receiving pets from their newest visitor. Iruka laughed sweetly at his dog, the sight and sound resonating in Kakashi’s chest. Perhaps he didn’t mind all too much that his own dog wouldn’t listen to him.
After bribing Pakkun with a slice of cheese, the pair left and Iruka drove them 30 minutes out of the city where their first stop was. It was also nice to know that Kakashi had a lovely singing voice as Iruka's playlist sang in the background of the drive.
The botanical garden was beautiful with the different plants bursting with color as they bloomed. It was all so picturesque and Kakashi wished he'd brought his camera to capture the vibrant hues of the flowers. He settled for phone pictures, but he also found himself taking pictures with Iruka. It was pleasant to be pulled into a few selfies with him, the younger man's hand at the small of his back and pulled against him.
It wasn't until they reached the cafe that the professor saw quite a difference in the way they were dressed. He frowned slightly when he saw that his outfit was similar to that of the grandfather sitting by his granddaughter on the other side of the cafe–his hair was even the same shade! As Iruka walked back with their drinks, Kakashi noted how fashionable and mature Iruka's sense of style was whereas Kakashi opted more for comfort. Iruka sipped on an iced salted caramel mocha made with almond milk, a little too sweet for Kakashi's taste, while he ordered a hot matcha latte made with oat milk. Even their different beverages made Kakashi overthink!
At the stools facing the garden, Iruka stared intently at Kakashi’s face. He opted to wear his prosthetic and forgo the mask since they would be spending most of their time outside. Did he somehow miss a spot while shaving? Kakashi watched as bronze eyes darted to his eyes, nose, lips before Iruka finally asked, “What sunscreen do you use, Kakashi-san? Your skin looks really nice…” The older tried to hide his blush behind the drink as he took a sip, but the warmth only seemed to spread. “…and cute when you blush.”
Kakashi nearly choked on his drink. Were young men this forward these days?! He wanted to scold Iruka for a ridiculous attempt at flirting (that worked amazingly well), but his soft smile and horrendous charm stopped any poison from spilling.
The next stop was a new bookstore that opened up right next to the hot pot place they both had been meaning to try out. Iruka watched as Kakash straightened from his slouch while he speedily walked towards the comic books and manga section. Besides the Icha-Icha novels Iruka had known Kakashi enjoyed, the man was also fond of a variety of manga series. Iruka watched as the man skimmed through the different titles, his hands in his pockets seemingly uninterested, but from the way Kakashi’s lips tilted up ever so slightly and the excited glint in his eyes, he knew the older one was vibrating with excitement.
Kakashi’s gaze slowly turned towards Iruka, causing the brunet to quickly turn to the shelf in front of him. Iruka hadn’t realized he was staring unabashedly at the other man, something he had been doing far too often within the past 3 hours. But it was difficult to resist Kakashi’s infectious enthusiasm. “Maa, Iruka, pick out a book.”
Iruka stuttered, “Oh, well I haven’t read as much manga as–”
“–Not for me,” Kakashi huffed. He took a step closer to Iruka, wafting the sweet cologne towards the younger man. “It’s a gift…for you.” Oh. “A graduation gift and as a thank you for today.”
Now it was Iruka’s turn to huff. He crossed his arms, “You don’t owe me anything Kakashi-san, I’m happy enough just spending time with you.”
Kakashi flushed. If he kept that up, Iruka would place his unmasked blush to the top of favorite colors.
“But I want to give you a gift. Nothing transactional about it. You’re still paying for dinner.”
Iruka laughed at the pout, comfort and the slightest bit of false hope bubbling in his chest. “Fine, fine. Let me see if they have the teaching book I wanted.”
“Nope,” Kakashi grabbed Iruka’s wrist just as the man started to walk away, “No books related to education, self help, or boring life stuff.” He lifted up a finger, “Only for pure entertainment, sensei.”
Hyper-aware of Kakashi’s hand still grasping his wrist, Iruka pulled his hand away to lace their fingers together. He smiled playfully, “Then follow me, Kakashi-san.”
Iruka tugged the man along, and almost considered taking a couple laps around the store to keep holding Kakashi’s hand. Unfortunately, he had to let go once he found the book he was searching for. Just as Iruka expected, the cold hardcover didn’t feel nearly as nice as Kakashi’s calloused fingers wrapped around his own.
“The Resentment of Chunshan1?” Kakashi peered over Iruka’s shoulder. His eyes widened slightly at the plastic wrapped novel. “By Liǔsù Miánhuā…Can’t say I’ve read this one, is it good?”
“Very, but I think you’ll just have to read it in the privacy of your bedroom,” Iruka smirked, knowingly. He received a skeptical look from Kakashi, his lips pursed into a straight line.
“Would this…Hrmm–WIll this give an equivalent experience of handing the cashier Icha-Icha?”
“Hmm…closer to buying the limited print of all three books…Plus the uncut version.”
Kakashi’s jaw dropped cutely as he gasped, “Iruka!”
The hypocrite clutched his chest, scandalized, but the clear smile on his lips betrayed his scolding. Iruka elbowed him playfully as he fought off a blush, “You said for entertainment purposes!”
Their bookstore visit concluded with little fanfare and nerves of steel as Kakashi checked out the porn novel. It was left to the quiet of their own thoughts, but neither man could get the feeling of the other’s hand out of their fingertips.
At the hot pot place next door, the pair sat across from one another and ordered a variety of meats and veggies for their meal. Partway into their dinner, Kakashi started to feel the heat of the spicier soup, while enjoying the flavor, did not appreciate the sweat forming at his temple. The man removed his cardigan, showing off his pale arms, smooth skin and slightly corded forearms indicating a shapely physique behind his somewhat soft exterior.
“Is the soup too spicy, Iruka?”
“No! It’s–Well. You’re ho–” Iruka’s face flamed as he stumbled over his words. They’re just his ARMS, Iruka! “–Ahem, the room is just getting a little hot…that’s all.” The teacher prayed that Kakashi didn’t think too deeply at his words; He didn’t expect that spending this much time with the man of his affections would turn his brain into mush.
Their dinner went by swiftly, the hum of the restaurant patrons turned to background noise for their exchange of stories and banter. Kakashi basked in the attention Iruka gave, similar but distinct from his demeanor in the classroom; Here, Iruka’s eyes danced, wandering from his prosthetic to his lips then back up. Perhaps there was something on his face he missed when he wiped.
Everything felt just as natural as their cafe hang outs, no awkwardness despite the younger’s emboldened flirting. Like usual, Iruka was always the chattier one between the two, but Kakashi felt compelled to match his former student’s engagement. The mood was comfortable and easy, even with the light banter of deciding which Star Wars Trilogy was better, Kakashi didn’t want the night to end.
But it had to, he told himself. He couldn’t let himself stray too far. From the start, Kakashi had planned to indulge so little in this hang out, establishing a boundary between a relationship that could not happen. Yet here he was, fondness and desire slipping past the striations of his heart and spilling into Iruka’s hands, desperately wishing to be held.
It started to storm on their way back to Kakashi’s house, the sound of rain dancing to their hushed conversation, both men full with delicious food and good company. Their drive back was quieter, perhaps because they had shared everything they could during this outing or they both quietly mourned the end of a wonderful day.
Iruka parked on the side street right beside the street lap in front of Kakashi’s townhome.
“Wait here,” Iruka said as he unconsciously patted right above Kakashi’s knee before opening the driver door, “Let me get an umbrella for you.”
He grabbed an umbrella from the trunk. Like a princely gentleman, Iruka rounded the front of his car, umbrella in his left hand, then opened Kakashi’s door and held out his hand. “It’s a little slippery.”
Although it was a little slippery, truthfully, to no one's surprise, Iruka simply wished to hold Kakashi’s hand once more before the night ended. They were a little clammy, but cool to the touch as their hands clasped. Kakashi felt himself about to stumble, but Iruka’s grip tightened ever so slightly and didn’t relent as they reached the front door. Once they reached the roofed porch, Kakashi let go and was about to thank Iruka, but stopped when he saw the man's brows tighten as he set the umbrella down.
His lips were pursed tightly, contemplating what he was about to say.
“I’m moving back to Konoha at the end of the month,” Iruka finally said. “I got a job in the Academy's social sciences department and I thought you should know.”
Iruka had waited the whole night to bring this up, perhaps in a whimsical hope that he could change Kakashi's mind about their…relationship. But the older man's face was unreadable, simply nodding as Iruka continued. “I’m slowly starting to move out. But if it's okay, I’d like to keep seeing you until I leave.”
Kakashi inhaled, carefully choosing what to say next. He was overcome with Iruka's eagerness, the way his eyes glossed, staring into Kakashi's bland grey. The affection that should have bloomed in his chest turned bitter instead. He hated that he felt heartbroken over a wonderful accomplishment and didn’t date to meet Iruka’s eyes, “We shouldn't continue this.”
“Why?” Iruka shifted his body weight uncomfortably. “It doesn’t have to be a date, I just want to see you. As friends.” Kakashi shook his head, averting his eyes from Iruka's devoted intensity. “How's it so different from what we were doing before? ”
Because now I know my feelings are returned, Kakashi thought as he lifted his gaze in an attempt to face his affliction head on.
Iruka was a whirlwind ever since he came into Kakashi's life, sweeping him away with his charming confidence and determined passion for his work. But Kakashi was afraid to chase it, unfamiliar with the blooming affection for his stude–-former student. So he'd rather stay within the confines of his heart, safe and lonely, as the foundation shook with how much it wished to be carried away.
“You should be friends with people closer to your age,” Kakashi joked to try and lighten the load on his chest, “not someone 10 years older than you.”
“You’re right,” Iruka whispered almost angrily. But all rational thought flew out the window, “So I guess I must have hallucinated the last two years and all my memories with you.”
“You’ll get over it.” Kakashi snapped. Biut his narrowed eyes and frigid words didn't match his desire. Iruka didn’t back down or cower, still Kakashi eased his tone, “Look, we agreed that this was just an outing between friends–”
“--I know.” Iruka mumbled almost childishly.
“And I’m really flattered that you feel strongly about me.” Iruka looked apologetically at Kakashi. “I said I was going to take your feelings seriously and I am, Iruka. Which is why I’m telling you that you should explore some more, find your place and enjoy your youth.” God he was starting to sound like Gai. Kakashi let his voice soften, almost tempted to reach out to grasp the man's shoulder, but he was worried that he wouldn't be able to let go. “I did have a lot of fun,” Kakashi let himself admit, “and I’m happy I got to spend time with you before you set off on the next chapter of your life.”
Iruka smiled and tried not to scoff. He appreciated his words and still wanted to shake some sense into the older man. Call it a fool’s errand or a wasted effort, but Iruka wanted to spend his youth with Kakashi! He refused to call his train of thought immature or inexperienced because Iruka had spent countless nights trying to figure all of this out. These foolhardy feelings have become more irrefutable the longer time went on, but here they were being expectedly shot down.
“I guess you’re right,” Iruka lied to himself. As much as his heart seemed to bend and twist, Iruka dared to keep reaching out, hoping that Kakashi would allow him the smallest bit of his attention. “But I can’t say I won’t check up on you every once in a while. I do have your number.”
“I don’t doubt that one bit.” Kakashi smiled despite his struggle to deny him. He should tell the younger to cut him off in any personal or even platonic capacity, but it was also on Kakashi for being unable to completely unbind himself from Iruka.
“Guess this is it then,” Iruka said. The air between them turned acrid and unsure, but ever the pleasantly resilient man he was, Iruka still smiled, “Thank you for today.”
The silver haired man forced himself to mirror his upturned lips, ignoring the strange burn forming behind his eyes. He wouldn't crumble under this, there was no need to mourn or be emotional over this short-lived affair, so he mustered the last of his energy.
“Maa, it was my pleasure.”
The night had to end eventually.
Iruka showed no mercy as he smiled blindingly amongst the tension, “Have a good night, Kakashi-sensei.”
Kakashi’s stomach churned at the honorific, almost nauseated by the way the politeness spilled from Iruka’s lips. He craved the familiarity he only got a morsel of, the touches of Iruka's hands at the small of his back and laced with his fingers. Desire clawed at Kakashi's stomach, he was starving.
But shut his eyes as he returned the smile, hoping that nothing would spill as he watched the brightness that was Umino Iruka walk into the storm.
“You too.”
Kakashi turned. He unlocked his front door. He stepped inside, his eyes fixed to the floor.
He tried not to turn around knowing Iruka’s car was still parked at the curb waiting for him to be safely inside. He tried not to pay attention to the now stinging heat behind his eyes when he finally shut the door behind him. He tried not to immediately regret pushing Iruka away under the pretense of encouraging him to explore.
And god did he try to wipe the rain from his face when he heard the car finally drive off, knowing that he was the only one to blame for the downfall.
Pakkun materialized before his blurred vision as a fuzzy blob of caramel. He gestured via biting on Kakashi’s pant leg for his owner to kneel down to his height to greet him warmly. The pup licked the salt from his cheeks making Kakashi laugh lightly as he fought off his affections that momentarily distracted him from the ache in his chest.
“I’m alright, Pakkun,” Kakashi said. The dog was not convinced, barking at his owner then scratching the front door almost as if he knew that Iruka was just outside, almost as if he was telling Kakashi to go back. Deluded by his remorse, he had half a mind to look through the peephole. Kakashi raked his hand through his hair and sighed. “No one’s there. It’s just you and me, boy.”
Pakkun whined and bolted past Kakashi into their empty living room. What’s gotten into him? The dog was usually asleep by this hour, then again so was Kakashi, but he was filled with energy as he zoomed around the kitchen. When Kakashi tried to follow him with red-rimmed eyes, vibrant pinks and reds bloomed at the corner of his vision. The flowers on his dining table brightened the room, but made his heart ache momentarily. He touched the petals of a pink flower, tugging on it until it broke off.
After a week, Kakashi thought, all the flowers would have wilted, rotted and discolored. They were never meant to last.
Kakashi discarded the detached petal then followed Pakkun to his bedroom, bones and heart weary from the evening. He walked into the tornado of clothes of his own doing and dragged his hand down his face. That was a tomorrow problem, Kakashi decided tiredly.
After doing the bare minimum, Kakashi pushed the clothes to one side of his bed and let his head hit the pillow. But his heart would not let him go gently into the night as a rush of the day’s events filled his brain. He sighed, but instead of pushing it down, Kakashi methodically recalled each minute, choosing to reflect rather than suppress. By the end, he found himself smiling sleepily at the pleasant moments turned memories, right up until the time he recalled the drive back to his house.
At last, his mind finally settled. Kakashi slipped into unconsciousness, only dreaming of a single red camelia–dried and vibrant–preserved to last until it was forgotten.