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The dreamless sleep Kakashi is experiencing is in fact so dreamless that when he wakes, he thinks he may be dead.
He’s startled awake, something being thrown at him, soft but thrown for sure. He’s sitting up in a split second, both eyes open and heart racing, chakra pooled around his center, ready for whatever threat he’s woken up to.
Except the only thing he sees is Naruto, clad in what’s definitely frog pajamas about five feet away.
“Iru said it’s time for breakfast.” Naruto yawns and Kakashi blinks away adrenaline. The kid had thrown a pillow at him.
He sighs deeply at that and turns his head to the ceiling.
Minato- your kid is a menace. Is this some type of penance? It feels more like Kushina’s work really. He can hear her laughing, brash and vibrant somewhere at his suffering.
“Naruto!” Iruka emerges in the doorway, brow furrowed and nose scrunched as his gaze flicks between Kakashi sitting up in bed, the victim of an attempted pillow related homicide and Naruto, pretending to be innocent.
“I said knock on his door, not throw things at him! Now go set the breakfast table and give him some space.” Iruka runs his fingers through Naruto’s bed head and gently pushes him in the direction of the kitchen. They both watch him pad away on barefeet.
“Sorry about that. You have to be really specific with him or he starts freestlying.” Iruka pinches the bridge of his nose, but it doesn’t do anything to hide the small smile on the corner of his lips.
“I should uh-,” Kakashi swallows, glancing at the window and not the door, gripping the sheets in thought. I should go. Run. Escape. This type of domesticity isn’t meant for me (I’m not meant for this).
“What you should do-,” Iruka looks at him pointedly, crossing his arms and gesturing to the dresser on the other side of the room, “is join us for breakfast. I’ve got clean clothes there-i’m sure you can find something that works. It’ll be ready in 10. You’ll need to hurry if you want the good pancakes because Naruto already called dibs on 2 of them.”
Kakashi stares at Iruka here. Looks him up and down, blinking hard and thoughtful before comically turning towards the dresser and then back to him. The younger man has gotten taller and Kakashi is noticing he stands taller too, shoulders straight and strong. But it’s juxtaposed by the silly frog sleep shirt he’s still clad in (it matches Naruto’s, he realizes in amusement) and fluffy pants that definitely had to be Anko’s (or maybe genma’s?) in bright pink. His hair is tied back loosely too, so different from the military ponytail he usually sports.
“So.. see you in 10?” Iruka tilts his head just enough a piece of hair falls in his eyes and Kakashi is grateful they aren’t closer because he’s certain he would not be able to fight the urge to tuck it back behind his ear.
Like an idiot, Kakashi just nods and watches Iruka exit.
Ah yes. Ever the master of social interaction. Very smooth Kakashi.
He feels a bit weird about rifling through Iruka’s dresser drawers, but he does manage to find a pair of loose, casual pants and a shirt without something embarrassing on it. It’s a soft, faded blue and has sleeves long enough he doesn’t feel too exposed, even with the mask still on.
He skips the headband and opts to let his eye close loosely, hair flopping forward just enough to cover the top of his scar there.
He wouldn’t normally go anywhere without a uniform or headband, feels too exposed without it, but something about this apartment makes him feel like he can manage (or maybe, the people in it).
He takes a deep breath and exits Iruka’s bedroom.
“Ah, Naruto! You need to be patient. You already called dibs, no need to fight for them. It’s impolite to start eating before everyone gets to the table ya know.” Iruka huffs, finalizing the table set by pouring Naruto a glass of orange juice.
Immediately the kid grabs the cup with both hands, chugging the juice and Iruka sighs heavily.
“You said I couldn’t eat, not that I couldn't drink.” Naruto grins up at him, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, sharp teeth glinting behind the smile.
“I- actually you make a good point. I’ll make sure to be more specific next time.” Iruka grins down at him and rolls his eyes playfully.
Naruto and Iruka have been sharing breakfast at the table for a few months now and they had a routine for pancake Thursdays.
The routine didn’t usually involve a guest, but Iruka supposes he wasn’t really a guest anymore. He’s more of a stray dog actually and the more he thinks about it, that fits perfectly. He’s skittish and only comes around when he’s comfortable, but he definitely craves the attention and affection as much as he pretends he doesn’t.
Iruka busies himself by plating food making sure Naruto has plenty of napkins.
Being a parent at nineteen wasn’t really what he had ever planned on, but here he is mirroring the things he remembers his parents doing for him from the other side of the table.
It comes easier than some things, he supposes.
“This looks really good.” Kakashi admits, his stomach flipping in hunger trying and failing to recall the last time his breakfast didn’t come from a package or shinobi issued protein packs.
“What, surprised I didn’t burn the place down?” Iruka smirks and shoots him a look, seating himself to join the other two and making his own plate.
“Mmm. Maybe a little.” Kakashi gives Iruka a closed eyed smile, finally feeling more awake and the younger man snorts unapologetically.
“Breakfast is the one thing I have going for me. It’s like the only thing I can cook without catching it on fire.” He admits, taking a bite of his own pancake, eyes rolling in self exasperation.
“Mhm. We have breakfast a lot! Sometimes not even at breakfast. Did you know you can have breakfast for any meal?” Naruto blurts across the table and Kakashi almost laughs at how red Iruka’s face gets at Naruto’s comment.
“It’s pretty tasty. Maybe it’s not so bad if you have it other times too. Is this your favorite meal?” Kakashi asks Naruto, who seems to ponder that for a few seconds.
Across from him, Iruka’s face splits into a smile and Kakashi knows he’s being stared at, but he can’t bring himself to retreat.
“Nah. My favorite food is Ichiraku’s! That old man makes food really good! Iruka and I go there a ton!” Naruto still lacks volume control, but his sentences are getting fuller. At least from what Kakashi remembers. Though manners seems to still be a work in progress…calling him “old man” is probably not the best way to put it.
“Alright, well now that we’re done exposing my terrible parenting and eating habits how about we finish our food so you can get a shower Naruto? And brush your teeth. I can smell you from all the way over here.” Iruka jokes, putting another breakfast sausage on Naruto’s plate.
Naruto promptly blows a raspberry in Iruka’s face and Kakashi watches with rapt attention the way Iruka shoves his hand in Naruto’s face, playfully pushing him.
“Gross naruto!” He sticks his tongue out at Naruto and it’s so childlike that Kakashi finds himself laughing, just a little bit. Just a tiny laugh, almost a cough. Basically.
“Don’t laugh! I’m a victim!” Iruka jokes, tossing himself against the counter dramatically while he collects dirty dishes.
“Yeah definitely. Bested by a five year old.” Kakashi rolls his eyes and something flickers in Iruka’s.
“As I recall, weren’t you crying victim about a pillow being thrown at you this morning?” Iruka relaxes back into the counter, arms crossed and Kakashi realizes this is the first time he’s really seen Iruka’s arms not covered in standard issue long sleeves.
He’s covered in ink, not art but faint seals-some fresh and some older. The sigils and calligraphy travel up and under his short sleeves, the rest hidden.
He’s also stronger looking than Kakashi remembers him being a few months ago. Or maybe it’s just that feeling in his stomach again, that twist and anxiety at the sight of Iurka’s arms, toned and confidently crossed over his chest.
Kakashi stands up suddenly, embarrassingly quick.
“You cooked. I’ll wash up.” Kakashi might have some manners in there somewhere, after all this time. Iruka looks at him and then at Naruto and then back at him, like he wants to decline out of politeness but Kakashi can see the bags under his eyes despite the smile on his face.
Iruka is tired.
The kind of tiredness that comes from taking care of too many things on your own.
“Alright. I’ll go make sure this one gets into the tub and then I'll be back to help dry and put them away. Thank you.” He smiles genuinely and ushers a jumping Naruto into the hallway, leaving Kakashi to a sink full of dirty dishes and the distant sound of a child's laughter.
Kakashi does busy himself with the dishes, something rhythmic and routine enough he can move his thoughts elsewhere.
He’s got a mission coming up. Duration undefined.
He’s never had a need to tell anyone when he’s going to be gone and hasn't had anyone particularly concerned about his absence enough to worry about letting them know.
He can hear Minato’s son- Naruto- going on about something he can’t make out in the other room and Iruka’s comforting and warm voice going along with whatever conversation ensues. The window is cracked slightly, just enough for the noise of busy streets below and the sound of leaves on the trees moving gently.
It feels- he can’t explain it. Not in words.
He’d felt this briefly- remembers being tugged along by Obito and Rin through the village before a mission, Kushina and Minato conversing in front of them. A D-rank and sensei paid meal afterward.
It feels like that. Not exactly, but close.
“Are you coming with us to Shika’s?” Naruto is at his side, small hand tugging on the hem of his shirt, wide, familiar eyes boring up at him.
“Naruto, what did I tell you about grabbing people, especially shinobi? You need to ask first.” Iruka’s voice lacks any sort of nagging, soft and kind.
“Oh right! Sorry Iru.” Naruto releases his grip on his shirt and Kakashi sets the last dish in the drying rack, turning a bit to keep both of them in view.
“Mah, it’s alright Naruto.” He pats his little blonde head, much like he would a puppy. It’s awkward and all he knows, but Naruto beams up at him and he can’t bring himself to feel too embarrassed.
“Shika said we can go and see the deer today. Did you know his house has a whole lake behind it? One time his dad let us all play there but he said we can’t do it again without a shinobi. Have you ever been to-” Naruto’s face gets a little red, words flying out faster than Kakashi feels prepared to catalogue any of them.
“Deep breath, kid." Iruka inerjects, "Why don’t you go pick out which sandals you want to wear and we can invite Kakashi to come with us once you’ve got your sandals on. I’m sure he’d love to hear about what you’ve learned at the Nara grounds soon.” Iruka redirects him almost effortlessly and Kakashi would be lying if he said he wasn’t impressed.
They watch Naruto skip off to pick out some sandals and Kakashi stares at him curiously.
“I didn’t realize you were familiar with Shikaku Nara.” he prompts, leaning back into the counter to study Iruka’s body language. His weight shifts, arm rubbing the back of his neck and Kakashi catalogues it away with every other small detail he’s noticing today.
“Ah- that’s mostly all Naruto,-” he lowers his voice, out of earshot of Naruto, “despite the fact every adult has an opinion, there are a lot of kids he’s managed to make friends with. Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi were two of the first. Scared me shitless when he dragged me to the compound the first time.” Iruka snorts softly, rolling his eyes at what Kakashi can only assume is a fond memory.
“It’s good to have allies-friends,” kakashi corrects, “-especially clan kids.” He adds.
“Yeah- I uh I did make a deal kind of. More than just friendship- I do have a standing legal contract with Shikaku Nara. I do some classified stuff and they provide protection and childcare in the event that I’m mission bound- or uh if something else happened to me.” Iruka admits, watching Naruto put the sandal on the wrong foot, then correct and put it on the right.
It’s a quiet moment and Kakashi finds himself watching some type of emotion cross Iruka’s face he can’t really name.
The sunlight from the kitchen window is coming in just enough he notices the light splattering of freckles across Iruka’s nose, delicate around scarred skin and traveling up his cheekbones.
“What- something on my face?” Iruka wipes at his mouth, insecure before Kakashi shakes his head and adds another embarrassing thing to his mental list- lifts a finger to point at Iruka's nose.
“Freckles.”
How poignant.
“Uh-,” Iruka’s cheeks turn bright red, “yeah. I get them usually in the summer or if I'm outside a lot. We’ve been doing some training and spending a lot of time outside so…” he trails off and then they sit in an awkward silence until Naruto skips to the two of them.
He grabs Iruka’s hand with fervor and Iruka lets himself be pulled dramatically.
“Are you coming too? You can meet my friends!” Naruto’s big blue eyes stare up at him and for whatever reason, Kakashi nods in agreement.
Though he knows he needs to pack, to say something, he can’t bring it in him to cut things off here. He supposes it won’t hurt to be out a bit later- he can pack at a moment’s notice really. That’s kind of his whole schtick, isn’t it?
Together, the three of them start their trek to the Nara compound.
The only catch about going to the Nara compound, the quickest route without ninjutsu, is to take one of the busiest streets in the village.
Kakashi doesn’t typically take streets like this. Hasn’t since he was little- before his dad- before everything got all distant and fuzzy.
He’s not exactly comfortable. He can pretend- what ninja can’t blend into a crowd? But he wouldn’t say he’s enjoying the walk. (except for maybe, distantly, somehow he is enjoying the company.)
Iruka holds Naruto’s hand, tugs him a little closer as they pass through. People do glance, some stare, but Iruka and Naruto were pretty much common knowledge now and from what he’s heard- Iruka had scared off most of the bolder people.
Then, instinct, habit or something else entirely, Iruka gently reaches for Kakashi’s hand, tugging him in closer too.
The touch is a bit startling, but he doesn’t pull away as Iruka pulls them both confidently up the street and through another until they make it all the way through the gate check at the compound and right up to Shikaku Nara’s door.
Still, hands intertwined.
Huh.
This is one of those things that Kakashi doesn’t even know how to deal with. Would he want to? Shikaku Nara blinks once at the arrival, visibly stunned. It’s not a common look for the man and Kakashi is being given a look of interest, but not something Iruka seems to notice at all.
His hand is dropped when Iruka places both hands on Naruto’s shoulders, smiling brightly.
As if on cue, Naruto beams and holds a thumb out in front of him, “Thank you for having me over! We are grateful for your hospital.” Iruka coughs and corrects, “hospitality-” he says gently. Naruto nods enthusiastically and mimics-”hospitality!”
Shikaku smiles and slides the door open wider, leaving a conveniently sized Naruto gap. The kid doesn’t waste a second and speeds inside, calling his friends names and barreling through the house.
Immediately, Iruka turns to Kakashi with a, “we’re working on it. But at least it’s authentic?” He rubs the back of his neck, tilting his head up to look at him with such a soft expression that Kakashi immediately looks away.
“You two can come on in for a bit. I will say, I wasn’t expecting you Hatake. I didn’t know you two were that acquainted.” It’s not a question, but it’s an acknowledgement of the oddness of it all.
Trying to figure out what to say to that makes him want to abort whatever mission he took on coming here, but before he can even think about whether he’d rather exit a window our shinshuin, Iruka responds easily, pulling the attention away from him.
“I have more friends than just Naruto and Anko, sir. I think you were the one to suggest I branch out a bit- besides, I’ve also brought along some of the updates I’ve worked on, pending your approval. Oh and Naruto wants him to meet his friends. He’s very excited. All he’s been talking to me about lately is the deer, feeding deer-nara compound this nara compound that.”
Iruka rambles, taking his spot at the table, silently signaling Kakashi to sit beside him, casually passing a scroll across the table. From the window, Kakashi can see Naruto and his friends- the Nara kid and Akimichi one all out in the grass, playing some sort of tag game he vaguely remembers.
“Why don’t you go meet them? We’ll be out in a few and then as long as Naruto is good we can head out for the say.” Iruka lets his pinky tap his glove, pulling him from his thoughts.
He nods and leaves them to it, taking orders quietly and heading outside. It’s easier than trying to navigate whatever conversation the two of them had been having anyway.
Kakashi leaves and Shikaku watches him go before turning to Iruka.
“I don’t think I’ve seen him outside of a mission desk in years.” he points out, eyes scanning the document nonchalantly. He watches Iruka’s eyes follow Kakashi’s form outside the window, the kids distantly surrounding him, likely asking a thousand inappropriate questions or asking to see something sharp (they do this more often than not).
“He’s like a stray. I’m working on it, but he’s eating all his meals and usually comes back. He’s good for Naruto. Plus he helps me wash dishes while I wrangle Naruto so I can’t ever complain.” He smiles.
“And maybe he’s good company too.” Iruka adds thoughtfully.
“Hm.” Shikaku doesn’t say more than that and they busy themselves with working out the details of the next round of gate security.
Kakashi feels very out of his depth. Firstly- he has no idea how to really interact with kids, especially without Iruka there to decode their behaviors and redirect their questions. Secondly, they’ve invited him to play which is incredibly ridiculous.
“You’re going to close your eyes and count to thirty and then find us!” Naruto’s little hands tug his headband over both his eyes, a move he doesn’t fight in the slightest. (he’s certain Naruto is far too fragile for Kakashi to touch).
“Wait he’s a ninja! That’s cheating. He can totally find us with his eyes closed, Naruto!” The red head groans. He can hear the shuffling of tiny sandals and what is definitely Naruto pacing.
“Ughh can we just go hide already?” Shikamaru groans and Naruto huffs.
“Wait!” Naruto touches his headband again and Kakashi holds his breath.
“You have to promise not to cheat, Kashi!” Naruto says, proudly as if this solves every issue they could possibly have right now.
Kakashi holds up his hand, “I promise.” He’s most certainly lying, but when a child asks you to promise something, Iruka has taught him you almost always say yes to gain their trust.
This seems to do it. He can hear the three scatter, Naruto calling out for him to count to thirty one more time.
It is for certain the longest thirty seconds of his life. Even with his eyes closed, he can still tell exactly where each of them are. Naruto’s chakra is unmistakable. The other two are simply loud. He’s certain one is snacking and the other is playing with a pile of leaves they’ve settled by.
Once his thirty seconds are up, he pops his headband back up and pretends to look thoughtfully out at the empty yard. How much is he supposed to pretend here? Where is Iruka when you need him?
At that thought, he turns and looks directly into the house, locking eyes with Iruka. His expression is completely deadpan and a cry for help. He’s practically begging for mercy.
Iruka just smiles and gives him a thumbs up.
Useless.
He pretends to look in some trees, just past where he knows Naruto is curled up in a bush. Then, the bush giggles and kakashi can’t pretend anymore that he’s overlooked him.
“Gotcha.” He reaches into the bush, Naruto’s pouting face finding his.
“Awe man.” He grumbles, dusting off his pants.
“Bushes aren’t known for making noise.” Kakashi says, giving him a closed eye smile.
“Tch. Yeah I guess. Come on, let’s find shika. If you wait too long to find him he falls asleep.” Naruto grabs the hem of his shirt, tugging him in the direction of a bush that seems to be wearing a pair of sandals. Go figure.
The kid is asleep actually.
“Ah- shika come onnnnn we just got out here!” Naruto whines and Kakashi watches the kid rub his eyes and frown.
Choji, Kakashi learns, is found pretty quickly after that.
He ends up summoning some of his pack- it’s the only way he can think to keep the kids entertained any longer without having to do anything interesting himself and it stops them from asking him random questions he doesn’t want to answer.
The next twenty minutes are spent with squealing children running around chasing dogs back and forth, rolling in the dirt and learning how to pet gently.
He vaguely remembers the first time his father summoned the pack to keep him company when he was only a few years old. He thinks he had done something similar, so maybe he’s not doing so badly.
The kids start getting tired after that, yawning and when they start slowing down, the three huddle together, heads together and whispering something Kakashi doesn't care about in the slightest.
It seems they’ve sent Naruto as their ambassador, because the kid looks up at him with big eyes and asks if Kakashi can carry them all back to the house and that Shikamaru’s dad normally does but he’s busy and they are very tired.
What kind of world is he living in?
This is how Kakashi ends up back in the Nara household, Choji on his back and a kid in each arm, snoozing away. He feels ridiculous and even more ridiculous when Yoshino Nara coos at the sight of them.
“Perfect! You wore them out. If you toss them all in that first room they’ll be fine. A nap will do them some good anyway.” She busies herself by opening up the fridge and he takes that as his cue to go do as he’s told.
When he returns empty handed, Iruka is waiting near the door, saying his goodbyes to the Nara family.
“Oh perfect timing. Come on- this is the best time to go get some grocery shopping done without Naruto trying to throw random items in the cart. Plus if you help me carry the bags I will buy you lunch.” Iruka grabs his wrist gently, tugging him out the door before he can protest.
“Wait- thank them for having us!” He pauses and motions for Kakashi to do so.
“Thank you.” Shikaku looks at him like he’s grown a second head, but at least Yoshino smiles and waves them off.
“Don’t worry about coming by to pick him up tomorrow. I’ll escort him. Probably our turn anyway.” Shikaku waves them goodbye and Iruka bows a bit, tugging Kakashi along wordlessly.
“If we start in the market district, we can make it to the sale at the-,” Iruka stops in his tracks, and turns to face him so suddenly that he almost takes a step back.
“Actually- what if we don’t go grocery shopping..?” Iruka looks him up and down, voice lifting at then end in something Kakashi can’t read.
“What um- what if we get something to eat and then just go back to the apartment?” Iruka shifts, makes himself smaller in a way Kakashi isn’t really used to seeing.
It looks disjointed on him.
Kakashi’s stomach flips and on whatever is left of his human decency pulls him forward.
“That sounds like it could be the best idea you’ve had so far.” He feels himself smile under the mask, whether at his own wit or the way Iruka flushes at such a silly compliment.
This is how Iruka finds himself with his hair tied back loosely, notebook in hand beside Kakashi on a worn couch, window cracked for the cool air of the evening. He’s well aware he’s pushing the boundaries of personal space- but Kakashi doesn’t actually seem to mind. In fact-
Iruka slides himself down on the couch, feet kicked up on the edge and rests his head on the older man’s thigh, choosing to stare up at the notebook he’s got in his hands rather than Kakashi’s face for any indication this is too much.
He’s a bit worried he may be too much.
He throws himself into his notes to quell his worry.
Above him, Kakashi ignores the words written on the page in favor of staring at Iruka from the corner of his eye. He’s got long, dark lashes and from above him he can see the way they rest delicately on the apple of his cheeks.
Like with most things, Kakashi ruins the moment. Perhaps it was too domestic, too soft, too safe-regardless, the words spill from his mouth before he can admire the slope of his jaw or the way his hair cascades across his thigh.
“I’m leaving for a mission in the morning.” It’s the most information he can give. They both know he’s not just a shinobi, and without batting an eye, Iruka sits up and twists slightly, leaning into the couch to look him in the face.
Kakashi watches with wrapt attention as Iruka gently moves the book he’s been pretending to read down and smiles softly.
“Do your best, then.” It’s a soft nod that follows the standard mission desk response to handing out a mission- something Iruka has said hundreds of times over the years.
“-and upon your return, I suppose I can let you pick what we have for dinner.” It’s a statement that leaves no room for argument, but it’s more than that.
Iruka’s voice is firm, smile still there, but there’s a tiny shake in the fingers wrapped around the couch cushion, like he’s afraid Kakashi is going to reject this offer, push him away and leave and not return.
It cannot go unnoticed that this is his first thought. Kakashi has a lot of first thoughts that are less than savory most of the time.
His second thought, however, follows a thick swallow, the tips of his ears becoming red hot and a quick and firm nod.
It seems to be enough, because his small smile splits into a grin and something brightens a tiny bit behind Iruka’s eyes.
Iruka glances at the clock and then back at Kakashi.
“Did you eat enough? We can make something quick! Rice and something savory- I’ve got a little bit of a protein left. You’re hydrated right? I don’t think I’ve seen you drink anything all day!” Iruka sits up abruptly, about to leap off the couch before he stills.
Kakashi is staring at him like he’s grown a second head.
You nag too much, Iruka. Quit your worrying. So whiny-
“Ah- sorry. That’s rude of me. I’m sure you’re plenty prepared for your mission.”
There it is again- that shrinking Kakashi noticed when he decided not to get groceries. It doesn’t look good on him.
“I suppose we could share a meal. Actually- I think there is some stuff I need to use before leaving. We could cook there, if you don’t mind. You’d be doing me a favor, really.” Kakashi responds before he can reconsider.
A look crosses Iruka’s face, deep in thought before he smiles and nods.
“Sure! I can grab my-”
Kakashi wraps an arm around his middle before he finishes his thought and the world shifts his apartment into what is surely Kakashi’s.
Well, he’s at least got his house slippers still on.
Kakashi releases him like’s on fire, two steps back as he reorients himself.
Kakashi is already opening the fridge and pulling out some ingredients as Iruka lets his eyes wander around the apartment.
It’s nearly empty. Certainly not the apartment of a man who frequented company, or at least not company that spent more than a singular purpose here. There’s a bookshelf, that’s what draws him forward. It’s mostly some standard issue shinobi texts. Basic seals, techniques, history and geography. There's a whole shelf dedicated to the orange novels he carries around, though they don’t interest Iruka all that much.
There is a shelf though, with more of what looks like journals- hand bound text. They look older, but well read from the creases in the spine. Kakashi is focused on gathering the needed items and definitely subtly wiping up the dust that's an inch thick on the counters.
Iruka knows he’s very aware that he’s wandering around his personal items, but again he certainly isn’t stopping him.
The very corner of the shelf holds one framed picture.
Team 7. Kakashi’s genin team. Kakashi with two wide eyes and surrounded by smiling faces.
Iruka had forgotten what they had looked like, his memory of that time slightly blurred over the years, but now in focus. He doesn’t linger, and doesn't want to bring up anything that might make Kakashi feel anything but well rested for his mission.
“Did you bind these yourself?” Iruka asks, turning his attention back to the handmade journals rather than the photo that he can’t get out of his mind. Kakashi looks up and nods between unwrapping what looks like some meat from the local market.
“Most of them are mine. Some my father bound before me. It’s mostly notes, jutsu I modify or something I created.” He skillfully cuts the meat as he answers, without really looking up.
Iruka looks closer and then recognizes.
“Wait-”, he crouches, gently running his finger down the spine of a familiar notebook, “is this..mine?” He turns to meet Kakashi’s gaze who has stopped cutting the meat, dead in his tracks.
“Oh- uh,” again, how poignant, “you left it in that training spot. That day you busted your elbows. I intended to return it to you, but… life I suppose.” It feels like a half truth, but Iruka can’t help the way his heart warms in his chest.
“Let me help you cook- here I suggested a meal and you are doing everything, even hosting. Hang on.” Iruka leaves his spot by the bookcase, despite the way the notebook he’s certain is filled with memories calls him.
“Mah I don’t mind.” You do enough for me. You do enough for everyone. You don’t have to help when you’re the only reason I'm able to stomach eating anyway.
“Tsk. At least let me wash the rice.” He bumps Kakashi’s hip gently, doing the busy work of washing the rice. It’s quiet after that the kitchen just gently sounds of cooking prep and soft breathing.
They make a good pair, Iruka thinks, despite the way the thought makes his stomach flip.
When they’re done they eat in peaceful silence. It’s chilly in Kakashi’s apartment, but the food is warming and perhaps so is the company.
“Do you think you’ll need someone to check in on your apartment while you’re away?” Iruka asks gently between bites.
Kakashi hums. “I think it will be alright. I’ll dispose of anything left over after tonight before leaving tomorrow. It’s been empty for much longer than most.” It’s dismissive, but speaks volumes.
The apartment is empty for a reason and Kakashi plans on keeping it that way.
“Besides- I think the first night back someone promised me a meal at their place, so I don’t think it will need much upkeep anyway.” Kakashi pretends not to notice the way his cheeks warm up despite the food cooling off and elects to ignore the way Iruka grins into his next bite.
“Ya know,” Iruka starts and Kakashi can’t help but recognize the turn of phrase he’s certainly picked up from Naruto (who somehow got it from Kushina via the absolute will of woman long gone), “you’ve never been anything but kind to me.” It's a statement, not a question. It’s Iruka giving him the opportunity to withhold answer, giving him the chance to change the subject easily.
“You were kind first.” Is all he says, opting to take their dishes and washing them gently in the sink, leaving Iruka to his own stunned thoughts.
“I thought you were an ass actually. At first. A pompous early graduate with an attitude problem.” Iruka grins over his shoulder and Kakashi snorts at the honesty.
“You were right on the nose then. I thought you were a snot nosed academy wanna be. Well- until that day you almost broke my nose with a barrier jutsu you created with no warning.” Kakashi admits, coming back to settle on the other end of the table, two cups of tea in hand.
Any other night, he’s sure they might share something nicer, but the looming long term mission hangs just behind him. Tea is easier than sake on a night like this.
“Hey, I tried to warn you. You’re just stubborn and wouldn’t listen.” Iruka crosses his arms, nose tuned up a bit comically.
The energy in the room shifts to something lighter.
“I’m pretty sure you were just trying to impress me actually. Looking back.” Kakashi gives a closed eye smile when Iruka sputters, coughing on his tea.
“Well- you did start paying attention to me after that. So maybe it was, just a little bit. That easy to read, huh?.” he admits, refusing to make eye contact but scratching the edge of his scar.
What a silly thing to be embarrassed about nearly a decade later.
“I think it’s a good thing. That you wear your heart on your sleeve. That’s your strength.. Amongst other things of course.” Iruka looks up at that, a soft smile on his face.
Anbu Hound completes his mission three days earlier than planned, no injuries to add to a mission report this time.