Archive of Our Own ^beta

”What’s wrong?” Tenzou asks Kakashi, exasperated already by his moody friend.

Kakashi sighs for the umpteenth time. Tenzou is glad that Kakashi still comes around to see him, even after leaving ANBU, but lately, the man has been insufferable. “I’m on medical leave from missions for a few days.”

Tenzou snaps his head towards Kakashi. “What?! Are you okay? I thought you were on simple missions now.”

Kakashi glares. “You ANBU think any mission outside the organization is mild, eh?”

“Well,” Tenzou scratches the back of his head, feeling bad for the implication.

“I’m glad my cute recruit is worried, but I am fine.”

Kakashi continues to be moody, clearly wanting Tenzou to ask more. “So,” he draws, knowing this would all be over faster if he just plays into it. “What has you so down then?”

“Do you know Umino Iruka?” Kakashi asks seemingly out of nowhere.

“You know Danzou kept me out of meeting most of my peers, but I think he’s the new chuunin with that scar? I remember him in the exam using some nice barriers. It was an unusual technique.”

”That’s him.”

After a stupid amount of time, Tenzou continues, “So, Iruka has you moody? What did he do?”

”He got hurt on my mission. One of my first outside of ANBU and I get a subordinate injured,” Kakashi says and sinks into the bench seat.

Tenzou is surprised, knowing Kakashi is one of the best captains ANBU ever had, knowing that he would have done everything possible to keep his fellow shinobi safe. “I’m sure you did everything you could. And he’s alive I assume?” Kakashi nods. “Then what’s the issue? Injuries happen…”

”He was injured because he refused to attack an enemy nin.”

Tenzou gives his friend a strange look, “That sounds like he messed up… not really you. Why…”

”The enemy was a child. He was barely 12 and acted like it.” Kakashi frowns. “He used a kekkei genkai on Iruka and I engaged, but before I could hurt him, Iruka used a strange barrier technique and subdued the child. He almost died by the kid’s hand and yet he didn’t allow me to hurt him.”

Tenzou pats Kakashi’s shoulder, unsure of why this was affecting the former captain so much, knowing the man has seen much worse. Kakashi rubs his nose, “I can’t get him out of my head.”

“You’ve seen much worse than a kid shinobi though. It isn’t so bad! And he’s alive!”

Kakashi gives Tenzou a strange look. “What? No, not the enemy. Iruka!”

”Iruka?”

”I can’t get him out of my head.” Tenzou makes an ‘oh’ sound and Kakashi continues, “He went as soon as we returned to see the Hokage himself and said he would start training to become an academy teacher and no longer take field missions.”

Tenzou tries to understand what about this story is making his friend so moody. “And… you feel guilty about this? Or… I don’t understand the issue. Iruka could make a great teacher, I’m sure! If he doesn’t like hurting kids, that’s already a good start.”

Kakashi huffs a little laugh at that. “I’m positive that Iruka will be the greatest teacher this village has ever seen.” Tenzou is surprised by the ferocity of Kakashi’s statement.

”Well… that’s a good thing…”

Suddenly, Kakashi’s attitude shifts and he’s his usual lackadaisical self. “Let’s get food. You’ll pay right? I’m injured and lost my wallet on the path of life.”

Tenzou sighs and allows Kakashi to lead them into the village.

Kakashi has that look again. Tenzou doesn’t want to ask. He really doesn’t want to ask. He rests his face in his palm as Kakashi sighs dreamily again. “What?”

”Maa, Tenzou… Do you know what it’s like to feel strongly for someone who doesn’t even remember your name?” Kakashi hangs his head.

Tenzou is used to this song and dance at this point. It has been the same for a few years now. “Iruka knows who you are.”

”I talked to him today.” Kakashi admits. 

Tenzou slaps his back and says, “That’s a great step!”

”He didn’t recognize me.”

”I’m sure that’s not true. He’s just extremely polite,” Tenzou comforts his friend. “What happened?”

“He was distressed and it was about Naruto. I told him to give the boy a chance, that he was just a kid… then Naruto was in trouble in the mountains.”

”That was Iruka?!” Tenzou says, recalling the story being told in the ANBU locker room.

Kakashi nods. “Iruka went to save him, but the kunoichi were stronger than expected and Naruto was knocked out. I stepped in and helped. Iruka was very brave. He would have died for Naruto.” Kakashi gets that look in his eye. Tenzou knows that look means his friend is imaging Iruka.

”He’s very valiant…” Tenzou concedes.

“He’s horrible, Asuma!” Iruka complains as he prepares his test for each of the rookie 9 before they are officially allowed into the chuunin exam. “I mean, I’m grateful to the Third Hokage for indulging my… outburst at the nomination, but Kakashi was completely out of line.”

“You know I also nominated my team, Iruka,” Asuma says, puffing his cigarette.

“Yeah, but you didn’t insult me so publicly,” Iruka whispers, “he called me a mother hen.”

Asuma sighs as he blows out his smoke. “Kakashi isn’t that bad. Just go to him and talk about it. He’ll understand.”

“Talk to Kakashi?” Iruka considers it. “I know Kakashi can be a good person. He helped me quite a few times over the years, but-”

”Helped?” Asuma asks, highly suspicious.

“He talked to me about being a better teacher to Naruto,” Iruka recalls.

Asuma gives Iruka a curious look. “Kakashi has never been one to just help or talk to people.”

”Well, I was teaching Naruto. I’m sure that mattered to him… with it being the Fourth’s son,” Iruka changes his hinge and asks Asuma, “How’s this?”

”You should fool them just fine…” Asuma isn’t really listening, he’s thinking about Kakashi, aloof, solitary Kakashi, seeking out Iruka on multiple occasions. 

Iruka nods and shin shuns away to begin his tests. Asuma gets a curious look on his face as he snubs out his finished cigarette. “Something is off here.” He knows what he should do.

“Thanks for meeting,” Asuma says, taking a large swig of his beer.

Tenzou sighs as he settles into the bar seat. “I was a little surprised by your message. What did Kakashi do this time?” Tenzou sounds exhausted and Asuma almost feels bad for the man.

”He’s not even your captain anymore, what could he be doing this time?” Asuma notices the bags under Tenzou’s eyes. “Does this have to do with the chuunin exam prep?”

”No,” Tenzou sighs, “Kakashi has been getting more and more talkative lately.”

”That’s what I was wondering. Iruka mentioned that Kakashi had helped him out a few years back and-“

”You talk to Iruka?” Tenzou asks with wide eyes.

”I do,” Asuma perks up. “Kakashi comes up with him a lot, especially after the nomination fiasco.”

Tenzou takes a huge gulp of his drink. “Kakashi is so pathetic for that man…”

”What?” Asuma asks, trying to keep a level reaction to keep his friend talking freely.

”Oh yeah, he’s been in love for like years now. Since… hmm… I think since that mission they went on.”

”The last field mission Iruka went on was 4 years ago.”

”Yeah, that sounds right.”

”Kakashi has been talking about Iruka for 4 years?”

”He has,” Tenzou confirms, ominously. “Feels like longer…” He takes another swig. “Hey, maybe we can do something about it?” Asuma gives him a questioning look and he continues, “Yeah, you can talk to Iruka about Kakashi. Make him see how good Kakashi is and I’ll try to get Kakashi to confess his feelings. Anything to get him to stop being so pathetic.”

Asuma laughs at that description of Kakashi. “You mean like matchmakers?”

”Exactly!” Tenzou’s energy levels increase as he thinks of the possibilities. “We could set them up on some dates and get them in romantic situations.”

”Why would we want to do that?” Asuma asks, but knows that he will participate if only to embarrass Iruka.

”Think about it,” Tenzou says seriously, “Kakashi is a good person, even though he’s moody. Iruka doesn’t seem to be intimidated by him and is also a good person. Maybe we can just… get them together?” Tenzou says with hope in his eyes.

Asuma isn’t sure it will work, but he’s willing to indulge Tenzou. And who knows? Maybe he will get a funny story to hold over Iruka’s head.

”I agree, let’s set them up.” They cheers, glasses clinking together in agreement.

“He was really apologetic…” Iruka says, sipping his tea. “I met with him after testing team 7.”

”That’s just like Kakashi, isn’t it?” Asuma says, and Iruka cocks his head in question. “He owns up to his mistakes.”

”Does he?” Iruka asks.

Asuma is ready to give indulgent answers, buttering Iruka up to fall into he and Tenzou’s planned date with Kakashi. “Oh yeah, he’s always admitting when he’s wrong in the jounin meetings.”

Iruka looks skeptical.

”Not that he’s wrong often. It’s funny, the only time he seems to make mistakes is when you are involved,” Asuma says, hoping Iruka will take the bait.

”Me!? When am I involved?”

”Oh, you know when you submitted that new curriculum to the academy?”

Iruka smirks. “The clan heads were pissed because I wanted to enroll more of the chakra sensitive civilians. But what does Kakashi have to do with that?”

”Well, at first Kakashi was influenced by the jounin from the clans, but once he read your article, he argued on your side.” Iruka is surprised by Asuma’s response.

”He helped convince the clans?” Iruka says quietly to himself. Asuma smiles, knowing that he just earned Kakashi huge brownie points. “Well… I have some more preparation for the exams… I should go.”

Asuma waves his goodbye and writes a note to Tenzou. Step one is a go.

“I heard Iruka was pretty mad at you,” Tenzou comments over a quick lunch with his former captain.

The man hangs his head in shame. “What was I thinking?” Tenzou shrugs. “Iruka ignored me just before that meeting. I waved and he didn’t notice me.” Kakashi pushes his food around on his plate pathetically. “I guess I just wanted attention. And he looks so cute when he’s mad. I can’t help it sometimes.”

Tenzou sighs. “You just can’t help yourself can you? Do you even want to date Iruka?”

Kakashi blushes, “Date?!”

Tenzou smirks, but quickly hides it. “You have been in love with him for years. Don’t you want to do something about it?”

Kakashi scoffs. “It isn’t really up to me is it?”

“Then who is it up to?” Tenzou asks innocently. He is in fact curious what Kakashi is thinking. The man is very confusing. “I realize neither of us is exactly useful for advice on this subject, but don’t you read those terrible books to help you with romantic stuff?”

”Icha Icha is good source material, but…”

”But what? What would you do based on the book’s advice?” Tenzou probes.

”I would rescue Iruka in some romantic fashion and he would fall in love with me,” Kakashi answers honestly.

”Well, you have rescued him in the past… perhaps he is in love with you? Seems like you rescued him and you fell in love though. Not exactly by the book…” Tenzou sees his friend’s despondency and probes, “Maybe he does have feelings though?”

”Why would you say that?” 

“Well,” Tenzou taps his chin, mocking contemplation, “if you look underneath the underneath, Iruka has a lot of passion whenever he talks with you.”

”He’s like that with everyone,” Kakashi lifts his chopstick and lets the rice fall back to the plate.

”Not with everyone. He doesn’t do that to most of the shinobi at the mission desk.”

”That’s his job, Tenzou.”

Tenzou gives him a disbelieving laugh, “Iruka isn’t the most professional shinobi and he definitely sucks at hiding his emotions. His reactions to you are genuine.”

Kakashi looks mildly hopeful. “You really think that?”

“I think he likes you, but you need to be honest with him.”

Kakashi is contemplative for long enough that Tenzou is nervous he won’t agree and he’ll be left with a lifetime of paying for his old captain’s sad meals. Eventually Kakashi sighs and says, “I agree. Iruka always appreciates direct and honest communication.”

”Yes!” Tenzou agrees too enthusiastically.

”Well, thanks Tenzou, I forgot my wallet while I was rescuing a cat, so thanks for paying.” Kakashi disappears in a flash and Tenzou is left with the bill, but for once, he is happy about it. Step two is a success.

Tenzou is wringing his hands, as he and Asuma watch the interaction from a distance. Asuma places a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It’ll be fine, Tenzou.”

”But I don’t think you understand how bad Kakashi is at-“ Tenzou’s cut off as he watches his sad, pathetic, former captain lean in and start kissing Iruka! Mask down and everything -though Iruka’s face is blocking any view. Asuma is just as stunned.

”Wow, I didn’t expect that to actually work,” Asuma puffs out his smoke and gets up out of their tree branch. Asuma gives the couple one last look and their dreamy stares into one another’s eyes is almost suspicious in its sincerity. He thinks this for just a moment before realizing it is none of his business at this point and starts to walk away.

Tenzou is excitedly behind him. “Does this mean I’m free from his mopping?”

”Yeah, but you’ve upgraded yourself to getting to hear about whatever relationship troubles he has. And with Iruka, I’m sure there will be plenty,” Asuma smiles at Tenzou’s dejected face, knowing that the man really loves helping his friend.

Tenzou’s groan causes him to smile and he offers the man a congratulatory beer. Step three, and thus their self assigned mission, was a success.

Kakashi is in heaven. Iruka’s lips are as soft as he thought they would be. He didn’t think that Iruka would go this far, but as soon as he mentioned Tenzou and Asuma scheming, Iruka was up for almost anything to get back at them.

All too soon Iruka’s lips are saying words instead of pressing against his own, and Kakashi lifts his mask back into place. “They’re gone,” Iruka says, amusement swimming in his eyes, a hint of his former prankster-loving-ways showing. “Why in the world were Asuma and Tenzou on this mission anyway?”

Kakashi is still a little dazed from their kiss, but his genius brain is able to catch up quickly. “I’m sure they thought this would be some silly joke or something.”

Iruka gives Kakashi a quizzical look. “But why would this be funny? Do they think that the great Hatake Kakashi dating a mere academy teacher would be a joke?”

”I doubt anyone would think that you were the butt of the joke in this relationship, Iruka-sensei,” Kakashi answers a little too close to his real feelings.

”Kakashi-sensei…” Iruka has a look on his face that Kakashi doesn’t like. It’s something akin to pity. Before anything ruins the moment, Kakashi tries to leave. Iruka stops him. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to head home,” Kakashi knows this is the wrong thing to say because Iruka looks upset.

”I thought you wanted to have dinner to discuss Naruto’s training schedule,” Iruka says and then slaps his forehead. “Oh, that was Asuma’s lie to get me here. Right…” Iruka is clearly sad about this and Kakashi isn’t sure why.

“Do you still want to have dinner? Even though it was all a lie?”

Iruka looks around awkwardly, “I mean… not if it’s an inconvenience, but I assume you still need to eat.” Iruka looks up at Kakashi through his thick eye lashes.

Kakashi tries to temper his excitement and his rapidly beating heart. All he can manage to do is nod and direct them into Ramen Ichiraku. Iruka smiles and they sit at the bar.

Teuchi comes over and takes their order. When Iruka is distracted, Teuchi asks Kakashi, “Hey, are you dating? I saw you and Iruka-sensei outside just now. I’m really happy for you. I think you make a handsome couple.”

Iruka hears that last part, and a blush rises on his cheeks. He looks at Kakashi, and smiles a little, unsure of how to respond. Kakashi doesn’t have the heart to correct the kindly old man, and instead they order their ramen.

“Should we… correct him?” Iruka asks when they are alone again.

Kakashi looks from Teuchi’s thumbs up to Iruka’s shy smile. Iruka is never shy and Kakashi almost enjoys this side of the teacher as much as his feisty side. And without a thought in his mind, he says, “What if we didn’t?”

Iruka’s eyes shine a little. “What are you saying?”

There is hope in his eyes, and it emboldens Kakashi to confess, “I… I wouldn't mind, I mean, I would be honored if people thought we were together.”

Iruka smiles brightly and adds, “What would you think if we were together?”

Kakashi’s mouth drops open, though no one can see it through his mask. “You… me…”

”Something like that,” Iruka answers smoothly and gives Kakashi a peck on his masked cheek. A blush rises up that is covered by the cloth.

Kakashi isn’t sure how he got so lucky, but he just barely stops himself from saying, ‘I love you,’ as Iruka’s smiling face moves Teuchi and accepts his bowl. It is the single greatest dinner Kakashi can remember.

“Kakashi!” Iruka smiles at his husband, waving from his spot in the onsen’s pool.

The Sixth Hokage, Hatake Kakashi, turns from Iruka, holding up the hand sign for ‘one minute’. The snow is getting thicker and he hopes Iruka could see it from this distance, but the silence indicates he has.

“Tenzou,” Kakashi begins.

“It’s Yamato now, Kakashi-sama,” Yamato says, crossing his arms in annoyance.

“Tenzou,” Kakashi says, completely ignoring his friend as usual, “I always meant to thank you, you know.” The snow was coming down harder than usual for this early in the season and Kakashi is happy he will soon be hot and bothered cuddling up to his husband in the natural hot spring.

“Thank me for what?” Yamato asks, honestly curious where this is coming from. His breath puffs out in the cold and he curls his ANBU-issued robe tighter around himself.

”It’s the 10 year anniversary of Iruka and mine’s first kiss.”

Yamato blushes at the memory of that day. “Why are you thanking me for that?”

“I know you and Asuma were just trying to set us up. I figured that out pretty quickly. Iruka agreed to kiss as a joke, but… well, you can see how that ended up.”

Yamato is a little shocked, “You both knew? But why would you kiss? Just to trick us? Is your marriage even real?”

Kakashi laughs and smacks Yamato hard on the back in a friendly manner. “More than happily. I have you and Asuma to thank for that.” Kakashi gets a mournful look in his eyes as he remembers his friend. “I can’t thank Asuma anymore, but I welcome you to join Iruka and I for a soak?”

Yamato laughs at that. “With you two? Sorry, I don’t need to be exposed to that much PDA…” The snow is falling harder now and Yamato is grateful that he wouldn't be able to completely see the two as he is on ANBU guard duty for the Hokage’s vacation.

“Your loss,” Kakashi says. “Seriously though, thank you.” He pats Yamato’s shoulder and they share a meaningful smile.

Yamato watches as his captain saunters towards his husband, feeling so happy for him, but also slightly disguised by the touching already taking place under the water.

He looks up at the falling snow, wishing Asuma were still around to share in his misery. “We did it,” Yamato says to Asuma.

The snow clears for a brief moment, and the warm winter sun peaks through to shine on Yamato’s face. He takes it as a good sign and goes to his hiding place on the outskirts of the onsen to resume his watch duty.