Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Can I keep You ? ❯ Part 18: Annoyance ( Chapter 18 )

Can I keep you?

Sequel to Pumpkins and Ravens

Main Pairings: Kakashi/Iruka, Sasuke/Naruto and others

Part of my 100 themes challenge.

 

Part 18 - Annoyance (69)

 

Kakashi felt the warm trail of moisture roll across his fingers and couldn't help but feel the guilt of his actions burrow deeper into his chest. But when Iruka spoke that solitary affirmation he felt like something had lifted from his chest and he could finally breathe again. He knew it would take some time for the other man to feel comfortable around him again after what he had done, but Gai had been right - the chuunin was an amazing person. He wasn't certain if he really deserved his forgiveness.

 

He watched the other man as soft palms cupped his own cheeks and he wanted nothing more than to strip the cloth from his face so he could feel more of the other man's skin against his own. The soft brush of fingertips against the upper portion of his right cheek sent shivers coursing across his skin. He could feel his body becoming increasingly tired, muscles relaxing and a deep lethargy was coming over his mind like a dark cloud. When he realised that it wasn't just his right cheek that he could feel the chuunin's rough fingertips against but his left as well he knew he had done something foolish once again. His voice felt weak and he whispered on a soft exhalation, “Shit...I'm out of cha...k...ra..” Before unconsciousness took him.

 

Iruka looked shocked when he himself hadn't noticed that the Copy-nin had been using the Sharingan for an extended period of time and hadn't covered the crimson orb up again. The blood-line limit was a large drain on chakra and Kakashi had none left to spare. He felt the other man go lax in his lap as his words trailed off, eyelids fluttering closed. He cradled the other nin gently, tugging his hit-ate back down to stop the silly shinobi from expending any more chakra, his voice was a soft reprimand, “Idiot. Such a childish mistake.”, though he smiled softly at the older male. He shifted out from under the silver topped head, settling it carefully against the ground; shifting himself to the Copy-nin's side he tried his best not to wake the obviously exhausted man when picking him up.

 

He moved over to a large tree, settling himself in the indentation between the expansive roots and cradling the other man between his upright knees. Instead of calling out to the raven and the fox he brought his fingers up to his lips and let out a sharp whistle. He knew the sound would travel further and likely wouldn't disturb the unconscious man, at the same time getting the two wanderers attention. The sound had the desired effect, one moment he was looking out at the small battered looking house in the middle of the clearing and the next he had Sasuke and the Kyuubi stood in front of him panting lightly.

 

He looked up at the raven, noticing the almost emotion visible on the Uchiha's face, he would have said the other man was waiting for a scolding - he looked apprehensive. Iruka chuckled quietly, before speaking to the young man, “Why don't you bring that basket over and we can see what Sakura made Kakashi lug out here for us?” He could have sworn he saw the raven's shoulders relax minutely as the silly fox danced around his feet as he went to retrieve the basket. He could hear the raven quietly scolding the silly creature saying something similar to what he had said to a hungry Naruto a few hours ago.

 

Sasuke eyed the prancing fox before picking up the basket, not sure whether he wanted to go back to Iruka's side as he didn't want to get an ear bashing from the older nin. He wasn't afraid of Iruka, having far surpassed him whilst he had been away but he knew the teacher had a sharp edged tongue and for reasons unknown he didn't want to have the other man angry with him. He knew what he and Naruto had done had caused this, but the two idiots needed a push in the right direction for once.

 

They two were so useless by themselves and they just didn't realise it. He hoped the chuunin wasn't too angry about it. He scowled down into two red orbs, “I can't believe your getting away with this - it's not fair considering it was your idiotic idea.” He knew the blond could hear him inside the fox but obviously couldn't respond, so Sasuke took his lot giving out a soft “Hn.” before returning with the familiar basket in tow.

 

He spoke quietly to the chuunin trying not to wake the exhausted Copy-nin who looked completely at ease resting against the brunette's chest, “I've no idea how Sakura found out about this - she's far sneakier than the Dobe gives her credit for.” He had wondered how their pink haired teammate had discovered what they were trying to do but even if she was excessively busy it would be easy for her to get information from the ink user.

 

Iruka looked up as the raven returned and watch him unpack the basket with quick precision and he smiled at the comment about Sakura. “You boys never did give her credit - she is exceedingly intelligent and it's more than likely she is always keeping an eye on you. She isn't the Godaime's apprentice for nothing you know.” He watched as the last Uchiha mulled that over before speaking once more, eyes looking into the woven basket, “Hn, that is as may be Iruka-sensei.”

 

Iruka smiled at the other man as he caught sight of the Kyuubi stealthily creeping up behind the raven, he didn't alert the other man to the animals presence knowing the beast wanted to play some more. He spoke softly, “You're all very lucky to have the close bond you all share.” He watched Sasuke look up a slight pink tint bridging his cheeks before he went sprawling forward with the fox leaning it's forepaws on his back. He easily flipped the beast off of him and directed a scowl between the chuunin and the fox, his voice carrying to the laughing man, “Traitor.” If Iruka wasn't mistaken there was a smile on the ravens face as he chased after the Kyuubi.

 

Iruka spoke barely above a whisper, letting his face press into the silky soft strands of Kakashi's hair “I am very lucky too.”

 

 

*****

 

Kakashi awoke when light started trying to penetrate his closed eyelids, as he turned his face away from the brightness he opened his smoky grey eye just a crack and was confused for a few moment before looking up at the ceiling. He traced the lines traversing the surface and knew that he was exactly where he wanted to be. He let his eye open further, ensuring he kept his sensitive orb out of the bright light shining through the partly open curtains. He looked about at the familiar surroundings, turning his face into the soft covers that were tugged high on his chest.

 

He rolled over then, burrowing his face into the sweet smelling fabric, he had missed that scent. He breathed out a sigh as he spoke, “Mmm...'Ruka...” He only knew one man that had that distinct scent, he felt something in his chest warm at the knowledge that the chuunin had brought him home again. Kakashi's head lifted when he heard a discreet cough from the doorway and as his cheeks flooded crimson at being caught doing something so ridiculous, he caught sight of mirth filled chocolate orbs. He returned the smile he knew was hidden by a well placed hand, even as his skin felt unbearably hot.

 

Iruka watched from the doorway barely restraining the urge to laugh at the sight the Copy-nin made. He felt his heart flutter at the sleep roughened voice whispering his name so intimately. He watched the other nin contentedly curling around the covers and gave a light cough to catch his attention, covering his lips with his hand to hide the grin that spread his lips at the startled look on the other man's partially visible face. Iruka couldn't think of a time he had ever seen the other man look that way - he was rather adorable though he'd never say it out loud.

 

The chuunin walked across the room carrying a fresh change of clothes' in one hand whilst eyeing the Copy-nin's bandaged chest. When he looked up from the bound muscles he caught the little eye smile Kakashi gave before he spoke, “Like what you see `Ruka?” The teacher stumbled, his mouth slightly agape as he felt his own face heat. It would seem the old Kakashi was coming back full force as he recovered. He turned his face slightly away, not wanting to incite any further comments from the teasing man, “I was checking on your injuries as you have an odd penchant for making them worse.”

 

Kakashi laughed at the rebuttal feeling the chuunin's eyes roving his chest had given him a shot of confidence he had needed after all the things that had passed between them. Though he knew the other man had forgiven him he didn't know if he wanted him. He was aware that Iruka's gaze had been assessing but he could also see the soft smile tilting his lips as he paid a little too much attention. He couldn't resist trying to tease him.

 

He gave the other man a tender smile instead of the grin that wanted to escape. He hoped the teacher would notice the difference even with the mask still in place. He watched the other man turn again, seeing his expression before giving a sweet smile in return, offering him the clothes in his arms, “These are for you - sorry I don't have anything else that would fit you. I didn't want to go prying around you house.” He looked a little sheepish as he rubbed the scar over the bridge of his nose as the Copy-nin eyed the offerings before taking them from the chuunin letting his fingers brush over the tanned fingers.

 

Iruka felt heat course through him at the feather light touch but didn't pull away, allowing the sensation to be drawn out for as long as possible as those rough pads traced across his skin. When they finally withdrew he felt disappointed but somehow relieved, after everything else he wasn't sure how they would proceed, on top of the fact that he was still in charge of the other mans care. He pulled on a more professional visage, straightening noticeably under that dark gaze before he spoke, “Kakashi-san you will be staying here for the duration of your recovery as it seems you are unable to take care of yourself.”

 

Kakashi watched the change in the man and ignored the `san' that had been attached to his name in the teachers attempt at professionalism. He snorted softly at the other man, “I can't take care of myself? What might you be implying Iruka-sensei? Or is it that you'd like me to stay with you.... hmmm.” He smiled impishly behind his mask as he watched the other nin fidget at his words. He decided that it wasn't quite fair to keep taunting the other man, so he spoke with a little more reserve this time, “It would be a pleasure to stay with you `Ruka.” He would never admit just how much he had grown used to their routine in the house, or how much he had missed the kind man he had come to know.

 

Iruka flushed at the first comment, knowing that though he had the excuses of keeping the other man here for medical reasons he wanted him here for more personal ones. When the Copy-nin's voice filled his ears once more he was happy at the acknowledgement and replied in kind, “It will be a pleasure to have you... urh...I mean...that's not..hmphf...Oh never mind.” He hadn't meant it to sound like that, but though his skin was hot and he likely looked like a ripe strawberry, he was happy. Kakashi wanted to stay and he felt his chest swell with pleasure at the thought. He felt something dark chase through his mind and he raised a hand to his throat, rubbing at the skin. When he realised what he was doing the damage had already been done. As his gaze looked back up at the jounin he saw the darkness in his sole visible orb and he felt unbelievably sad that he had caused it.

 

Kakashi watched the stumbling male contentedly, knowing he was the cause of the twist Iruka had suddenly made on the words - however unintentional. It was the sight of those slender fingers tenderly stroking at his throat that had a dark cloud passing across his own features. When he felt chocolate orbs looking into his sole stormy grey, he returned the attentive look, seeing the sorrow that had manifested when he had looked at him. He spoke in a rough voice all happiness seemed to be escaping from his grasp, “Iruka? Will you ever be able to trust me again?” He felt his chest constrict at the question, knowing that dependant on the answer he would leave this house and stay away from the teacher.

 

Iruka looked back at the jounin, the words sinking in as that serious expression turned his eye dark with turmoil. He scowled at the other man finding his question nigh on ridiculous - had he not listened to him at all yesterday? He strode to the bed, pushing his face up close to the jounin's cloth covered nose, he spoke with a confidence and authority he rarely felt, “Kakashi I will not repeat this again. I forgive you. Get that through your thick skull and while you're at it a stop feeling guilty. My reactions are not your fault... I just need time to get past them.” He gave the man a stern look before splaying a hand on his chest and shoving him back against the covers.

 

Kakashi was surprised for a second time when the younger shinobi got up close and personal with him to make his statement. He was strangely relieved by the venamance in his words before he was toppled backwards. When he impacted the springy mattress his eye shut briefly before springing back open to eye the other man. When he spoke again it was with a much lighter tone, “Now then... what to have for breakfast.” He felt weight press down on the bed beside him and the chuunin was hovering over his face once more this time sporting a cheeky grin on his lips, “What would you like Kakashi?” He wasn't prepared for the other man's mood to shift so quickly and yet it fit the chuunin. He never lingered on bad feelings, getting them off his chest and then discarding them.

 

Iruka was starting to enjoy catching the jounin off guard, he hovered over his face, wanting nothing more than to pull the mask away and press his lips against the older shinobi's, but he wasn't certain how he would respond to his boldness. It was unusual for him to feel so in control but he supposed that it was a culmination of having the Copy-nin back within his care and knowing this was his own space, and that what he said goes. He gave the older nin a smile, waiting for the answer to his question.

When he got nothing he just moved back slowly, “Would rice and miso with grilled fish be alright?” He watched Kakashi for any signs of the emotions that may be coursing through his system but it was hard to read a face you couldn't see. When the jounin nodded his assent the teacher quickly rose and strode off for the kitchen, speaking back over his shoulder, “You need to get up then Kakashi and I'll set it out on the table for us.”

 

Kakashi signed audibly when the chuunin moved away, his whole body had gone taught with tension at his proximity and it was almost a relief that he had moved away. He watched discreetly as the other man walked out, focusing on the toned contours of the chuunin's ass as it swayed enticingly from side to side. He wasn't sure if Iruka was ready or if his own body could take the punishment but he wanted to give the other man a good deal of it for teasing him, intentional or not. He sighed as his eyes slid shut, “You will be the death of me because right now what I want ...is you.”