Gaffe

AN: Here's the next chapter... some questions will be answered and... OK not going to spoil it for you. Just go on and read it already! And don't forget to review!

Ryu Earth: They really need hugs. And all in good time ^.^
reixgaara: We'll see. Good questions though, you got me thinking... Thanks.
aoh: I'm glad you like it! It could be something like that...

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Chestnut-brown, silky locks tickled the sensitive skin of Kakashi's low abdomen. Soft, wet lips enclosed his pulsing hardness sucking it deeper into the hot cavern. Kakashi's breathing grew heavier, his heart hammered in his chest, hand made fist gripping the sweaty sheet.

“So good.” He panted. “M-more... Suck more...”

Smooth tongue pressed against his aching flesh making him forget there ever existed anything but this heavenly warmth, sucking him into completion.

“I'm cumming...” he managed “Oh, fuck!”

The sticky semen spurted in thin, white laces across his hot skin. His hand made few more strokes to get the last drops out. Kakashi breathed deep. The post-orgasmic high was rapidly fading. He sighed and pushed the bed cover aside. Time to get up. I'll change the sheets after a shower.


The hot water flattened the normally spiky hair against Kakashi's scalp. It washed over his face making him gasp for breath. When was it that these dreams and fantasies had started? A month, two months after their argument nine months ago? First Kakashi had done everything he could to stop them. Everything. He had freaked out. How embarrassing was that? Yeah, he had lived the denial, the disgust and anger for himself, but it did little to help. Slowly he came to accept, even embrace, the three-dimensional, full surround daydreams. Until recently. I promised myself not to push him.

Kakashi rinsed the remains of soap off and turned off the shower valve. He took his towel from the towel ring and pressed it against his face. It smelled fusty. He made a mental note to toss it to laundry afterwards.

Drying the last droplets from his skin he tossed the towel to the floor and opened his wardrobe. He still had one more dark blue, high collared shirt and one pair of clean underwear, which he chucked onto the bed. It's high time to do the laundry. Kakashi sighed heavily. He didn't have anything important to do that day, and the clothes wouldn't wash themselves, so there was only one thing to do. He fished his slacks from the floor, interrupting their extremely slow escape under the bed, and pulled them on.

Two laundromats swirled, the wet clothes rolling in the water making heavy splashing sounds. Kakashi sat on the wooden bench a green covered paperback open in his hand. His eyes were riveted on a word in the middle of the left page, yet he wasn't conscious of its meaning. It was Friday and time for their usual circle of friends to meet over a few drinks. Iruka'd been coming with them, or meeting Kakashi at the bar, in these past three months since their friendship was revived. Most of the nights Kakashi had managed to ruin Iruka's chances of getting laid, and he was certain the chuunin had noticed how possessive he'd become.

The others had started to notice it, too. Kakashi wasn't sure how long he could keep it up. There was another thing troubling him, maybe even more. It had been nearly eight months since he had been physically close to anyone, other than his own right hand that is, and, despite their close relationship, it didn't count as a person. He had to do something about it, or else he would most certainly explode. The fantasies and dreams were exceedingly vivid. What had first been mere kisses and light touches had now become blow jobs and outright hard anal banging. Even thinking about it made him feel perfectly guilty and incredibly horny at the same time.

“Should I be concerned? I've been standing here for two minutes and you haven't noticed me, let alone moved your eyes even once. You're picking up a bad habit.” Asuma smirked. “You know, it's dangerous for shinobi to daze off like that. Want to talk about it?”

Two blinks and Kakashi was able to see the actual writing on the page again. Shit, I'm starting to be sloppy and unaware of my surroundings. It's the lack of sex, I know it is. It's unbalancing me, driving me loony. Brushing his wiry hair with his fingers he snapped the book closed and directed an indifferent gaze at the bearded jounin.

“Humph, I was just daydreaming. Nothing more serious.” Kakashi answered shrugging.

“OK, I get it.” Asuma put out his cigarette and flicked the butt to the garbage bin. “I only say this. Whatever it is, hurry up and deal with it.” He took a back of cigarettes from one of the vest pockets, shook it and took one out before putting it back. “Are you coming tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“With that cute chuunin friend of yours?” Asuma raised an eyebrow.

“Nah. He's going with his other friends.” Kakashi said trying to sound careless.

“Well, that's something.” As Kakashi didn't respond to his remark Asuma put the cigarette in his mouth. “See you there then.”

The laundromats were finishing the spin cycle, gradually dropping the speed from 1400 rpm. Kakashi stood up. He rolled a basket in front of the first machine. It rolled the clothes slowly for a few rounds before stopping, then it went silent. Kakashi hated this, the time he had to wait before the door could be opened. Of course it's a safety feature disabling people from opening the door too early, but why one has to wait so frigging long after the whole program has completed, all the laundry has stopped moving with or without inertia, and there is no longer any water that needs to drain away. The lock gave an audible click as it released. Kakashi snapped the door open and pulled his wet laundry out of the machine. Only needs to be dried and I'm out of here.

The crowded space was dimly lit. The air was filled with an intoxicating mix of scents; different alcohol drinks, perfumes, sweat, people. More customers were coming in though the bar could barely serve those who were already in. Tonight was something special, and everyone wanted the chance to experience it. The archway to the nightclub was open and ambient music was playing in both sides. There was smoke on the floor rising up to the level of hips, green and blue laser lights beaming through the white fume created slightly psychedelic atmosphere. The slow, booming bass could be felt as well as heard. It seemed to vibrate all the way to your centre, go through your essence. High, simple melodies carried the music forwards.

Kakashi sat at their usual table. This time he had chosen a chair with a clear view, or as clear as it could be in a crowded bar, to the both doors. He was acting as calm and relaxed as he could while stealing glances at his watch. Iruka was late. Well, not actually late because Iruka hadn't told him what time he'd be arriving, but Kakashi'd expected the chuunin to be there already.

The newly found resolution to confront Iruka and confess his feelings was making the jounin anxious. Meeting Asuma at the self-service laundry had influenced his decision greatly, though the thought had been maturing ever since he met with Iruka at the coffeehouse. He'd break the promise to bite his tongue and keep it all to himself. He had tried and he had failed; he just wasn't able to go on being just friends with Iruka when he wanted so much more. But, this was the first time for Kakashi. All his previous relationships had progressed naturally without any need to put feelings into words. And what's worse, the grey haired jounin had developed a bad habit of blurting what's in his mind when with Iruka. Usually so collected and sharp, some would say ingenious, but in the company of the shy teacher it was like his brain wasn't connected with his mouth.

Quick check through the crowd and one more look at his watch, Kakashi sighed. Kurenai was chatting with Genma about the new challenges proposed for the next chuunin exams. Far from paying his full attention Kakashi was vaguely aware of the topics conversed around him, not wanting to be dragged into some weird bets before he could object. There was a break in the discussion. Genma stood up and went for a brave attempt through the crush towards the counter.

“OK Kakashi, tell us what's up with you?” Kurenai leaned forwards, holding her long, green, sweet-looking drink in both hands.

“Eh, what do you mean?” Kakashi turned to face the kunoichi.

“Well, look at you. You look... posh.”

“Don't I always?” Innocently he raised his eyebrows.

“No.” Kurenai tittered softly.

“You seem a bit, I don't know, off. And what's with that constant glancing at your watch and the doors? Are you waiting someone?” Asuma asked pointedly.

“No, not really.” Kakashi bit his lip behind his mask. Shit. Come on Kakashi, think, you're surrounded by jounin and believe you're stealthy sneaking peeks at your watch every half minute. Jeez. “Alright, if you have to know, I'm waiting for Raidou. He promised to bring me my book tonight.”

“A book?” Kurenai might as well had said 'Nice try', she had known the lazy jounin for too long.

“Yep, one of Jiraya's Icha Icha series. I'm anxious to get it back.” Kakashi shot Kurenai with such a pervy look that the woman backed away shifting her eyes to a lonely, half melted ice cube swimming in her drink.

“That would certainly explain it.” Genma was back with a full beer glass. “Except, Raidou is on a mission.”

“Really? I didn't know that. He promised he'd bring it to me tonight. Damn him.” Kakashi took a sip from his beer. “Genma, how did you manage to get a beer so quickly?”

“Oh, well. I know the bartender and fortunately she spotted me fighting for a place at the counter.” Genma smirked.

“She, huh?” Gai, who just arrived carrying two large beers and a schnapps, seemed eager to hear more.

Kakashi was more than happy for the change of topic. Only Asuma looked like he didn't buy Kakashi's explanation and gave him a pressuring glance.


It was already quarter past midnight. Asuma was whispering something into Kurenai's ear, Genma was scanning the crowd for a potential bed warmer and Gai wasn't sober enough to pay much attention to anything. Kakashi pulled his sleeve back down, covering the illuminated watch face. Holding back a sigh he took his glass, made a little movement with his wrist and watched the deep gold liquid swirl. What little was left of his beer was stale and, in the jounin's mind, undrinkable.

Casually Kakashi looked at the bar counter and ran his eye over the door to the night club. His breath got caught in his throat and his heart skipped a half beat as his dark eye closed in on a figure leaning against the wall next to the opening. Iruka's hair was untied hanging freely to his shoulders. Gods, I love it when he lets his hair loose. It looks so silky and soft. The chuunin tossed his head back and laughed. A smile rose to Kakashi's lips; it was the most beautiful sight he had seen, it made him feel all warm inside.

Gingerly a bad feeling crept from Kakashi's stomach to his chest and his eye moved a degree to the left. And there he was. The same man as so many times before. Otake Keitaro. The blood was boiling in Kakashi's veins. Dark haired, strongly build man in a tight, white wife beater with black sleeve trim. He was leaning towards Iruka, his hand pressed against the wall next to the chuunin's head. They looked intimate. And what's worse, Iruka looked like he was enjoying himself.

Closing his eyes the grey haired jounin turned his head away. Too many, too strong emotions were running through him. First of all, he wanted to punch Otake. Feel his knuckles smash into the brick's cheek or eye. Second, he was annoyed because Iruka hadn't come to greet him, and was now flirting with that sorry excuse for a jounin. Third, he really wanted to hit the man. Grinding his teeth he opened his eyes to meet those of Asuma's. The bearded man gave him a knowing, self-righteous look raising his eyebrow. But before he had time to say anything Kakashi was up and storming towards the couple.

Not really knowing what he was doing or what he was going to say he halted a foot from Iruka. Otake stood straight his strong hands on his hips glaring at the copy-nin. Kakashi answered his stare trying to control his feelings and urge to attack.

“You, buzz off!” For a moment Otake looked like he was going to argue. Maybe it was Kakashi's reputation or the four other jounin who had stood up and were closely observing, ready to interfere should the situation escalate, that made Otake retreat.

“Kakashi, what are you doing?” Iruka fixed his disbelieving gaze on the bewildered jounin.

Not answering the chuunin Kakashi took a tight grip on his wrist and rushed through the sweaty crush to the entrance and out.

The air was fresh and sweet. Iruka leaned on the old red brick wall catching his breath. The older man bit his lower lip his brows furrowed. Before Iruka had the chance to demand an explanation, Kakashi pinned him to the wall, swiftly pulled his mask down and collided his lips onto his. The world froze for an infinitesimal instant as Kakashi's reason caught his actions. What the hell am I doing? I should step back. The thought had barely entered his mind when his body moved again. His tongue brushed gently past the teacher's lips, which opened without hesitation. It tasted sweet, just like Iruka ought to taste, seasoned with roasted malt. Soft tongue felt strong and smooth grazing against his. Kakashi's whole body was humming, pressing needily on the chuunin, taking in his warmth not believing it was really him.

Pale, cold fingers sneaked under the teacher's thin shirt. The skin felt hot. Without warning Iruka took a tight hold on Kakashi's shoulders and pushed the greedy jounin away. Despite all the surprise Kakashi's automated reflexes worked perfectly pulling his mask cover his face before the teacher could take in what he was seeing. Iruka's right hand rose to his face, tanned fingers trailed the moist lips.

“What is this Kakashi? Are you playing with me?” Iruka demanded with a shocked expression on his face.

“No, Iruka, I'm dead serious.” Kakashi tried to be as convincing as possible.

“You know, you are drunk.” Iruka seemed to come to a conclusion.

“Well, that too, but I'm serious nonetheless. I want you.”

“Yeah? As I recall it, you made perfectly clear you're not 'a fucking faggot'. So, stop playing and find someone else to tease.” Iruka's voice had rapidly gone from warm to cold.

“I know, Iruka. And I'm sorry. I admit, it was a major gaffe.” Kakashi pleaded.

“Humph.”

“But if you had just let me” Kakashi hadn't a chance to finish.

“No. It was you who turned me down, wasn't it?” Iruka's cheeks were tinting with darker red, this time of anger. “I would've understood with less. I know you're straight, you didn't have to rub it in my face!”

“I'm sorry Iruka, I just needed some ti-” he was cut off once again.

“You needed time? For what? You had time to practically have sex with three women in front of me. It wasn't enough?” The tone was freezing.

“I know I overreacted” Kakashi pleaded.

“You call that overreacting? Overreacting would've been avoiding me, not answering my calls or having some episode of spitting, washing and other disgust reactions. What you did was way beyond overreacting! You called me names, you poured liquor over the breasts of a curvaceous blond and licked it off with two other women, rubbing your bodies together like actors from a bad porn film. Humph.”

“Iruka. I don't know what to say beside that I was an idiot and I'm really, truly sorry.” Stupidly Kakashi had hoped Iruka had forgotten the things he'd done. Of course he hadn't! And only now, hearing Iruka describe it, he understood how egregious his behaviour had been. “I would do anything to make it better. I mean it, anything.”

“Then let's just forget what just happened. And you should stop thinking about me in that way.” Iruka's voice was soft again.

“I'm sorry, but I can't do that.” Kakashi hung his head.

“What?”

“I can't stop thinking about you, wanting you.” His eyes were riveted on an old and dirty candy wrapper.

“Kakashi, this is going too far.” Iruka held a pause, breathing deeply, calming himself. “What did you expect? That I'd welcome you with open arms after all this time and after what you did?”

“I don't know. I guess I wasn't thinking.”

“Yeah, you weren't. Yet again. You were thinking only about yourself. You really expected me to hold on to those clearly unwanted feelings I had for you? That I'd still be thinking only about you, not being able to move on with my life? Sorry to disappoint you, but I have.”

“Have you really?” Kakashi levelled his eyes with Iruka's. “You're sleeping with a married man, keeping lovers that would never have anything more than sex with you.” The blistering pain covering all of his right cheek and eyelid silenced Kakashi. Sure he'd seen the open hand approaching well before it'd made contact, but in the back of his brain he knew he deserved it, and much more. He did nothing to avoid the slap.

“You really are arrogant.” Iruka said rubbing his left hand. “Last time we discussed this matter we ended up avoiding each other for half a year. I don't want it to happen again, not now, that we have our friendship restored. I doubt we would manage it a second time.”

The chuunin turned to leave. “I'm sorry I slapped you.”

“Iruka, I think I... I lo-”

“Don't say it!” Iruka froze on his steps. “Don't you dare say it.” The words dropped like ice cubes. Without looking back he walked away leaving Kakashi standing alone in the night.