Gaffe

AN: Sorry, I'm a bit late with this update, and thank you for reading. Don't forget to review!

Earth: I don't like Iruka sleeping around either, but at least we don't have to read about the details.
LadyLuck87: Glad you like it. I tried to update often.... as often as my studies allow me to.
Anise: He's quite the pig, isn't he? At least, he's come to his senses. hope he can make it up to Iruka, ne.
reixgaara: Thanks, it means a lot coming from you. I can't wait to get this story finished, so I can read your stories. I noticed you've made a few new updates.
mizukiruhoh: Yeah, it's a huge gaffe. And I expect him to be realizing how huge it actually is.
sikon: Thanks for the review. I think there'll be two or three more chapters.

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Autumn was giving its best with strong winds and endless rain front sweeping across the country. It had rained for four days already and the streets of Konoha had turned into sinking, viscous, muddy sludge. Kakashi wiped his face with a sleeve and rubbed his shoes against a scuffed door mat. He was soaked and in mud all the way to his knees. The jounin glanced backwards at the wet, brown shoe prints he'd left on the floor. Maybe this isn't such a good idea. At that moment the door in front of him opened.

“Kakashi! What are you doing out in this weather? Come inside before you catch a cold.” Iruka stepped aside to let Kakashi in.

The copy-nin handed two pizza boxes he'd been carrying to Iruka.

“I'd better leave my shoes outside.” He muttered and pulled open the laces, muddy water ran along his fingers, forming small pools on the unpolished concrete floor.

“Nonsense. Come inside, walk straight to the bathroom and I'll bring you a towel and something dry to wear.” Iruka used his teacher voice. Kakashi could only smirk behind his mask and follow the orders.

It was the first time Kakashi saw other parts of Iruka's flat than the kitchen and living room. Though compact, the bathroom was separate, equipped with a bathtub. There was even room for a small washing machine. The apartment had always felt a bit confined, but now as Kakashi thought about it, it was quite large for one person. With two rooms, kitchen, separate bathroom and toilet it was easily twice the size of Kakashi's home.

“I could run you a bath, if you like.” Iruka appeared in the doorway handing Kakashi a large, cream coloured, cotton towel, a pair of black slacks and a matching T-shirt. “I hope they fit.”

“Thanks. Shower is enough.”

“Alright. Take your time.” Iruka slid the door closed.

The wet clothes cling to skin making Kakashi shiver. He hanged the slacks, T and towel on robe hooks and undressed. His skin was on goosebumps, it felt cold and clammy. Soon he was naked except for the cloth covering the lower half of his face. The jounin hadn't planned this, so it was either to take it off or shower with it and, he was quite sure, Iruka wouldn't let him wear something as wet as a showered mask. Which meant there was really only one option. After a moments hesitation Kakashi decided to take it off. It felt weird since he was without it only while taking a shower at home. Alone.

Kakashi sat on a light blue, plastic stool. Hot water washed over his upturned face, running down his pale chest and back pinching like a thousand biting ants. He'd been bored and thought it'd be a good idea to see Iruka, just to check how the chuunin was going to act after their last encounter. As a low growl from the copy-nin's stomach had reminded him of dinnertime, he'd bought two pizzas giving himself the perfect excuse for the visit, and ensuring an invitation to stay for a while. Maybe I do have a chance.

The apartment was filled with the sound of millions of rain drops hammering on metal window sills. Iruka was sitting on the wetland green sofa pouring tea to two handmade mugs. The pizza boxes were open on a small table, half of each hanging over the edge in a delicate balance. The room was lit by a floor lamp, its shade of handmade paper softened and warmed the light, making the room look even more cosy. Kakashi rubbed his hair with the towel, his eyes examining the chuunin. Iruka seemed concentrated and unaware of being watched. He's so good-looking, so adorable. And he doesn't even know it... know how he affects me.

“Have the pizzas gone cold?” Kakashi sat on the couch.

“They're warm... ish.” Iruka put the teapot onto the table. “I can warm it for you if you like?”

“Nah, it's okay. I like cold pizza anyway.” Kakashi took a slice of barbecue chicken pizza. It was barely warm, but tasted good nonetheless. With sidelong glances he observed the teacher as he tasted his Mexican salad pizza.

“The clothes look good on you. I'm glad. I was afraid they'd be too small.” Iruka said casually between bites.

“Yeah, they're fine. Thanks.” The chuunin looked calm and natural, which was the opposite of what Kakashi was feeling. He was in turmoil; he'd decided to make the chuunin accept his feelings, but at the same time he didn't want a rerun of what happened last Friday. Still, it was hard to just sit there, not saying anything.

“Are you sure you're warmed up? You should've stayed longer at the shower, I don't want you to catch a flu.” Iruka took one mug and offered it to Kakashi. “Drink this while it's still hot.”

“Thanks.” Kakashi said quietly. By each moment which elapsed he got more sic of pretending. It was hard to fathom he'd actually admired Iruka's ability to act like everything was as it should be when it obviously wasn't. The jounin sipped the tea. It was hot and tasted faintly of jasmine. He made up his mind.

“I know you don't want to talk about it, but I have to say this.” The chuunin opened his mouth to object, but Kakashi made a stop sign with his hand.
“I've tried so hard not to have these feelings for you, and failed. Tell you the truth, I don't want to get rid of them any more. And even if it meant the end for our friendship, I won't give up on you.” He held Iruka's eyes for a moment to make his point. Then his features eased to a wide smile. “I'll do everything in my power to make you fall for me.”

“Is that why you came today?” Iruka sounded serious.

“Not the only reason. I love spending time with you. Besides, despite miserable weather, a man has to eat.” Kakashi smirked.

“Sorry. I must discourage you.” Iruka fixed his eyes to the mug on his hands.

“The fact that I'm here, right now with you is enough for me to continue my pursuit. If you disliked what I did, you wouldn't want to be with me. You worried over me, let me shower and gave me dry clothes which must mean you care for me. It means I have a chance.” The jounin tried to sound optimistic, but his heart was beating like a jungle drum.

Iruka didn't answer him, the silence hung heavy around them. Kakashi felt he was on a thin ice, and every second that passed the ominous sound of cracking under his feet grew louder.

The chuunin finally opened his mouth.“I have no intention to fall for you again.” The words were bad in themselves, but the tone of his voice made it even worse; it was quiet, calm and sad, bearing the echo of pain.

“I'm patient.” Kakashi said softly suppressing the impulse to wind his arm around the teacher and pull him close. “And I won't lose.”

Hurriedly Iruka put the tea mug onto the table, he pulled the thin, black ribbon holding his hair. Chestnut brown locks fell around his shoulders, hiding the rest of his turned face. Muttering something Kakashi didn't hear he rose up and walked out of the room. Unsure if Iruka wanted him to leave the jounin leaned back on the couch. He did it again. Kakashi sighed. Am I being too selfish? But I just couldn't hold back any longer, and I had to let him know. Another sigh. Water was running in the toilet. With a dread he waited the chuunin to return.


The skin on Iruka's face was slightly red, like it'd been washed with cold water, and his eyes were a bit puffy.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to ply you.” Kakashi hung his head and was about to continue when he saw Iruka turn his face and make a hand gesture signalling Kakashi to drop the subject. OK. At least he didn't ask me to leave. He waited in silence the chuunin to come and sit down. After an extremely long and awkward moment he decided it was alright to move. As he took another slice of pizza he noticed Iruka relax a little.

“The new shelf looks nice.” Kakashi tried in conversational tone. “And you have a new TV, too. What happened, did you win the lottery?”

“I guess you could say that. My aunt died.” Iruka didn't face him.

“Oh gosh, I'm sorry.” Shit! I'm an idiot!

“Don't be. She was ancient and ready to leave.” A weak smile crossed the teacher's lips. “I think she took it as a blessing. Besides, it happened seven months ago.”

“Still, it's never a happy event.” Kakashi swallowed, glad he didn't cause Iruka to run away again.

“Yeah.”

The autumn rain was taking a break, but the dark clouds scurrying across the sky to the west promised it to be a short one. Kakashi walked the side of a dirt road taking every now and then long steps over puddles. One wouldn't call his visit exactly a success, but nevertheless he'd managed to make Iruka aware of his intentions. Enough of talk, it's time for action. Though a bit more supple. But how did you woo a man? It was a whole new territory for the copy-nin, and he was at loss. You couldn't buy a man flowers, could you? How about chocolate? Should I treat him to dinner? No. It was all something you did with a woman, and if anything was sure, Iruka would definitely take it as an offence if Kakashi tried to treat him like one.


Weeks passed. Kakashi tried to spent as much time as he could with Iruka. When he wasn't on missions he'd bring him lunch to the academy, help him organize a camping trip to Iruka's pupils and do other little things for him. At first it was all to make Iruka warm up to him, but soon he realized how much fun he was having. When away from Konoha he'd think back at the things they'd done together and find himself missing the chuunin more and more each day. Last time Asuma asked him if he was coming to their monthly gathering Kakashi had made an excuse not to go. Afraid his feelings would take the better of him, and he'd ruin all the progress he'd made with Iruka.

A cold breath of wind ruffled Kakashi's spiky hair. For the whole day Konoha'd been caressed by the rare autumn sun. Parks had been full of people enjoying the warmth and light as much as they could for there was no telling when the star would show itself the next time. As it had set and the darkness descended the air felt even colder than it had before. The temperature fell quickly condensing water vapour out as dew on the grass-covered hill. Kakashi blew warm air to his bare, freezing fingers. Everything was set, the only thing still missing was Iruka.

The jounin fished out a pair of leather gloves from an old bag hanging from a broken tree branch. Fresh peppermint, a hint of coriander and lavender waft towards Kakashi nearly masking the familiar scent usually paired with bergamot, hawthorn and sandalwood. He spun around. Iruka was nearing along a narrow path, his ponytail whisking from side to side. The pale moonlight drained all the colours of nature, but in Kakashi's eyes the younger teacher looked as radiant as always.

“Evening Iruka. I wasn't sure you were coming.”

“Of course I came.” Iruka breathed heavily. “How could I not, with you being all mysterious?”

Kakashi smirked to himself. The chuunin took couple of deep breaths, calming himself, before looking around. Kakashi followed the changes on his expression as his gaze swept over the soft cloth spread out on the grass and the basket next to it moving up along a spread tripod, finally landing on the telescope. Iruka's eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly; he looked utterly surprised.

“Kakashi. This is...” The smile on the chuunin's face was worth all the planning and preparing

“You like it?”

“Oh, yes!” Iruka turned his eyes towards the sky.

“It's only good for looking at the moon since it doesn't have a motorized drive.” Iruka turned to face Kakashi. “I mean, it'd be hard to track smaller objects with it.”

“It's perfect.” He answered giving the jounin his sweetest smile.

“Would you like to look at it now? I mean we could eat something first if you want, I just didn't put on any candles yet, because the light would...” Kakashi let his voice fade. I'm babbling again. Not cool.

“Yeah, I want to take a look now. Is it ready?” He stepped closer to the telescope.

“Hmm, wait a second.” Kakashi looked into the angled eyepiece. He could see nothing. He glanced at the sky and turned the scope to the right, a few more adjustments before he stepped back. “Now it's ready.”

Iruka bent and looked into the eyepiece. “Eh, Kakashi. I don't see anything.”

“It's okay. Just look in and wait a bit.” The jounin answered calmly. The pasty full moon shed its hueless light, as old and beautiful as ever.

“Oh my god!” Iruka gasped. Kakashi's lips curved, his eyes fixed on the chuunin trying to see his face. “I can see the craters, I can't believe the surface is so uneven. And it's moving so fast!” He sounded excited. “It's magnificent. Do you want to take a look?”

“Nah. I've seen it when I put it together.” And I have a much better view from here.

“OK.” The chuunin bent his legs a bit and pushed his hips up. “I can see maria now... and more smaller craters.”

Kakashi sat on the blanket. It was thick, and kept the moisture and cold away. Iruka described what he was seeing in detail. The jounin felt his lips curl again. He was happy. There was comforting, pleasant warmth in his chest he hadn't felt before.

“Are you hungry? I have cheese and baguettes.” Kakashi asked opening a wine bottle.

“Not now, but maybe later.” Iruka answered and sat next to the jounin. The show was over.

“I can turn it, if you like to see it again.” He poured the wine to two paper cups.

“Maybe later.” Iruka smiled his eyes shining as he took the cup Kakashi was offering.

Kakashi looked up at the sky. Myriad stars blinked in the dark blue sky forming constellations and trying to compete with the great moon in brightness, in vain. The night was still and he could hear the teacher breathing next to him. Iruka moved. Gently a warm weight pressed on Kakashi's shoulder. His heart tightened its rhythm pumping the blood faster in his veins. Careful not to move too much he sipped his wine.

“Sorry, the weather's a bit cold for wine. I should've brought something warm to drink.”

“No, it's alright. I've always thought people drink red wine too warm.” Iruka pressed more against him. “I like it cool.”

Okay, just calm down a bit. This is what I've been waiting for, isn't it? Now, I'm going to play it smoothly and maybe he won't push me away.

“Is that a new fragrance you're wearing?”

“Uh, yeah. I got it as a present.” Something in Iruka's voice was telling Kakashi to leave it to that.

“Really? From who?” Shit! Am I stupid or something?

“Just someone.” Iruka was pulling away.

“I like the old one better.” Kakashi sipped his wine again. Iruka sat silently, not looking at him. The spot where Iruka's warmth had just been was freezing. Taking a deep breath unnoticed, he wound his arm around Iruka's shoulder as casually as he could, leaning closer. “I'm sorry, but I can't help feeling jealous.”

He leaned with his chin on Iruka's shoulder and looked at him with his most appealing puppy-dog eyes. The chuunin glanced at him once pursing his lips, soon his expression melted into a soft smile.

“I give up.” He ruffled Kakashi's hair. “You're too cute to be mad at.”

The copy-nin's eye arced. Should I risk it? Quickly he reached forwards and landed a mask covered kiss on Iruka's cheek, and before the chuunin could react, he was sitting up straight covertly sipping his drink.

“Would you like some cheese now?” Kakashi asked reaching for the basket.