Work Text:
(I don't own any characters etc etc)
“Are you sure about this?” Kakashi sighed as he stood across from Tsunade in the Hokage’s office one late November afternoon. “You could definitely reconsider.”
“I’m not going to,” she firmly told him. “It’ll be good for you. Practice even, perhaps,” she laughed evilly.
“Naruto is itching for this job, not me,” Kakashi said, rolling his eye.
“He’s still with Jiraiya, and there will be a gap between he and I, probably, hopefully,” Tsunade muttered. “Look, I’m not changing my mind. You’re interim Hokage for the next few weeks while I meet with other officials and do some tours. It was the only time we could do this, since people want this wrapped up before the holidays, though I expect it will be cutting it close,” she said and Shizune, standing next to her, nodded. “Your schedules are set, agendas are there, you have some meetings –”
“Some?! Last I saw it was several every day!” Kakashi challenged.
“And you’re not making big decisions, just taking notes, considering, offering your views on behalf of me. Anything that is significant will be taken care of when I get back, or sent to me by the council,” she continued, ignoring him.
“No ‘big’ decisions, then why make any?” he protested.
“Some things will need to be addressed. You’re smart when you’re not complaining about this job,” Tsunade sighed. “And I don’t want people to feel ignored. Meet, talk, do what you can, and try to have fun,” she laughed. “You’ll just need to have some self-care, a hobby, something, while you do this.”
“Like drinking?” he sarcastically posed.
“Exactly!” Tsunade grinned.
“Great self-care,” Kakashi sighed, rolling his eye again. “You’re sure about this?”
“I’m sure. This will be an…opportunity for growth,” Tsunade mused.
He narrowed his eye. “That’s what people say when it’s the opposite...”
___
“Yeah, I hate this job,” Kakashi said aloud, seven days later and six days into being the temporary Hokage.
“Sucks to be you,” a voice said from the Hokage’s office, and Kakashi glared in its direction, continuing to glare when Tenzo appeared in his ANBU uniform. “Just saying.”
“Just shut up,” Kakashi snapped. “I should send you off to a cold and wet mission, for at least three months.”
“You could, but I’m assigned to be stuck on you like glue,” Tenzo mused, shrugging. “Anyway, your next meeting is starting soon, so look alive.”
“With…” Kakashi began, looking at his agenda. “The academy headmaster?” he groaned. “Ugh! And several times this month, on a weekly basis? I hate life…”
“What’s wrong with the headmaster?” Tenzo asked. “Also, I’m going to ignore that you sound like a student being chastised right now.”
“The headmaster is stuck up and a jerk. Anytime we’ve ever interacted at meetings it’s not gone well.”
“Maybe it’s just your own agenda with the academy, since you haven’t been a student for a while? Maybe outside of big meetings he’s okay?”
Kakashi shrugged, and there was a knock on the door. “Great,” he sighed. “Enter!”
To both men’s surprise, Iruka entered, carrying a file and bowing as he neared the desk.
“Good afternoon, Hokage….Kakashi….sensei, sama….” Iruka greeted him. “ANBU-san,” he said to the other man, who nodded back before disappearing as he moved back to his guard post.
“I’m not…what? What are you doing here?” Kakashi asked.
“The headmaster is on a scouting mission for students and curriculum,” Iruka told him. “I’ve been asked to attend some meetings in his place. Are you ready to begin?”
“Or, we cancel? Tell Tsunade and the headmaster we met and play hooky instead?” Kakashi suggested.
Iruka offered an unimpressed look. “No.”
“We tell them a monster attacked the village and destroyed the curriculum?” Silence. “Okay, a dog ate it?” Silence again. “Several dogs?”
“Your ninken are not eating my academy material,” Iruka told him. “Nor are any other ninken, or any other village dog, for that matter.”
“But –”
“No.”
“Fine, let’s meet,” Kakashi sighed, though he was excited it was someone other than the headmaster. The excitement, however, soon left as Iruka reviewed budget items, plans for the semester, and faculty needs and concerns. Kakashi grew bored and restless, and took his book out to read as Iruka was reviewing numbers about…something.
However, suddenly a hand reached into Kakashi’s vision and grabbed his Icha Icha! His head snapped up to find Iruka holding it, a frown on the teacher’s face.
“I’m the Hokage!” Kakashi reminded him in an annoyed tone. “You can't do that!”
“I just did.”
“Treason!” Kakashi shouted. “Mutiny! Insubordination!”
“Check, check, check,” Iruka agreed in a bored voice. “I still won’t tolerate you reading that, at least not while you’re supposed to review academy business.”
“Look, I didn’t want this job, I didn’t ask for it, and it’s a lot of work,” Kakashi sighed. “It’s no walk in the park, I need a break now and then”
“Then find a different activity for your breaks that’s more reputable, and not one you try to get away with during meetings.”
“I can’t right now,” Kakashi sighed again. “I can’t go anywhere, people swarm me! Hokage-this, Hokage-that. Can you tell Tsunade this, tell her that, put in a good word! I miss just being able to walk around, so reading is all I have!”
“Maybe you need something that helps relieve the tension so you’re more focused during the day, like extra training with other jonin,” Iruka told him, still wearing the frown as he collected his papers and stood, bowing before turning and leaving.
“Wait!” Kakashi called out as the other man neared the doors. “My book!”
Iruka turned and threw it at him, rolling his eyes as the jonin caught it. “Pity it didn’t hit you in the face,” he muttered
“What?” Kakashi asked.
“Have a good day!” Iruka sweetly said, turning and exiting the office, and Tenzo laughed.
“He got you good,” Tenzo mused from his post, and Kakashi glared.
“Not another word,” Kakashi snapped, running a hand through his hair as he looked at his agenda, sighing at the hours of meetings and business ahead of him, and opening his book to try to ignore it all.
That evening, Kakashi finally returned home and put his book back in its place on his bookshelf, having finished it earlier. He gazed lovingly at the rest of his Icha Icha and similar stories, wondering which he should re-read next to help him get through Tsunade’s work.
“Hmm, a holiday one? No, it might nearly be December but I’m not in a holiday mood. That one about star crossed lovers? No, I re-read it last month. Jiraiya’s first Icha Icha? It is a classic…oh, this one!” Kakashi decided, taking a romance book down featuring secret identities and identity reveal. “Not the best story, but a light read should I get distracted from it by work,” he mused, tucking it in his flak vest hanging by the door.
Kakashi thought about it being the end of November and getting colder, and mentally ran through his winter gear to consider if he needed to replace anything. Satisfied he likely didn’t, he went to open a closet and take down an extra blanket for his bed. Reaching up, he blindly pulled down the top one, frowning when something soft fell off it and onto him before landing on the floor.
Kakashi tossed the blanket on his bed and looked down, finding the scarf “Sukea” wore.
“Hello,” Kakashi greeted it, picking it up and smiling. “Been a minute, huh?”
He carried it over to his bed, where he flopped down, reflecting on the last few times as Sukea. How nice it was, how freeing. He could go where he wanted, be who he wanted, take time for anything and everything.
Suddenly, an idea occurred to him. Hadn’t Tsunade, and even Iruka, suggested he have a hobby while he was in the Hokage’s chair?
“A hobby outside of being the Hokage…and like in the book, a secret identity…could I? In a village of shinobi, while I’m covering for Tsunade?” Kakashi asked the scarf, not expecting a response. “I wonder…”
______
Three evenings later found Iruka leaving the academy later than usual, having stayed to tutor some students and clean up. It certainly felt later than it was due to how early the sun set, Iruka mused, breathing in the crisp winter air. He didn’t feel like cooking, seeing as he still had papers and tests to grade that night, but he didn’t want to rush home with takeout either.
Naturally, his feet took him to Ichiraku’s and as he pushed through the curtain to grab a seat he saw Ayame talking to the other patron, a man two seats down from where Iruka sat. Iruka just nodded at Ayame in greeting, not wanting to intrude or bother them.
“So what will you have tonight, Sukea-san?” Iruka heard her ask the man, as he studied the menu himself more for something to do until she was free than out of necessity.
“Hmm,” the man, Sukea, said. “It’s been a while since I was here, what’s good these days?”
Iruka heard Ayame list off a few common favorites, smiling to himself as the orders made him think of certain customers - Choji, Anko, a few teachers, and of course, Naruto. Though, seeing as the younger shinobi ate everything here, every recipe reminded Iruka of him!
Iruka smiled as he thought about the younger shinobi, finding himself missing meeting the blond for meals here but feeling proud of Naruto for working on his training and improving himself, maturing.
“Iruka-sensei often gets the miso chashu pork,” Iruka heard Ayame say, as he was drawn out of his reminiscing. The teacher glanced over, finding Ayame and the other man looking at him.
While Iruka smiled in greeting, Kakashi held his breath. He had heard someone else come to dine, but hadn’t known who it was until now. This was a test, he felt. Would Iruka see through his Sukea disguise? Know it was him? Call him out?
“Guilty as charged,” Iruka said, and Kakashi dared to exhale, slightly.
“Is it good?” he asked, and the chuunin nodded.
“It is one of my favorites, and especially good on a cold night like this,” Iruka told him.
“True, we had some warmer days last week but it’s definitely getting cold again,” Ayame agreed. “Would you both like that ramen?” she asked, and the men agreed. She moved to tell her father and help, and Kakashi saw Teuchi wink at him.
Teuchi knew who Sukea was, Ayame apparently did not, or perhaps was playing along; Kakashi wasn’t sure which. Either way, he’d take it!
So, that left just him and Iruka sitting there. Now or never, Kakashi figured, and he took a deep breath and offered his most charming smile.
“I’m Sukea,” Kakashi introduced himself.
“Iruka,” the teacher replied with a smile. “I take it you’re a visitor to Konoha?”
“I am, but I’ve been here on and off for years,” Kakashi told him. “Never at this time of year, truthfully.”
“Ah, winter time, it’s good you’ve got a warm coat and scarf already,” Iruka mused as both men thanked Ayame for bringing them tea. “May I?” Iruka asked, and moved a seat closer upon Kakashi readily agreeing.
“What brings you back?” Iruka asked.
“Work, I’m a freelance photographer,” Kakashi said, patting his camera bag. “I wanted to capture some things in Konoha, for both work and fun. What do you do, as a shinobi?”
“I teach at the academy,” Iruka told him, and Kakashi relaxed more, not seeing anything from the man suggesting he was only humoring Sukea.
‘Shaping the next generation, admirable,” Kakashi mused.
“I like to think so, but at the end of the day, they’re just kids and it is what it is,” Iruka laughed.
“Fair. Any exciting stories?” Kakashi asked, and Iruka launched into a few general ones as they drank tea and their ramen was brought out. The teacher didn’t seem to question who Kakashi was, nor ask prying questions, and the meal passed pleasantly enough, both pleased with having fun conversation as they ate. Iruka thought nothing more of it as they parted ways, and Kakashi went home feeling lighter than he had for several days, though still unsure if his secret was safe or not.
____
As Kakashi continued to serve for Tsunade, he kept an eye on the halls of Hokage Tower as shinobi decorated it for the holidays once December began. Now, a few days into the month, there was tinsel, garlands, wreaths, snowflakes, and poinsettias every few feet.
He sighed.
“At least this means I’m closer to Tsunade coming back, even if it’s still a few weeks away,” he sighed once more as he headed to the missions office to sit for the evening, standard for the Hokage. It was busy enough at the earlier part of the evening but naturally tapered off as night fell, and soon it was just he and Iruka, as other missions office workers had left.
Kakashi and Iruka hadn’t exchanged much talk that night due to the hustle and bustle, but once it was quiet they discussed some scrolls that had been delivered, with each taking time to silently read and review others. Iruka had more to review, and so Kakashi slowly and stealthily pulled out his book to read, keeping half an eye on the chuunin. As Iruka passed him another scroll to review fifteen minutes later, Kakashi spoke up.
“You’re not trying to take my book, I see. Are you feeling alright?”
Iruka shrugged. “We’re not formally meeting, you do what you want.”
“Hmm. Are you saying you don’t want my undivided attention right now?”
The teacher rolled his eyes. “I want you to review this scroll, please,” he added.
“Fine,” Kakashi said before pausing. A thought occurred to him - he wasn’t still sure yet that Iruka knew who Sukea really was, so perhaps a test was in order? “I’m still thinking of finding a new stress reliever, like you suggested the other day,” he began. “Maybe fishing.”
Iruka snorted. “Ice fishing soon, perhaps.”
“True. Maybe photography or drawing?”
The other man shrugged. “Those could be good.”
“And what suggestions do you have for an interim Hokage?”
“Besides focusing on work?” Iruka mused.
“Besides that.”
Iruka considered it as he sorted scrolls. “There’s a lot of holiday things to do this time of year, they might be fun for you.”
“Holidays, boo,” the jonin sighed.
“I think you mean ‘bah humbug’,” Iruka laughed.
“Probably. What holiday activities will you be doing this year?” he asked, surprised to find Iruka pause and a small flicker of sadness pass over the man’s face.
“I, I’m not sure,” Iruka admitted, speaking to the scrolls more than to the jonin.
“What?”
Iruka sighed and sat back in his chair. “It’s the first holiday without Naruto. I have plans here and there with friends, but he and I always did some things together.”
“Oh,” Kakashi commented. “Like what?”
Iruka smiled fondly as he thought about it. “We’d wander the holiday market and get hot seasonal drinks. He’d always try to steal a sip of my mulled wine and I’d tell him maybe next year when he’s a better ninja,” he laughed. “Year after year. Perhaps he’ll succeed when he gets back.”
“I’m sure Jiraiya will teach him how to do just that,” Kakashi agreed, making the younger man laugh again. “You’re not going to the market this year, then?”
“No, I will,” Iruka said, returning to his work. “I went without him in the past for my own shopping, and I’ll go this year. But I will miss going with him,” he admitted.
Kakashi opened his mouth to say something but the next shift arrived early, and he watched Iruka give a report before the teacher bade everyone a good night, telling Kakashi he would see him at their next academy meeting a few days later, as he left.
And as Kakashi sat with the next shift for a little longer, he couldn’t help but think about everything Iruka had said, and what was left unspoken.
_____
Two days later and Kakashi had an evening free from his duties, so he slipped away and was soon wandering the village as Sukea, wondering what to do. He wasn’t hungry, and he wanted to be outside rather than just settle in at a teahouse.
Kakashi lingered outside a favorite bookshop window shopping when he heard a familiar voice greeting someone. He turned and saw Iruka waving at a likely student before continuing to walk. Iruka smiled when he saw Sukea, and called out a greeting.
“How are you finding Konoha at the holidays?” he asked, and Kakashi smiled, enjoying being able to not have to hide emotions. After all, Sukea was warm, open, inviting.
“It’s nice, I’m just starting to see what there is to see and do,” he said. “Any suggestions?”
“I was thinking of checking out the holiday market if you’d like to join me?” Iruka invited him, and Kakashi nodded. They made small talk as they walked, with Kakashi careful to let Iruka lead the way lest he raise suspicion.
It was a nice enough evening, Kakashi soon realized. He hadn’t been to the holiday market the past few years, what with just not caring about it all. Or, he’d been just to grab a drink with friends and left before they wandered around. But now, it was fun, carefree, relaxing, dare he say even festive? Was it the market, or was it the freedom that came with being Sukea? He wasn’t sure, and he wasn’t sure he cared, either.
He followed Iruka around, not having to pretend to be unfamiliar with the goods being sold. Sure, some were vendors he knew and had seen products of before, but many were unique for this season, or with seasonal spins.
He and Iruka made some small purchases; Iruka admitted he was mostly browsing today to get more ideas for his list. The men stopped to have mulled wine, and as Iruka was sipping his, glancing off at something, Kakashi took out his Sukea camera and took a few pictures. First of the surroundings, and then of Iruka, who raised his eyebrows after.
“What?” Kakashi asked.
“What was that?” Iruka laughed.
“I was inspired,” Kakashi told him. “I’ll give you a copy when it’s developed, yeah?”
“Sure,” Iruka laughed again. “I’ll send it to Naruto, he’ll both enjoy it and complain about missing this,” he mused, before his face lit up. “I have an idea, Sukea! A favor, perhaps, more like.”
“Go on…”
“Not a favor, actually. Can I hire you?”
“What?” Kakashi laughed.
Iruka nodded. “Can I hire you?” he repeated. “I think it would be so nice to have some pictures of Konoha to send to Naruto, as well as of his friends and teammates. What do you think?”
“Sure,” Kakashi heard himself say without thinking. That was unlike him, to make a commitment as Sukea, and especially now that he was acting as Tsunade and had so little time? But for whatever reason, he didn’t want to say no, to either Iruka or Naruto.
“Great!” Iruka cheered, and Kakashi didn’t try to hide the smile on his own face. “Whatever your rate is, let me know.”
“Oh, no, don’t worry about that,” the disguised jonin said, waving it away.
“But –”
“Holiday cheer and all, it’s fine. So long as it’s not a hundred pictures, I suppose…”
Iruka laughed and shook his head. “Definitely not! A few of scenery here, whatever speaks to you. And I’ll give you a list of some people. Some of his former classmates, and Sakura, a teammate of his. Ichiraku Ramen, of course,” he laughed, naming a few more places and people. “And the Hokage, if she returns before you leave,” he mused, and Kakashi’s stomach twisted.
Sukea was only here because Kakashi was in need of respite while acting as Tsunade. And when Tsunade returned, would, should Sukea go? And then what?
Kakashi, genius that he believed himself to be, hadn’t considered any of that thus far.
“And Kakashi-sensei, that’s Naruto’s jonin-sensei. If he’s agreeable to it, that is,” Iruka sighed.
Kakashi frowned. “Why wouldn’t he be?” he asked, feeling awkward to ask about himself in third person.
Iruka shrugged and sipped his drink. “He’s a bit of a humbug I think, but he’s also covering for the Hokage and quite busy these days. Still, he might not want to overall…”
Kakashi frowned again. “Don’t team leaders take team pictures? Did he not do that?”
Iruka nodded and cupped his drink for warmth. “That’s true, he did! So, maybe he’ll be agreeable. I’ll talk to him next time I see him and ask, so hold off on him until I let you know, okay?”
Kakashi nodded. “Sure. Good luck with him,” he added, laughing bitterly at how complicated things were starting to become.
____
Two days later, Iruka entered the Hokage’s office for his weekly meeting with Kakashi. The teacher paused as soon as he entered, frowning.
“What now?” Kakashi sighed. “I haven’t even taken my book out yet.”
“No, not that. Something is off,” Iruka told him, and Kakashi sat straighter behind the desk, on alert.
“What is it?” he asked, partially to Iruka and partially to his ANBU.
Iruka pursed his lips as he glanced around, sighing loudly when he pointed to mistletoe hanging. “Really?” he asked, shaking his head disapprovingly.
Elsewhere, hidden Tenzo sighed loudly too as Kakashi stood and went to take it down.
“I hate you all,” Kakashi said aloud as he brought it back to the desk and sat. “As if ANBU have nothing better to do.”
“You didn’t know it was there?” Iruka asked as he sat across from Kakashi and passed him a folder.
“No. Why would someone do that here?”
Iruka laughed. “Maybe it was left by Tsunade, as a gift for you.”
Kakashi rolled his eye before pausing. “Iruka-sensei, are you making a pass at me?” he asked, holding the mistletoe above his own head. “Did you want a kiss?”
“I want to finish this meeting already,” Iruka told him in a bored tone.
“We haven’t started…”
“I know,” Iruka sighed, and Tenzo laughed again from his hidden position. “Let’s talk about the curriculum…”
Kakashi agreed and the meeting was uneventful though far from exciting. Kakashi was slightly distracted, admittedly, curious if Iruka would bring up the picture. When they were wrapping up, the jonin felt deflated at the clear absence, but knew there was no way to mention it himself.
“Before I go,” Iruka began, clearing his throat. “Um, I was thinking of sending Naruto pictures of Konoha at the holidays, and of some of his closest people. Would you like to be included?”
Kakashi blinked, surprised and pleased Iruka had finally brought it up. But, he had to play it cool! So, he nodded slowly as if considering it.
“I know it’s a lot to ask —” Iruka continued, but he was interrupted.
“Sure,” he said, giving the teacher an eye smile.
Iruka paused, an eyebrow raised. “Really?”
“Really. Why do you sound surprised, sensei?”
Iruka blushed and looked at the folders in his arms. “I apologize, Kakashi-sensei. I meant no disrespect, I just thought that with you acting as Hokage, and it being a…particular time of year for a lot of us, and our previous conversation about the holidays…but thank you for agreeing,” he said with wide smile, looking at the copy nin again. “There’s a photographer in town that’s agreed to help, Sukea. He’ll reach out to you or your staff for it, okay?”
Kakashi nodded, at a loss of anything else to say.
“Okay, thanks again!” Iruka cheered, bowing before he left.
“Do you want me to reach out to Sukea in advance?” Tenzo called out, but Kakashi shook his head and turned to look out the window.
“No, I think he’ll just turn up,” Kakashi mused. “He often does, when needed…”
____
Iruka found himself in a bit of a predicament as he realized he had no clue how, when, or where to find Sukea to let him know the good news!
“One time he was out to eat, another time just milling about,” Iruka sighed to himself as he worked the missions office the next day. “I don’t even know where he’s staying! He didn’t offer, and I didn’t ask.” He sighed and watched shinobi pass in front of the door to the office, Kakashi among them. “Well, Sukea has quite a few other people and places to photograph before Kakashi, I’m sure, and that’s even depending on when his Hokage duties give him some free time!”
Iruka thought about Kakashi’s current job as he worked, pitying the man for being up to his eyeballs in Tsunade’s work, something no one save for Naruto wanted.
“At least he didn’t read in our last meeting,” Iruka thought. “I appreciate that he’s making an effort, at least for me. With me, I mean!” he laughed to himself. “And to agree to having a picture taken, too? I should see if I can do something nice for him, ease his burden a bit while he’s got so much going on. I don’t know what, admittedly…”
Iruka thought about it as he walked home that night, and as he looked at his calendar for the rest of the month.
“I’ve really got a lot to do! Wrap up the academy before a short winter break, finish gift shopping, do a bit more seasonal things, plans with friends, meetings with Kakashi on top of my missions office work and some gate guard duty, then check in with Sukea about pictures, and maybe get Kakashi something for appreciation. And finish decorating my place,” he sighed, looking around. “And then, after it all, a nice long day of rest!” he laughed, before getting ready for bed.
___
Iruka was out finishing some errands and holiday shopping two nights later when he passed by Ichiraku, well after the dinner rush. He had already eaten, having brought a big lunch to the academy to eat for both lunch and an early dinner, wanting to take advantage of the free night as much as possible. But, he liked to pop in when he was nearby to say hello to Teuchi and Ayame, even if he wasn’t getting anything. So, bags in hand, Iruka juggled them as he ducked under the fabric flaps, finding Teuchi at the counter talking to, to Iruka’s surprise, Sukea!
Both men looked over in mild surprise at Iruka before both smiled, and he returned it with a wide smile of his own and called out a greeting.
“Evening, sensei! Your usual?” Teuchi asked.
“Not tonight, but thank you,” Iruka laughed. “I was just passing by and wanted to say hello. Are you well?”
“Warm and well, thanks. You?”
“Also good. And you, Sukea-san?” Iruka asked.
Kakashi ignored Teuchi’s look of amusement. “Also good, thanks. I’m just finishing up, but I’d be happy to stay if you wanted some tea?”
“I appreciate it, but I have a lot to get home to unpack,” Iruka admitted, laughing. “But I’m glad I found you! Kakashi-sensei agreed to having his picture taken.”
Teuchi snorted, and Kakashi ignored it as well.
“Oh, good, great!” Kakashi said to Iruka, smiling at how excited Iruka was. “Is it planned, or should I schedule?”
“If you could, at least to start,” Iruka suggested, and Kakashi nodded. “Great! Let me know if I can help. Oh, but I don’t know how to find you to check in?”
Kakashi fought a grimace, not having a plan for that. Until…
“Why don’t we meet here for dinner one night?” he suggested, and Iruka nodded.
“Um…I could meet in two days? No, I have gate guard duty that night til seven and it sometimes runs late. Three days?” the teacher offered.
“Three days it is. At seven?”
“Sound good! I should get going, I don’t want to interrupt you two any further, but thank you! Have a good night, both of you!” Iruka said, dipping his head before leaving.
Kakashi turned back to Teuchi, who was grinning at him. “Don’t,” he said, shaking his head. “Just don’t.”
“So, Iruka knows Sukea, hmm?” Teuchi pressed, albeit in a low voice. “And I take it he doesn’t know who Sukea is?”
Kakashi sighed. “No, he doesn’t. Most people don’t, you know that.”
“I do indeed,” Teuchi laughed. “Well, I think it’s good for you, to have a date.”
Kakashi scoffed. “It’s not a date.”
The older man shrugged. “You, him, dinner. Sounds like a date to me.”
“One can’t date someone who doesn’t exist,” Kakashi reminded him.
“You’ve got me there,” Teuchi laughed. “But if Iruka thinks you exist, perhaps that’s what counts?”
Kakashi rolled his eyes and paid his bill, waving as he left. He walked the streets, mingling in the crowds of people doing holiday shopping and dinner plans. And possibly dates, he supposed.
“It is a time for romance,” Kakashi mused as he got a hot tea to-go from a cafe and continued his walk as he sipped it.
But dates, with Iruka? Hardly! Though…they always did have a nice time when out with Naruto. And their meetings these past few weeks had been kind of bright spots on Kakashi’s schedule. He grinned as he thought about all the sass and attitude Iruka dished out, how he gave as good as he got, if not better. And their times when he was Sukea had been pleasant too. But those weren’t dates, right, he wondered? They were date-ish, but they weren’t on dates, were they?
“No, it was just events, happenstance,” Kakashi told himself. “Like I told Teuchi, a person who doesn’t exist can’t go on dates.”
But his mind strayed to the book that inspired him to bring Sukea back out, and the romantic storyline throughout it. The big reveal, born out of feelings realized and necessity. The questions, the confusion, the kiss at the end!
Kakashi shook his head to clear it.
“I don’t think that really happens, nor will it, should it,” he said, glancing at his reflection in a darkened store window. “I’m reading into things that aren’t there,” he told himself, nodding before he started to walk home, or at least to where he could henge and be himself til he was inside.
___
Kakashi as Sukea started to take pictures of Naruto’s friends so he could have something to show Iruka when they met for dinner. The teacher had passed word to others so that Sukea was not a complete stranger (as laughable as that was to Kakashi), and he focused on pictures of some classmates. The Shika-Ino-Cho team, Hinata and her team, and a few landmarks. It was actually fun for Kakashi to take these, to interact more lightheartedly with people than he otherwise did. Plus, the smile from Iruka when he saw the pictures made Kakashi swoon and he wore a wide grin as the other man showered him in praise.
“These are great, he’ll love these!” Iruka cheered. “Thank you!”
“My pleasure. I’ve still got quite a few to take, including yours,” Kakashi told him, and Iruka blushed.
“Oh, I didn’t think, I don’t need to, I mean, if you have time,” he stammered out.
Kakashi made a disapproving noise. “You’re the one organizing this, how could we forget you?”
Iruka laughed. “Sometimes I’m guilty of putting others ahead of me and can forget my own needs.”
“Then we definitely have to make it special,” Kakashi said, and Iruka blushed again. “Where would you like a picture? Here? Some special place for you and Naruto? Daytime, or night?”
“Oh!” Iruka exclaimed, eyes wide. “I don’t know! You’re the artist, what do you think?”
Kakashi hummed. “Let me think about it,” he said. “In the meantime, how’s the academy?”
Iruka launched into a story of classroom shenanigans as Kakashi half-listened, wondering what to suggest for Iruka. He also had to figure out when to take a picture of, well, himself, and decided that making a clone was his best bet. Then again, if he set the camera on a timer, did he need Sukea there? Or…
“I have an idea!” Kakashi told Iruka, who nodded invitingly. “Why don’t I take a picture of you and Kakashi-sensei?”
“What?”
“Yeah, Naruto’s two teachers together. What do you think?”
“Oh, uh, maybe,” Iruka mused, clearly considering it. “It might be nice, if Kakashi-sensei is up for it.”
“Why wouldn’t he be?” Kakashi slowly asked, surprised.
Iruka shrugged and stirred his ramen. “I don’t know. He’s already being agreeable to having a picture taken, squeezing me in might be over the top.”
“It’s a picture, not a wedding invitation,” Kakashi laughed, and Iruka rolled his eyes. “You could ask?”
The teacher nodded. “I’ll ask. When might you want to take it, if he asks?”
“Oh, as soon as we can,” Kakashi told him.
“Okay. I meet with him in two days, so I’ll ask then.”
Kakashi nodded. “I’ll stop by the academy the day after to check in then?”
“Sounds good,” Iruka said with a smile, and Kakashi mirrored it.
They finished eating and Kakashi tagged along with Iruka to run a few small errands, picking up a few grocery items himself. It was interesting, dare he say fun, even, to do so with Iruka, and as Kakashi finally went home and unpacked Iruka and Naruto’s favorite spicy ramen that Sukea “had” to try, it brought a smile to his face again.
At his own home, Iruka had finished putting groceries away and was straightening some decorations as something nagged at his mind.
“Something about Sukea seemed so familiar,” he muttered to himself as he hung more garland in his living room. “What was it?”
A few moments later, something occurred to him.
“His smile, there was something about it that I’ve seen before, I’m sure of it,” Iruka mused. “His smile, his eyes, something…” He shook his head. “Maybe, I don’t know.” He shrugged and adjusted the garland just so. “He’s being so generous with this whole project, I’ll really have to find a way to thank him…”
___
Kakashi felt fidgety throughout his meeting with Iruka, who mentioned new textbooks that could be helpful for the academy, as well as did Kakashi think that older students should have more overnight sessions in outdoors?
“Well?” Iruka asked, and Kakashi blinked.
“What?”
Iruka frowned. “I was asking about…never mind. I can tell you’ve got a lot going on, and that academy matters aren’t a high priority.”
“I never said that,” Kakashi protested. “I just think I’m not helpful as an interim Hokage.”
“Fair, but if we don’t have our meetings we’ll get in trouble.”
“You sound like a student concerned about the principal,” Kakashi teased.
“I am. You think I want to get on the bad side of Tsunade or my direct boss? Hell no,” Iruka told him. “But, we’ve met a few times, maybe we can get away without meeting any more…”
“No!” Kakashi shouted, lowering his voice as Iruka looked at him in stunned surprise. “No, we don’t need to cancel,” he said, surprised at the pull in his stomach he had felt at the thought of not having set time with Iruka. Uh, he’d look into that later, he thought…or not…
“If you insist,” Iruka acquiesced. “But, look, I’m grateful you don’t read during the meetings, but you just seem distracted. We really don’t have to meet if you’ve got more important things to do.”
“What’s more important than spending time with you?” Kakashi asked, giving him an eye smile.
Iruka rolled his eyes, and the jonin found he was disappointed he hadn’t earned a blush from the other man. Sukea did, Kakashi sighed…
“A line from your books, I take it?” Iruka asked, shaking his head as he collected his files.
“Maybe. Did it work?”
“Hardly,” the teacher assured him.
“Perhaps next time,” the jonin mused, and was rewarded with a bark of laughter from the younger man.
“Sure,” Iruka agreed sarcastically as he stood. “Oh, by the way, you remember the pictures I’m sending to Naruto?” he asked, and Kakashi nodded, excited Iruka was bringing it up finally! “Well, the photographer thought of maybe having us be in one together. I guess to save time, or for a nice one for Naruto,” Iruka added, shrugging. “Anyway, if you’re up for it. It’s not a big deal, either way,” he quickly added.
“Why wouldn’t I be up for it?” Kakashi questioned. “Anything for Naruto would help. After all, it’s not like it’s our wedding picture or anything. Unless you want it to be?”
“Ha! As if,” Iruka snorted. “Now that’s got to be a line from one of your books, right? I feel like I’ve heard it before, or something similar,” he reflected with a slight frown.
Kakashi grimaced under his mask; it was like a comment Sukea had made, wasn’t it?
“Did it work this time?” he asked instead, and Iruka rolled his eyes. “I’ll take that as a ‘no’,” Kakashi sighed. “But yeah, let me know when you want to take the picture.”
“I will, thank you,” Iruka said, smiling and bowing before leaving.
Kakashi sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he was left alone. “Gotta be smarter about what I say…” he thought to himself, shaking his head and moving to prepare for his next meeting.
“How much longer until Tsunade comes back?”
____
Iruka and Sukea met on their not-date, as far as Kakashi was concerned, and Iruka grinned as he told the other man about Kakashi agreeing to the picture together.
“Kakashi certainly has a soft spot for those who are dear to him,” Teuchi told the men, grinning. Kakashi rolled his eyes, and Iruka smiled.
“I think he does too, but I won’t let him know I suspect it,” Iruka mused, and Kakashi choked on his ramen.
Not ready to separate for the night, he suggested to Iruka they walk around the village after, milling about the holiday market. It certainly had all the components for a date, Kakashi had to admit, but it was definitely not a date. Did he want it to be? He hadn’t dated for so long, he couldn’t really remember the last time he was remotely interested. But here was Iruka, who was kind, and friendly, and caring. Competent and challenging for Kakashi in all the right ways, and attractive, he had to admit, now that he was spending so much time with the teacher. But was he just being swept up in the holiday, the romantic elements it suggested, the allure?
“I know it’s around here somewhere,” Iruka said, bringing Kakashi back to the present.
“Hmm?”
“The mailbox to Santa, I want to find it so I know where to take my class’ letters,” Iruka said, biting his lip as he looked around, drawing Kakashi’s eye to it. “Maybe there?” he suggested, and the older man nodded, uncaring of where Iruka wanted to go.
“Your class is writing to Santa?” Kakashi asked, surprised. How long had he been lost in his own thoughts?
“Yep, we’re taking some time for it. I know they’re pre-genin and all, but it’s a nice thing for them to do, I think. Gives them time to reflect on what they’re grateful for, if they’ve been nice or not, and what they actually want,” Iruka told him as they walked through the crowds. “But really, it’s because a few big businesses are donating ryo to the hospital and some other places for each letter dropped off.”
“Ah, how nice,” Kakashi mused. “And what are you asking Santa for?”
Iruka laughed. “I don’t know. Perhaps for friends to be safe.”
“That’s nice, but not exciting for you,” Kakashi teased. “Be selfish, ask for something really big and cool!”
Iruka laughed again. “I’ll think about it. What would you ask for?”
“Oh,” Kakashi paused. “I don’t know. I’ll think about it,” he said, just as the mailbox came into view.
“And promise you’ll consider writing a letter?” Iruka posed, and Kakashi nodded. “Great! Well, now that we found it, want to get some cocoa and help me finish some shopping at a few stalls?” Iruka asked, and Kakashi nodded again, eager for the night to continue.
____
At their next meeting in the Hokage’s office, Kakashi brought up the letters to Santa when discussing events at the academy, and Iruka looked at him in surprise.
“What?” Kakashi asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m just surprised you know about it,” Iruka admitted.
The jonin shrugged. “I’m not unaware of holiday things going on, and I know a few classes at the academy are doing it to help raise money for charity. Is yours?”
Iruka smiled. “They are.”
“And are you?”
The chuunin laughed. “I’m thinking about it.”
“Tsk tsk, you need to lead by example and write one,” Kakashi playfully admonished. “What will you ask for?”
“I still don’t know,” Iruka sighed. “Well, you should lead by example and write one too, by your logic,” he posed, and hidden ANBU snorted in laughter.
“I suppose so, and my ANBU too,” Kakashi said, and the ANBU sighed. “All of them,” he added.
“Great!” Iruka laughed. “So, what will you ask for, then?”
Kakashi scratched a masked cheek. “I’m not sure. For Tsunade to return early?” he posed, and Iruka laughed again.
“Sounds about right. And for Jiraiya to finish his next book soon, eh?” the teacher teased.
“Always,” Kakashi agreed with an eye smile.
“Has it been so bad, covering for Tsunade in the end?”
“It could have been worse,” Kakashi admitted. “I’m just ready for all these meetings to end, there’s so many end of year ones!”
“I can imagine,” Iruka agreed. “Well, we can end early, if you’d like? I’m sure I’m not your last meeting of the day.”
“True, I’ve got one more,” Kakashi began, just as an ANBU appeared.
“Apologies, Hatake-san,” they said, bowing. “You were supposed to have been told earlier but that meeting was rescheduled.”
“Oh, really?” Kakashi asked, surprised, and they nodded. “Thanks,” he said, exhaling as the ANBU went back to their post.
“Nice,” Iruka laughed. “I hope the rest of your night is easy, then.”
“Me too,” the copy nin said, before a thought occurred to him. “Since I’ve got some free time, would you like to grab dinner? Unless you’re working the missions office or have plans,” he quickly added, recognizing he didn’t know Iruka’s schedule.
“No, I’m free, just some grading and gift wrapping to do. That would be nice,” Iruka said, smiling and Kakashi’s stomach flipped as he returned it, even if Iruka only saw his eye curve.
They went to Ichiraku, naturally, where Teuchi grinned and grinned and Kakashi ignored him. The men sat and talked like they always had, discussing village gossip and general topics. And, of course, Naruto.
“Oh, Sukea was thinking we might take the picture soon,” Kakashi told Iruka, who nodded as he ate.
“That would be nice, then I can get them sent to Naruto soon. I think he has a few more to take but nothing crazy. I’m not trying to take up too much of his time while he’s here,” Iruka admitted. “He’s being so kind to do this, after all.”
“Sure,” Kakashi agreed, feeling yet again like he was competing with, well, himself. “Why don’t we take it in the Hokage’s office, that will really annoy Naruto,” he laughed, and Iruka joined him.
“Right? That’s a great idea!” Iruka agreed. “I’m at the missions office for the next three evenings, if you and he are free sometime then just let me know and I’m sure I can run upstairs for a moment.”
Kakashi agreed and they soon finished dinner, parting ways so that Kakashi could return to work and Iruka home for his own tasks. But the jonin found he was distracted as he thought about Sukea and Iruka more and more, unsure of what, if anything, to do.
____
Two nights later, Kakashi was at a meeting elsewhere in the village and slipped away from ANBU for a moment to make a clone without them knowing, henging it into Sukea.
“Take the picture, nothing more. No plans with him,” he told his clone.
“But it would be nice,” the clone pouted.
“No,” the jonin sternly directed. “Nothing.”
“Fine,” the clone sighed. “Whatever,” he said, turning and leaving. Kakashi returned to his ANBU escort and they headed back to Hokage Tower. About twenty minutes later, there was a knock on the door and Sukea and Iruka soon entered, smiling.
“Hello,” Iruka greeted him, as he and Sukea bowed. “We were told you might be free for a moment?”
“For you, anything,” Kakashi assured him. “The picture, I take it?” he asked, and the men nodded.
Sukea had them stand in front of the desk as he began to situate the picture. He directed them to stand here, now there, and a little there…
“Stand a little closer,” Sukea said. “A little more, a little more, okay! Smile!” The men did as asked, and Sukea took a few pictures. “I’ll have these and the last few done and developed soon,” Sukea told Iruka.
“Great! Thank you again,” Iruka said to Kakashi, as Sukea grinned.
“My pleasure,” Kakashi told them, waving as they bowed and left. A few moments later, memories from the clone came to the jonin, who paused reading a scroll as he took them in.
Sukea and Iruka talked as Sukea walked the teacher back to the missions office.
“I should have the pictures ready in like, three or four days?”
“Sounds good! Want to meet at Ichiraku in…a week?” Iruka suggested and Sukea nodded. “Next Tuesday, seven?” he asked, and the clone agreed.
Kakashi pursed his lips under his mask. “So, still one more week as Sukea…one more week to figure things out…”
____
Kakashi received news the next day that Tsunade would be back in three days or so, and he was beyond excited by it!
“And I didn’t even have to write to Santa for it,” he laughed, before his thoughts strayed to the conversation with Iruka. And to Iruka, overall.
Kakashi sighed. He did say he would write a letter, and he could lie about it but why bother? He pulled out a blank piece of paper and tapped a pencil as he considered what to ask for.
“I suppose like Iruka said, for people to be safe. And for the village to be safe. And Jiraiya’s next work of art. But also…for me to find a solution to all this Sukea business. An easy way out, that doesn’t harm anyone. No, not just doesn’t harm, but maybe works everything out? Is that even possible?” Kakashi sighed.
Elsewhere, Iruka was facing his own dilemma as he was still looking for gifts for Sukea and Kakashi, to show his gratitude for their help with his Naruto project.
“Nothing big or flashy, neither seem to want over the top items,” Iruka mused as he wandered stores. “Maybe something useful for both? I don’t know anything about photography for Sukea, and the only hobby I know about for Kakashi is those books, and I am not getting him any of them!”
Iruka paused and frowned slightly. “What did he ever decide to do for a hobby, I wonder? He mentioned it once but didn’t seem to have picked anything. Knowing that sure would help,” he sighed.
In the end, he bought a mug from the holiday market for Sukea, to commemorate his holiday spent in Konoha. “Useful for his travels, and not too big,” Iruka mused, nodding. “It’s been nice to spend time with him, so nice and charming. And attractive, too. Dare I say, I’ve gotten a bit of a crush on him!” Iruka laughed. “A handsome stranger crossed my path while in town, straight out of a fairy tale! Do I do anything about it? No…should I? Could I? I don’t know…”
For Kakashi, he bought some nice tea. “For him to unwind, while covering for Tsunade and after. A thank you for meeting with me for academy business and in taking the picture for Naruto, but nothing big,” Iruka thought. “It’s also been nice to spend time with him this month for our meetings, even if it would be nice if it was under better circumstances. But I do admire and appreciate his devotion to the village. His teasing, now that I could do without,” Iruka laughed at himself. “Though it’s been a bit fun at times. Perhaps I’ll invite him out for dinner once Tsunade is back, let him vent about whatever he might need to and just unwind for a night.”
Pleased with his ideas, he went to finish his shopping for Anko and a few coworkers at the academy, smiling as he did so.
___
Kakashi met Iruka for dinner as Sukea and showed the final sets of pictures. Iruka was as pleased with these as he had been for the others, and thanked him over and over. Kakashi grinned and basked in the warmth from the other man, keeping a secret that he had kept copies of some of his favorite pictures of the village for himself, as well as the one of he and Iruka.
But as they were winding down dinner, he did share, however, that his travels and work would be taking him away from Konoha in a few days, and Iruka frowned.
“Pity, but I’m glad we met while you were here,” the teacher said, and Kakashi nodded.
“Same. It’s been a nice time, very…comforting,” Kakashi said, speaking the truth.
“I’m glad. Hey, would you like to come over for dinner the day after tomorrow?” Iruka asked him as they stood on the street to part ways. “Might be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle this close to the holidays, especially before you set off on the road again.”
Kakashi nodded. “That would be nice, thanks.”
Iruka smiled and gave him his address. “See you then!” he said, waving before turning and leaving. He grinned the whole way home, excited he had taken a risk and had a…well, a date with Sukea!
“He’s just here for a little longer, so it’s nothing big, but it also kind of is…” Iruka thought to himself as he let himself into his apartment. “I’ve got so much to do! Cleaning and grocery shopping and –”
As he made a list to prepare, Kakashi walked home with a heavy heart. Iruka had invited Sukea to his apartment, had invited Sukea to dinner. Should Sukea go, and Kakashi keep up the charade? That seemed…wrong. But if that was wrong, was everything else Kakashi had done also in poor taste?
He sighed and flopped on his bed when he returned home, looking at the same book that had once given him the inspiration to bring Sukea back these past few weeks.
“I didn’t think I’d actually spend time with anyone, just that Sukea would roam about and just be. Have I led Iruka on? Should I cancel dinner with him? I could…I could say that I, as Sukea, got a work assignment and had to leave earlier than expected. But Iruka might be sad! And though he has friends, as he once said this is his first season without Naruto…”
Kakashi tossed and turned all night as he thought about it, and in the morning had no further thoughts. He wandered the village early in the morning, paying his respects at the memorial stone before heading to a bench he favored for reading or reflecting. Or, as this morning, pitying himself.
“Why the long face?” Tenzo asked as he appeared ten minutes later, in ANBU gear. “Tsunade relieved you of your duties, I’d have thought you’d be celebrating and resting at home in pajamas.”
“I should,” Kakashi agreed as his friend joined him to sit. “But I’ve got myself into some trouble.”
“Good trouble, or bad trouble?”
“Both?”
“Ooh, juicy! Spill,” his friend encouraged, and Kakashi shared of it all. Tenzo was silent, and at the end exhaled loudly. “Well, wow. That’s a true holiday story come to life!”
“Not helping,” Kakashi sighed. “I should just have Sukea leave, right? Iruka knew he was only passing through for a few weeks.”
“True, but you’re not.”
“What?” Kakashi asked, looking at his friend, who shrugged.
“You’re here, Iruka’s here.”
“I know, so?”
“So go to dinner, as you.”
Kakashi chuckled bitterly. “Yeah, great. And how exactly do I explain why I’m showing up and not Sukea?”
“You literally tell him that,” Tenzo posed. “Who Sukea is, and why.”
“And if he thinks I was playing him, making a joke of it all?” the copy nin challenged.
“Explain it, answer questions he has. Worst case he doesn’t want to have dinner and throws you out. It’s not like you led him on, or lied to him, right?”
“Sukea is literally a lie,” Kakashi reminded him.
“Yes, but who you were as Sukea, was that a lie? What you two talked about, how you acted?”
“No,” Kakashi slowly admitted. “It was all me.”
“Then there you go. Who knows, Iruka might accept it all and you two could start a fairytale romance, happily ever after.”
“You are really fishing for a holiday story here,” Kakashi said, shaking his head.
“You love a good romance story, and it’s that time of year,” Tenzo said, standing up. “It was fun to watch it happen in real-time.”
“What?” Kakashi asked, confused.
Tenzo shrugged. “You think I didn’t know you were wandering the village all that time? I told you before, I had to watch you around the clock. Which included watching you as Sukea.”
“I….you….all this time? You knew?!”
“Sure.”
“And you didn’t say anything?”
Tenzo shrugged. “I figured it was what you needed, still do. And seeing Iruka interact with both you as you, and you as Sukea, well, why do you think I say go for it?”
Kakashi sighed. “This is a lot to process. I can’t believe you knew.”
Tenzo laughed. “Part of my job. If it helps, no one else knew, and I kept my distance. Mostly. I need to get back on patrol, but think about it, yeah?”
“Yeah,” Kakashi agreed.
“Good luck,” Tenzo said, before disappearing.
Kakashi remained sitting there, considering everything they had discussed, and weighing his options until he had finally reached a decision.
“I’ve just got a few things to do first,” he mused, standing and setting off.
____
Kakashi had a number of meetings with Tsunade and Shizune to catch them up to speed on the village happenings and meetings agendas, so he was far from relieved of his duties. He was unable to sneak off for an errand he had wanted to do himself and so asked Tenzo to go to Iruka’s favorite bakery and get the teacher’s favorite items there. His friend took pity on him and did so without a second thought, and Kakashi felt grateful to have another person in his corner as the time grew closer and closer.
Kakashi ultimately didn’t want to complicate things at Iruka’s apartment, so he walked to the academy, figuring it to be a safe haven for the chuunin. Kakashi also didn’t want to storm into the man’s classroom,so he waited for Iruka near the academy gates, leaning against a tree to read. He considered using a genjutsu to blend in but figured that might backfire somehow, so he just nodded as staff left, exchanging greetings and pleasantries as they did so. And ignored the curious whispers and glances, straightening his posture when Iruka came into view.
The man wore a scarf around his neck, a standard shinobi one, and had a spring in his step until he saw Kakashi, as he seemed more surprised than anything else. Hopefully the joyful attitude was just briefly on pause, the jonin thought!
“Kakashi-sensei, hello,” Iruka greeted him.
“Iruka-sensei, hello. How are you?”
The men made general small talk before Iruka excused himself a few moments later.
“I apologize, but I need to run, I have to meet someone,” Iruka said, starting to bow. “Have a good night.”
The copy nin had a whole speech prepared, but his mind went blank.
“It’s me,” he blurted out, and Iruka raised an eyebrow. “The someone.”
“What?”
“Who you’re meeting.”
Kakashi held his breath for a moment before Iruka laughed. Laughed!
“What, no,” the teacher said with a smile. “We don’t have any more meetings scheduled now that Tsunade is back. Which is fine, since she might postpone the one this week so she can settle in. I mean, it’s not like the budget is being approved any time soon, it’s just nice to stay on top of things and –”
“I’m Sukea,” Kakashi blurted out, interrupting him.
“What?” Iruka asked, frowning slightly. “What?” he repeated.
“I was, I am him.”
“Um, no, you’re not,” Iruka nervously laughed. “He’s him. A whole person. Not you. And, I mean, the hair, the eyes, the, well, everything.”
“It’s a henge, a jutsu, it’s complicated."
“I…what? No,” Iruka laughed again, still awkwardly.
“It is,” Kakashi said, and shared some of what they had talked about as Sukea. Iruka’s face paled slightly as he spoke and he shuffled nervously in place, eyes wide.
“So, you believe me?” Kakashi bitterly mused, and Iruka nodded. “Good. Though, this is awkward,” he admitted.
“Yeah,” Iruka agreed.
And weird.”
“A little,” the teacher commented.
“I didn’t mean to trick you or anything,” Kakashi said in a rush. “I was just finding a new hobby.”
Iruka frowned. “What?”
“Oh! Not like that!” the jonin assured him. “You told me to get a hobby that wasn’t reading, remember?” Iruka nodded. “Well, sometimes I used to go out as Sukea and just be a regular person. No big bad shinobi, no jonin-sensei, no myth or rumors, no acting Hokage. Not even a masked face.”
“I’ve seen your face!” Iruka whispered in horror. “Oh no!”
Kakashi laughed. “A lot of people have seen it now, technically. But only you know it was me.”
“So this whole time, you were really…you?” the chuunin asked, and Kakashi nodded. “Huh. I mean, we can literally henge into anything, this should really be weirder than it is.”
“Thanks, I think?”
“Sorry, this is just a lot to take in,” Iruka admitted, shaking his head.
“I’m sure. I just didn’t want to leave you hanging tonight, or lead you on as Sukea anymore,” Kakashi shared, and Iruka nodded.
“That’s right, he’s coming over for dinner. He, I mean you,” Iruka began. “I…” he exhaled and Kakashi’s stomach sunk. At least he had done the right thing by being honest, right? “Would you like to still come over?” Iruka asked, and Kakashi’s eye widened.
“What? Really?”
Iruka nodded. “I have things ready to cook, and I did invite you, technically. And I’ve got a lot of questions, so might as well.”
“Sure,” Kakashi quickly agreed. “I did bring dessert, after all.”
“Oh?” Iruka asked, eyes shining with curiosity, and Kakashi showed him the bakery item. “I went there with Sukea and insisted he try it,” Iruka recalled, laughing.
“It was good, even if I’m not the biggest on sweets. But I know you like it so I wanted to get it,” Kakashi told him, and Iruka smiled.
“Thanks, that’s really thoughtful. Almost makes up for deceiving me for a few weeks.”
“Really?” Kakashi asked, surprised.
“Not on your life,” Iruka laughed. “But it’s a start. Come on, let’s go eat,” he said, leading them off the academy grounds.
____
After a long dinner and longer conversations, Iruka had no ill feelings towards Kakashi. If anything, it made him like the other man that much more, since he had saw a new side of Kakashi the jonin didn’t show many people. There was a level of comfortability and intimacy between the two that they wouldn’t have expected, and dinner that night quickly turned into more dinners together, plus holiday events, and more time spent together that were most definitely dates.
As the holidays neared they made plans to spend it together, and Kakashi stopped by a chart room down the hall from the missions office one night to confirm a grocery list with Iruka, as they were making some of Naruto’s favorite dishes to honor the younger shinobi.
They turned down a hallway as Kakashi walked Iruka back to the missions office, but the teacher paused suddenly, frowning.
“What?” Kakashi asked. “Too much instant ramen on the list?”
“No, not that, never that. No, something is off,” Iruka told him, and Kakashi stood straighter, on alert.
“What is it?” he asked.
Iruka pursed his lips as he glanced around, sighing loudly when he pointed to mistletoe hanging a few feet in front of them. “Really?” he asked, shaking his head disapprovingly.
Elsewhere, hidden Tenzo sighed loudly, and Kakashi rolled his eye. He was about to tell his friend off, when Iruka leaned up and kissed his masked cheek.
“Can’t say no to mistletoe,” Iruka mused, grinning. “See you later,” he said to Kakashi, winking as he walked away.
Kakashi nodded, reaching a hand up to his cheek, feeling the ghost of Iruka’s lips. “See you,” he softly said. “And thanks,” he said louder, to his friend.
“Anytime. Now go, you need to finish your holiday shopping since you still need to get Iruka a gift,” Tenzo reminded him, and Kakashi cursed as he rushed out of the building to do just that.