#thecopyninkakashi

[irukasenseii]

Kakashi quietly enters the Headmaster's office and the door barely clicks behind him. He peers at Iruka who appears to be busying himself with something on the desk, and grins lightly despite himself. Still buried deep in his work, as suspected.

Iruka always worked hard, was always diligent, and always managed to maintain an impressive composure. He would have fit the Hokage role perfectly in many ways.

"Psst."

He peers over Iruka's shoulder, passively scanning the documents to determine if they were anything of importance (which he deemed they were not) that he couldn't pry the brunette from. Lightly, he tugs loose those long soft strands and secures the hair tie around his wrist.

Fingertips lightly comb through Iruka's hair before he starts easing some pressure against the other's scalp.

"Looking to be a late night tonight?"

Iruka didn't need to look up to know that it was Kakashi. He knew the mans chakra signature almost as well as his own and next to Naruto; who was much louder when he let himself in, he was the only other one who let himself in without knocking.

He kept working as his other half stepped over, an amused little smile quirking on his lips as Kakashi read over his shoulder. He waited to see how Kakashi would go about dragging him away from his desk and was pleasantly surprised to have his hair pulled free from it's ponytail.

His head tipped into the touch with a happy sigh and he flashed Kakashi a grin.

"I was actually going to wrap things up just now. What convenient timing~" Leaning away from his desk, he tugged Kakashi down enough to press a kiss to a masked cheek. "Here to whisk me away?"

[gildinbainas]

[ continued xoxo || @thecopynin-kakashi

In truth, Iruka never expected Kakashi to answer right away, if at all. And, if he were honest, he hadn't expected the other to let the truth befall his lips either. Iruka supposed it was because, like most shinobi, they all had a habit of lying to themselves. With the lie fully planted within, it was easy to let the same lie roll off of the tongue. As shinobi, they had no choice but to be alright --- at least for appearance sake. They knew the job that they signed up for and from the start, it was hammered into their young minds about the harsh realities of protecting their turf. Sleepless nights was but one of many side effects to having a heart in this dangerous world that they tread.

Iruka closed his eyes for a spell, a hint of a smile upon his features as he tilted his head in the direction of the voice. He dared not look yet it's but a simple gesture; a silent acknowledgement of Kakashi's presence. Again, one could never be too careful out here and the last thing he wanted was heat on himself or his masked savior.

Iruka waits a long while before he finally answers. Much like Kakashi, he is listening; allowing his body to relax so that he can feel the world around him. They were still alone and only after being absolutely certain would he dare speak again.

"I'm sorry to hear that. A certain rival of yours is often seen walking upon his hands in the night. I suppose he too is restless and perhaps missing an old friend." He paused, opening his eyes but keeping them glued to the Earth. He mustn't look. If he doesn't see him, it isn't exactly a lie if caught…right?

Even so, he tries not to let the other's barely spoken words get to him too much. They've been here. This wasn't new. Where Kakashi may have been lonely for human contact, Iruka was lonely for other reasons. He was treated quite well by most of his comrades yet a void was slowly being filled this night. He could not explain it other than the fact that he quite enjoyed helping people. If his presence and encouraging words helped his savior in some manner then all the more reason to keep risking it all.

"You know I have a weakness for those in need, especially when that need only requires a few listening ears." He paused for a few then added quietly. "My burdens pale in comparison to your own. The things I dwell on… they're all quite laughable in comparison." He smiled, although perhaps more so to himself since Kakashi could barely see his face. "I am alright, but I will sleep much better tonight for reasons that may or may not have to do with this impromptu therapy session."

He lets a comfortable silence ensue between them before he dares to sit in the grass. He nestles beneath the very tree that might be shielding Kakashi from prying eyes. Iruka lets his eyes close as he speaks quietly into the night. "The world is changing so quickly before our very eyes. If we don't pause occasionally and enjoy the nice things, life may pass us by." And while he wasn't necessarily hinting at Kakashi, perhaps it was more so about himself. Either way, THIS was his idea of enjoying the moment. It was peaceful out here and, for the time being, his focus was on something other than his every day routine.

[irukasenseii]

Iruka let out a soft laugh. They'd been a hassle and half so far but hopefully this meant now they'd have a lead on who was behind it, and how many more would be coming. Twice now he'd been caught up in the middle of it, which was a lot for a former academy teacher.

He tilted his head against the touch and let out a soft sigh, relaxing as Kakashi did. They were home and safe, the rest could come later.

"High praise from our very esteemed hokage." He mused softly, taking Kakashi's hand in his as he lowered his head to rest it against the mattress; a yawn escaping him. He wasn't planning to move. The nurses would have to fight him on that if they tried to get him back to his own room.

"I just wanted to make sure I could find you if I lost you."

Kakashi blinked once in surprise.

Iruka had always been a wonder in his eyes, doing the unexpected and exhibiting remarkable strength and courage every time he was faced with one of life’s hurdles. It was one of the many reasons Kakashi had fallen for him years ago. His adversary had been a powerful one, and his quick thinking had not only given him a victory in battle but retained a source of precious information.

The pride in Kakashi’s eyes was undeniable.

There’s a smile that spreads across his features, further gentling them. “You and I having been proving to be more trouble than we’re worth, hm?” He muses as he seems to settle more comfortably against his pillow.

With that news, it appears he’s more welcome to the thought of resting—a gift that’s certainly proving to be grand. His hand is trembling lightly from weakness as he reaches out to brush his knuckles along the length of Iruka’s cheek in adoration.

“Well done.”

[ofkaiten]

♔♔♔♔♔♔♔♔♔♔ /imoto is perfection at Neji

[vulgxrity]

Wind gracefully snaked it's way through Mana's long midnight locks, pulling in the faint sound of foot steps to her ears. Someone was near by...though, for what purpose? Turning her head from the tree the young ninja had been training in front of, she searched for the origin of the noise.

[tenbae]

✖

// 5. Kay, Jay wins.

[luciuskrane]

closed RP with thecopyninkakashi

Lucius was walking toward Konoha, he had to go there for personal reasons even if he didn't really wanted to go there. A stoic expression on his face like he learned to do to hide his true emotion. When he was in Konoha he just walk in the village not knowing where to go or what to do. He had no sign on his clothes about which village he come from and its not like he want to say it or remember it. He hated his village because of the bad memories he had there.

[irukasenseii]

“   i  am  starting  to  think  you  might  be  gay .   ” (I literally could not resist)

It's a slow blink and even slower turn of his head to look at his HUSBAND. Perhaps a little squint of his eyes as he's trying to discern if Kakashi is just teasing as he's prone to do but he's a blank slate, as usual.

"Ah-- You are hm?" He tapped his chin. "What was it that gave me away?"

[irukasenseii]

@thecopynin-kakashi

Iruka grunted as he pulled his knees up closer to his chest, attempting to get his arms out from behind his back and over them.

The last thing he remembered before being rudely awakened by his not so lovely host in this tiny, cold, poor excuse of a room, was that he was feeling pretty good. He had taken the vice principals exam, and was preparing to head back from the exam site to make dinner, pretty sure he had the job. His memory gets a little fuzzy after that and he has no idea how long he's been gone for.

His feet are bound together pretty tightly with what appears to be chakra wire, as are his hands behind his back. His sandals are gone, his headband is missing. He taught his students about kidnapping situations, so he stays calm, takes steady breaths and doesn't panic.

Assessing the situation he knows his head is injured and he's stiff from the cold and sore in several places. If he can get his hands to the front, he might be able to find something to cut through the wire and then free his feet. Hopefully before they come back. He doesn't know who they are but he knows they're mad and he knows it has something to do with Kakashi. Someone found out, he's sure. They slipped up somewhere. Were too obvious maybe. Now he was living out one of the copynin's worst fears. Despite his own situation, he can't help but worry about the other man more so than himself. He doubts, if Kakashi knows by now, that he's handling the news very well.

All the more reason to get working on freeing his hands as quickly as possible.

[irukasenseii]

@thecopynin-kakashi “ do you have a crush on me, or something? “ // Half-teasing, half-suspiciously side-eying

The question is asked at an unfortunate time; while he's sipping his tea and it gets stuck in his throat when Kakashi asks it. He chokes a moment, coughs and sputters. He doesn't even remember what he just said to elicit that response and he takes a much needed moment to make sure he's not dying first, before he even tries to come up with a good answer.

Was he that obvious? He thought he was doing a good job hiding it!

The laugh that escapes him is nervous as he sets his cup on the table.

"Wha-- What uh...Makes you ask that?"

[irukasenseii]

@thecopynin-kakashi

you're bleeding.

"Ah-- Kakashi-san."

Iruka visibly relaxed, leaning back against the tree once Kakashi made himself known. He seemed to sag in relief, letting himself slip down to sit because even though Kakashi was basically branded a missing nin, he wasn't an enemy in Iruka's eyes. There was a tear in his vest at the side and his hand was pressed there tightly.

He didn't take missions often and the ones he did take kept him usually in or around Konoha. This one was supposed to be a simple mission. Just a drop off. It ended up not being as easy as he thought it would be.

"Very astute observation. You get the gold star sticker." He managed to give the other a tired little smile.

"Sorry, for intruding. I just uh...need a minute."

[irukasenseii]

@thecopynin-kakashi

It was close enough to sunset when he arrived at the hill spot Kakashi had marked on the map. He made sure there wasn't anyone around and he wasn't planning to stay long, just wanting to check in and make sure Kakashi was in one piece. Maybe see if the man needed any supplies. He waited for a little bit, kicking his legs as they dangled from where he sat on the tree but after a while it became pretty clear Kakashi wasn't going to show.

He could only hope that he was okay, and planned to try again the next night but for now, he headed home. He had class in the morning and wanted to get some sleep before he had to deal with a room full of rowdy pre-genin.

[irukasenseii]

@thecopynin-kakashi

In the months that followed both Kakashi's reinstatement as a Konoha shinobi and Naruto's return, team 7 was reformed with a new member and missions were back in full swing. They'd been given several precious weeks together though, enough time to get Kakashi's family home fixed up and for Iruka to move out of his little apartment. He hadn't lived in a house since the kyūbi attack had destroyed the one he'd lived in with his parents. It was nice. Things were going good. They were making the space their own and Kakashi kept his promise to keep coming back when he did start taking missions again.

He couldn't help but feel like something was coming though. It left him feeling unsettled for weeks and despite trying to talk himself out of being paranoid, he was proven right when Pein attacked looking for Naruto.

They were supposed to be safe in the village. He always laughed off Kakashi's concern to look over his shoulder because he was gome and gome was safe. He regretted it. He should apologize but he didn't think he'd get a chance to now, finding himself in a very vulnerable position. Having pulled another shinobi out of some rubble, Iruka positioned himself as best as he could to protect the unconscious man from the Akatsuki member staring him down.

He was asking about Naruto. His student. Brother. His kid. Like hell he was going to say anything and said as much. Defiant till the end. He was going to die there and he knew it. His only regret was that he knew how this would affect Kakashi.

'Kakashi-- I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry.'

[irukasenseii]

"If your students complain I was too rough with them today, they're exaggerating."

"By whose standards are we going by here, Kakashi? I know you tend to go overboard when it comes to training or testing the students."

[irukasenseii]

@thecopynin-kakashi “He’s lying.”

"Don't call me out like that."

[irukasenseii]

There's a lovely bouquet of flowers sitting in a vase on the former teachers desk filled with bright blues and purples. The card has the yamanaka shops design and it says it's from kakashi though the writing doesn't match. The petals are harmless, but the card is laced with a poison that will take effect if he touches it.

Unprompted

It isn't unusual for gifts to be left for Iruka. He had students still leave him things even though he wasn't a teacher anymore. Though he was sure he locked that door when he left the night before.

That was alarming on it's own and he was already prepared to alert the anbu he was sure Kakashi had watching him. Kakashi's name on the card was what had him pause, plucking the little card up to look it over. That wasn't Kakashi's writing-- He always signed off with that little henohenomoheji.

Yup. That wasn't good.

He had to let Kakashi know.

He was starting to feel a little dizzy--