#tobirama/iruka

[dahtwitchi]

On AO3 link

[opening card of the clip]

twitchi presents

ABUNDANCE

Silly stop motion comicking

Rating G - Naruto fandom - no big warnings - m/m

Tobirama/Iruka and the mayhem of their adoptive son, Naruto~ (although this time aided by the rational approach of Tobirama :3)

[pinkcatharsis]

[FIC] A Wild Daddyrama's Problem Solving Skills 3/3

Read it here

Part 8 of The Daddyrama Quest series

Pairings: Tobirama/Iruka, Tenzou & Iruka

So.

There is love.

There is dependency from both parties that may just be an addiction. Like heroin but just for each other – or well, it is an addiction for Iruka anyway. He's not sure about Tobirama.

And this, Iruka thinks, is an addiction that might end all things

When you go into severe withdrawal, you do tend to try to get that blissful high in any way possible. Or you start trying to find ways to get that high. Therein lies the problem with long distance relationships.

But the reality is… long distance is still long distance.

Sooner or later, something is going to give.

[dahtwitchi]

Thank you so much ♡♡♡ warmth and cuddled up, and some snark and jovial barbs. Such a reason for me indulging a sketch of closeness :'3

Changed Displays

Happy Birthday to @dahtwitchi; I hope you enjoy my latest foray onto your twigship~

T; 1.3k Tobirama/Iruka

So many things have changed around Iruka, but he wouldn’t give up his new place and the very different world he lives in for anything.

[lizzy06]

Naruto Fic Recs!! (AO3)

Fandom Masterlist

Hey guys these are my favorite Naruto fics!! Hope u enjoy them too <3!!

No Paring

becoming the memory✨💖 by iinsomniatic(Time travel fix it, Jiraiya raises naruto) Out of options and about to die, Jiraiya writes a seal he’s sure isn’t going to work anyway. Then he wakes up, and damn it all, it’s October 10th. [ONGOING] From me to you: Unsent letters ✨✨by Lady_Ye(oneshot, suicide note)This made me cry so hard!! [COMPLETED]

Naruto Uzumaki x Sakura Haruno

Artistic purpose ✨by StormyInk (one shot, fluff) sai gets his new inspiration of drawing from his friends with which he also sets something off!! [COMPLETED] Just like me by bendingwing (oneshot, fluff)The beginnings of narusaku [COMPLETED] The Children of Omelas byFangirlJo (oneshot, Utopia, Dystopia, inspired by the one who walks away from omelas)She was 8 when she noticed the blonde boy in ragged clothing with bruises, sores and cuts all over him. She doesn't think the adults ever noticed him despite his bizarre looks, but she did.[COMPLETED] Date Night by TwinEnigma(oneshot Wingman sasuke, funny)In which Sasuke tries to do something nice for Naruto and Sakura's first anniversary. Hilarity ensues. [COMPLETED] Of pink and orange by FairyLetters (oneshot, reader is a spectator, fluff and angst)You watch as Sakura Haruno and Naruto Uzumaki come to an understanding that Sasuke Uchiha has left again.[COMPLETED] What now? by Kameodash(oneshot, after war)Naruto and Sakura try to cope with the trauma of the war together.[COMPLETED] Leaving You by THE_MAN42(oneshot, Love confession ,Sad ending)Naruto dies in her arms.[COMPLETED] Shinachiku and the Multiverse of...Wait There's a Multiverse?! by DuchessofChaos (time travel,falling in love) shinachiku travels to a world where his parents don't exist[ONGOING] Open Hearts by gabriella0807(post war,fluff)After the war there is a lot of work left to be done and many problems to be solved in the Shinobi world, while our heroes need to heal and move forward with their lives. [COMPLETED] Baby its you ✨by Behla(fake dating, friends to lovers, crush's wedding, single bed) Haruno Sakura finds herself in desperate need of a date for the wedding of a man she's been pining after for over eight years, in order to convince him and his bride that she's getting over him.[ONGOING]

Nara shikamaru x Ino Yamanaka

Red Ribbon by amuk(one shot,humour, friendship)They made a promise and Ino spent three years searching for Shikamaru to keep that promise. Time changes everyone, though, and Shikamaru looks cozy with his coworker, Temari. Some promises can't be kept. [COMPLETED]

In the forest 💖💖💖✨by SenkaHitomi(LadyTegan) - (post war, mission gone wrong, slow burn) shikamaru returns in catatonic state from a mission and ino must go into the labyrinth of his mind to bring shikamru back! [COMPLETED]

Its her again... ✨✨by atmymercy (Highschool au, pinning) Ino gets jealous of the girl who sits beside shika on his train and this leads to a whirlwind confrontation of her feelings..[COMPLETED]

Uchiha sasuke x sakura Haruno

Before the storm ✨by crissy_writes_garbage(Time travel to past, pregnant sakura)Sakura is pregnant and lost, a combination that leads to more trouble than necessary. Specially when you're lost in the past. [COMPLETED]

Gaara x Sakura Haruno

words that tie, ties that bind by Binxxx(soulmates, angst,SHUKAKU THE THERAPIST)During the chaos of the Chunin Exams, Sakura discovers who her soulmate is. [ONGOING] The four heavenly treasures by IRinna(arranged marriage, politics, friends-to-lovers)Princess Sakura of the Land of Fire is offered in a political alliance to the Land of Wind to help survive the incoming war. There she meets Gaara, leader of Wind and one of the champions of the Four Heavenly Treasures. [COMPLETED]

Uchiha Madara x Sakura Haruno

The Black bull by Vesperchan (oneshot, beauty and the beast elements)Based on the classic Scottish fairytale The Black Bull of Norroway.[COMPLETED]

Itachi Uchia(xf!reader)

Ikigai ✨by MissWriter97(arranged marriage, senju reader, alternate au) Uchiha Itachi gets married to the women he does not love to prevent the massacre! This is a lovely fic...[ONGOING]

Senju Tobirama(xf!reader)

A Step in Time by MizzGinger (senju tobirama x Princess! reader ,arrange marriage, time travel, second chances) This is and alternate au story with a lot of war time drama going on!! It has a brilliant set up!![ONGOING]

The Home I crave✨✨ by cafeinthemoon93( arranged marriage, angst, slowburn, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers )I really loved this fics, the detailing and pacing were chef's kiss!![HIATUS]

Some other pairing stories

Iruka x reader

Growing along the line✨✨💖 by FreakyPseudWriter(fake dating, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, fluff)After a really bad day at your workplace you meet Umino Iruka, who quickly makes you open up to him. But you certainly didn't expect him to suddenly claim you two were romantically involved! [COMPLETED]

Sasori x Sakura Haruno

Bait and Hitch✨✨ by Aelynthi (fake dating, coworkers, crush's wedding)When Haruno Sakura finds out Sasuke is engaged, she does the only thing she knows to do in order to save her pride—she lies.[ONGOING]

[whoishotteranimepolls]

"Who's Hotter?" Pride Month Event: Fandom Wars Naruto Fanon Gay/Bi

[phantomstatistician]

Fandom: Naruto

Sample Size: 53,210 stories

Source: AO3

[poele-sexuel]

Ok so... Naruto brain rot :)

Even if both categories of Clans share characteristics with animals. There's a difference between a Beastial Clan and a Feral.

One is working with animals, the other is Being the animal.

For example...

Inuzuka, Beastial, work with ninja dogs, greater and sharper senses and instincts.

Hakate, Fucking Feral, Will bite your fucking throat out, are basically Animals in humans form.

But you can also be Feral without the animal parts.

You just need to be more Wild than a Beastial. Be literally one with Nature. :)

Yes, the Uzumakis are Feral. Yes, the Fucking Senju are Feral. Yes, Tsunade Senju is very Feral herself. (Orochimaru is too ;D)

Beastial Clans : Inuzuka, Aburame, Nara, Sarutobi, Uchiha, Onikuma...

Feral Clans : Hakate, Senju, Uzumaki, Nohara, Umino, Namikaze...

Also... Being a Junchiriki automatically make someone Feral. Or being mixed with Senju's DNA. Or adopted/Claimed by a Feral. :)

[cactusspatz]

May recs

So May turned into my biennial swing through Naruto fandom (have I ever seen a single episode? nope), during which I managed to fall down the Madara/Tobirama rabbit hole - which is a very fun time if you enjoy extreme competency and enemies-to-lovers! Also I've got some Kakashi/Iruka fic, and a couple of Guardian fics for Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan. More recs at Pinboard as well!

NARUTO - FOUNDERS ERA

As Is the Sea Marvelous by blackkat

Tobirama is willing to give absolutely anything for Hashirama and his dream.

AKA the fic that started me down this rabbit hole. Blackkat is so dangerous with the gateway drug fics like that - this is a great canon AU aimed directly at my id where Tobirama surrenders to the Uchiha in hopes of stopping an escalation of the war after he wounds Izuna.

and all the fire's at your fingertips by pandaflower

Tobirama is elbow deep in a stealth mission in Wind Country when he runs into a shinobi squad toting a stolen Uchiha child. Tobirama disapproves.

Charming gen competence porn/kidfic adventure.

With Enemies Like These by sarkasticfics

After a serious and devastating attack, the Uchiha are in desperate need of a sealmaster. Unfortunately for them, the best candidate happens to be from the Senju clan. Fortunately for them, he doesn't seem all that inclined to act like an enemy. Which is lucky because, as it turns out, there are plenty of other adversaries making moves in Fire Country - both the clans will need to make new friends to survive. Madara would have been content if his new husband tolerated him and helped his clan stay safe. He doesn't quite know what to do with the fact that his husband doesn't stop there.

Jam-packed with competence and tropes, just the way I like it - and there's some incredibly lovely moments as they reconcile with their clans' bloody pasts.

Count Your Blessings by madmothmadame

The war is over. Tobirama ended it when he put his sword through Izuna's center mass. But where war had united the Senju behind their leader, peace threatened to tear them apart. And who better for the warmongers to look to as a leader than the greatest killer of Uchiha they had ever seen? There were only two problems with that plan. One, Tobirama would never, ever, betray his elder brother. Two, he may or may not have a surprisingly not dead Uchiha Izuna in a coma in his guest room, hiding the secret of resurrection that Tobirama needs with everything he is. Now if only he would wake.

Deliciously epic. The inciting incident is very hand-wavey (having been inspired by another fic), but the follow-through in worldbuilding around Konoha's founding, the metric truckload of feels, and the twisty political intrigue makes for a great read. Be warned, there's like 250K of hurt before it gets to any sort of comfort, so maybe save it for a long rainy day if you don't want to suffer (like me). Also, the ship is pretty background, so don't expect much romance - but the gen relationships are fantastic and crunchy.

NARUTO - CANON ERA

for the record by ohwickedsoul

Asuma looks from Anko, who is laser-focused in a way rarely seen outside missions, and Iruka’s bewildered face. “Holy shit,” he says. “You’ve seen Kakashi’s face.”

The ending is TRUE ROMANCE, OKAY. And hilarious!

It's Amazing Who You Stumble Into (along the road of life) by vulcanhighblood

Hatake Kakashi and Umino Iruka have been part of each other's lives for a long time. A lot longer than Iruka realizes, anyway. Kakashi recognizes this is something of a problem, but only once it's too late to do anything about it. OR How To Make Your Secret Identity Friend Your Real-Life Boyfriend: A Shinobi's Guide To How Not To Romance

In which they keep running into each other over the years, complicated by Kakashi being ANBU for the first half of it. I loved the varied assortment of meetings, and the way they kept trading off on helping each other (physically, medically, emotionally).

GUARDIAN

Breaking Point by musicalluna & nightwalker

Zhao Yunlan is having a really terrible week, and it just gets worse when he starts to think Shen Wei has gotten tired of his bullshit.

Fantastic post-canon piece where the boys really need to communicate, and the universe/work is not helping. Excellent characterization and some brutally good relationship fights - but they figure it out in the end.

However deep the Lake by elenothar

Zhao Yunlan finds out a lot earlier that the Envoy isn't as invulnerable as he seems.

Classic h/c story where they're taken captive together in Episode 4.

[naruto-imagines-and-headcanons]

Naruto Love Languages (Shinobi)

Iruka Umino - Quality Time

Iruka prioritises quality time together more than anything. He knows what it feels like to be alone, and with Naruto he understood it even more. So he never wants you to ever feel like you're alone or abandoned. When you started dating he tried to see you at least once a day even for just a quick chat. And if you live together he is always ready to come right back home if you need him. It doesn't matter what he's doing, Iruka will make sure you know he's here for you no matter what. Expect a LOT of nice casual date nights throughout your relationship

Kakashi Hatake - Gift Giving

No matter how long you've been together, Kakashi can be a pain. His tardiness has stayed with him, being late to pretty much all your dates. It's gotten to the point where you tell him the date is happening an hour early so he's technically on time. And he ain't big on chores. But he makes up for it with his excellent gift giving skills. Pretty much every gift he gives you is perfection. Even though he's late a lot, he always brings you a small gift to make up for it (flowers, your favorite candy, charms, etc). Also, the moment you get into a new hobby or interest, expect related gifts falling in your lap for the next month. Kakashi wants to encourage your interests, he loves seeing the joy on your face as you experiment and try new things! And don't worry about money, he's doesn't mind spending it if it's on you

Might Guy - All of Them

Come on, he is literally Lee's clone. Of COURSE he's gonna be just as enthusastic with his partner. This man will literally do anything for you, if you need something done fast and perfect, he's your man. And be careful talking about things you show interest in. If you even imply you want that tea set from the store, you are gonna wake up with it on your nightstand. And god is he great at talking you up. Every morning is started with a speech about how amazing you are and how you'll face the day with power and youth together! Guy won't accept any negative comments you make about yourself, either. He shuts that shit down immedietely, and talks to you seriously and genuinely. Guy will always make you feel loved and beautiful, never forget that (don't worry you can't, god this man is loud)

Kurenai Yuhi - Words of Affirmation

Kurenai is incredibly caring and emotionally connected with you. She is a naturally empathetic person and with you it's clear. She always takes into account your personal opinions and desires, and never makes a decision about your relationship without your input. Your emotions mean a lot to her, and she makes it clear. Kurenai is always there to

Asuma Sarutobi - Quality Time

He is similar to Shikamaru of being a bit sluggish, just not on the level of his prodigy. Your love life is on the lowdown, but that isn't a bad thing! You like just spending time calmly with him without all the fuss. No pressure inducing grand gestures or giant surprises, with Asuma it's easy and stress free. His favorite way to spend time is just sitting and talking with you, and if you smoke, taking smoke breaks are a definite couple's activity. If you ever feel like you're hogging his time or being clingy, he'll quickly shut you down. Asuma wants to spend his life with you! Why do you think he shows up at your house so often with a rose?

Anko Mitarashi - Acts of Service

Anko is an independent woman who knows how to take care of herself. She doesn't require you to do anything for her, if you want to it's cool but she doesn't expected. On the other hand though she shows a lot of loyalty to you and always stands by your side. She respects your independence and autonomy and tries to not push too hard, but if you ever need anything she is right there in a heartbeat. Honestly, whenever you do anything she is watching intently for any sign of you needing help. You can't grab a cereal box from the top of the fridge without her already making a game plan if you fall

Tsunade - Physical Touch

With most people Tsunade isn't too fond of physical contact (well, when sober at least). She is used to being sexualized for her body by pretty much EVERYONE, so it feels like people just take advantage of her. But with you, she knows you don't see her like that. You see her as a human being! A hot human being, but a human being nonetheless. So when she's with you she adores hugging and cuddling and smooching. You are just so adorabl ein her eyes! Holding hands is an absolute must. In her eyes you are only one worthy of her hand... and massive tits. Just be warned that when she drinks she gets reeeeeeeeeally touchy and pervy

Jiraya - Words of Affirmation

I can already see some of you questioning my sanity, but hear me out. Jiraya is the famous Pervy Sage, this man loooooooves bodies. Boobies, booties, if you got it he wants it. So yes, physical touch is a BIIIIIG part of his relationships. But surprisingly, most people don't know that when he's in a serious relationship, he gets very sincere and sweet. He always is there to life you up, and pretty much compliments you all the time. Even when you feel like you look like shit, this man finds a way to make you feel like a supermodel. Jiraya isn't afraid to show his affection in public either, and proudly says "I love you" and calls you pet names anywhere you go (no matter how embarassing). But uh... yeah he's still gonna have grabby hands though, so get used to that

Hashirama Senju - Words of Affirmation

Hashirama is such a bright person and just a joy to date. He is basically a ray of sunshine no matter the weather or situation. Optimism is his religion and follows it closely. His main goal in life is to make you feel happy and loved. And you're gonna feel it god dammit. Every morning you are awoken with a sweet kiss and "good morning". He likes to tease you by saying you look better than ever, even though you clearly look like you woke up from a 3 year coma. Your pouting and annoyed face always makes him giggle like a kid, it's so cute! Throughout your relationship Hashirama will always find a way to convince you to look on the bright side of life, especially if it has to do with you. No matter how you perceive yourself or your skills, he compliments you with full genuineness. This man loves you so much, just... so much

Tobirama Senju - Words of Affirmation

Unlike his brother, Tobirama is muuuuch more tight lipped. He's stern and sharp with his words, even with you. It was a bit off-putting at first, and you used to wonder if he even liked you. One day it came to a head and you approached him and asked him outright if he hated you. This is one of the few times his composure broke, and he instantly shot the notion down. After a heartfelt conversation, from that day forward you payed more attention and noticed little things about him. You notice that when he talks to you his voice softens ever so slightly and he tries to use less intense wording. Occasionally when he walks by you'll hear a quiet compliment in your ear. He never forgets to thank you for every little that you do. And when you're alone he'll even soften up just a tad and admire your beauty. Tobirama doesn't show his affection outright and openly, but if you connect with him and noticed the little things he does, you'll truly understand his feelings

Minato Namikaze - Acts of Service

Minato is a gentleman through and through. He's gonna treat you like royalty, I'm talking laying his coat over a puddle so you can walk over it (don't worry, you eventually convince him to just let you go around the puddle instead). Obviously he is verbally respectful and sweet, but he really shows off with his usefulness. He loves to do chores with you or cook together and just talk for hours on end. If you're craving a certain food he is ready to take a stroll to the store and get it for you no questions asked. And when you're in public you can bet he's using his reputation to get you guys some special benefits. Every restaurant has a table for you guys set and ready, and store venders give you great prices. Plus NOT A SOUL will even try to bother you. They know who your love his, and they know what he will do to them. So enjoy those privileges~

----------

Konoha 12 + Sand Siblings | Shinobi & Founders | Akatsuki

[kakashixhatakesxwhore]

Albums I Think They Would Fuck With 1

They: Iruka, Kakashi, Itachi, Sasuke, Naruto, Madara, Hashirama, Tobirama, and Shikamaru

Summary: Which of my fav albums I think each of my fav Naruto men would enjoy the most - also a classic rock recommendation list (if you rock w the character, you'd probably get down to the album)

Fav not here? Try part 2, or send me a request!

Masterlist💿

Iruka

The Birds, The Bees, & The Monkees by The Monkees

Joyful, but not terrivly pop-y, Iruka would deffo bop along to the beats and smile at the loving lyrics

Kakashi

Trafalgar by the BeeGees

It's longing, it's mellow, it's intricate. He'd have this record on constant repeat.

Itachi

Strange Days by The Doors

Something about Jim Morrison's voice would scratch Itachi's brain properly, and he'd love the constant solo-ing.

Sasuke

A Day At The Races by Queen

He would appreciate every shred of effort in this album and marvel at the artistry - he'd deffo think this, and A Night At The Opera, to be Queen's magnum opus.

Naruto

Rubber Soul by The Beatles

He just wouldn't be able to get enough of the jauntiness of this album, and would adore the rythm guitar melodies fron George.

Madara

Are You Experienced by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

I could see Madara being just taken by Hendrix's mastery of the guitar, and could find himself sitting through a 20-minute riff with a smile.

Hashirama

Hunky Dory by David Bowie

Would be completely entranced by Bowie's wordplay and how he gets his piano to weep.

Tobirama

The Wall by Pink Floyd

He would watch the movie, he'd trip to the album - I could see Tobirama being totally obsessed with The Wall for it's story and the way each song bleeds together.

Shikamaru

Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo

He would love the strange instruments and the chaos, he would find it fun and a nice album to bop along to.

[dahtwitchi]

[narutocharacterpolls]

Second round will start tomorrow at 12pm EST

Matchups listed under the cut

LEFT SIDE

KONAN VS SASORI

OBITO VS YUGITO

SAKURA VS TENZO

INO VS KARUI

RIGHT SIDE

TSUNADE VS TOBIRAMA

GAI VS ITACHI

KAKASHI VS IRUKA

KURAMA VS KURENAI

[borealwrites]

As you wish

Enjoy this incomplete intro to a KakaIru princess bride Au

Nothing gave Kakashi joy like irritating the farm hand, Iruka, who worked for him and his father. “Farm boy,” Kakashi said, waiting until the brown-haired young man had looked up from weeding the garden, “polish my dogs’ harnesses. I want to be able to see my face in them by tomorrow morning.”

The man’s jaw tightened for a fraction of a second, but then the tension went out of his shoulders and he dipped his head. “As you wish.”

Satisfied with the difficult task he’d given him, Kakashi turned on his heel and returned to the house, ignoring the disapproving look from his father. If Iruk—he meant, if the farm hand—Kakashi refused to use his name—didn’t want so much work, he should start saying no. If anything Kakashi was preparing him for the future! And also… Kakashi glanced outside, then did his best to hide his pout that Iru—the farm hand was still weeding, gloves and long sleeves protecting his arms and a hat hiding away his hair… not that Kakashi was interested in seeing those things!

“There are better ways to get Iruka’s attention than tormenting him,” Sakumo commented, coming up behind him, and if anyone ever asked, Kakashi had known he was there and hadn’t at all been surprised. Also his father was wrong, Kakashi had no interest in Iruka’s attention. The farm hand’s attention. However, anything he said would get turned against him; Kakashi was very familiar with the look in his father’s eyes.

Rather than saying anything about it, Kakashi stood up. “I think I’ll do some reading,” he said while heading back to his room. Not his smoothest exit, but it was better than sitting there while his father attempted to question him. Anything was better than that.

Not three days later, Kakashi carried the house’s empty buckets outside, where Iruka—the farm hand!—was chopping wood for the oncoming winter. It was just the two of them, as his father had left on another one of his journeys.

“Farm boy,” Kakashi ordered as he set them down, “fill these with water.” When he looked up, there was something soft in Iruka’s eyes that made his breath catch in his throat, something that drew out a soft “please?” At the end.

“As you wish.” Never before had Iruka looked at him like that… had he?

[whoishotteranimepolls]

"Who's Hotter?" Naruto Fandom Wars

[mtnikolle]

Helping Hands Across Time

Written for the @kakairu-rocks Maze Challenge 2024. This is my Supernatural Creatures AU.

Also written for @kakairu-discord-server The Great Mission for a prompt of "Monsters."

Summary: Senju Kakashi and Uchiha Iruka weren't allowed to love each other in life. Now though, they can help another Senju-Uchiha pair get together.

WC: 1565

👻

“Did you see them?”

“I did. You don't think…?”

“Yes, and we need to help.” It's quite definitive.

👻

Senju Kakashi hasn't had to expend this much energy in a while. He doesn't like to interact with any other ghosts than Iruka. Which is fine—the few other Senju ghosts around Konoha don't like him much for loving Iruka. In some senses, they still don't see that Senju and Uchiha can be anything but the bitterest of enemies. Helping these two get together will satisfy both the romantic and petty sides of his personality. They were so cute(!)—each making eyes at the other when they thought no one was watching. Kakashi practically cooed thinking about it.

As soon as Senju Tobirama’s attention was all on Sarutobi-sensei, he moved Tobirama’s pencil over to Madara's place. That will get them talking…

“What the hell are you doing with my pencil, Uchiha?” Tobirama snatched the pencil back and gave Madara the stink eye.

“I didn't touch your pencil!” Madara yelled back.

Whoops, that's not the kind of talking he was aiming for.

👻

Uchiha Iruka watched Tobirama-kun yell at Madara-kun, then get yelled at by both Madara-kun and Sarutobi-sensei. He glided up behind Kakashi and smacked him on the back of the head.

“Pigtail pulling isn't going to help, you dork!” Iruka scolds. “You've been reading Kushina-chan’s novels over people’s shoulders again, haven't you?” His tone is undeniably fond by the end of the sentence.

Iruka was sure Kakashi would be blushing if ghosts could. Oh, how he wished they could have had more time together alive!

👻

Iruka and Kakashi stood watching over the academy students. Iruka loved watching children from all kinds of different clans getting along. He had wished to be one of the Uchiha clan's trainers and work with children so, so many years ago. Spending time watching these students was both bittersweet and a balm to his soul.

Then Iruka noticed Madara-kun watching Tobirama-kun again, and decided to take his own chance. He came up behind Madara-kun, and, focusing his energy, whispered into his heart, “Give him a compliment.”

He watched with delight as Madara-kun approached Tobirama-kun after his spar. And promptly cringed when he blurted, "You fought as well as an Uchiha!”

Iruka face-palmed. And stuck out his tongue at Kakashi when he fell to the ground, laughing.

👻

Usually, during quiet, independent study time, Iruka and Kakashi would go and observe other classes or wander around Konoha, enjoying all the positive ways that people interacted. Today, though, as they were about to leave, Kakashi tugged on the sleeve of Iruka’s mantle.

“Look at how they're watching each other. Do you think we can get them to catch the other's eyes?”

Iruka nodded, considering. “We're going to need to be quick—they're both just peeking. We're going to need to hint at what it means, too, since they're both pretty dense.”

Kakashi gave him a bright eye smile and a thumbs up, reminiscent of his long ago best friend.

They floated over to where the two boys were sitting. When Iruka saw Tobirama-kun peek at Madara-kun, he whispered in his heart, “Look over,” but Madara-kun was too slow and missed the glance.

Kakashi, seeing the timing, kept a closer eye on Madara, and whispered as soon as he saw Madara was about to move his head, “Look at him.” Tobirama looked over and his eyes connected with Madara's. They both whipped their heads back to their books and blushed. Kakashi couldn't help his smirk. “He likes you.”

Iruka nodded after seeing Kakashi's success. He kept a closer eye on Tobirama-kun's movements. This time, when he saw Tobirama-kun about to look, he whispered again, “Look over.” Madara-kun did, and they blushed again, but this time Tobirama-kun smiled– “He likes you, too–” and Madara-kun smiled back.

Iruka and Kakashi mimicked the actions of the young people they spent so much time watching and high fived.

👻

“Go sit with him,” is the next suggestion that Iruka whispers into Madara-kun’s heart.

Madara-kun started so hard that Iruka wondered if he had actually heard his voice. He didn't look around, though, but he did put his head down on his desk and mutter to himself. Iruka leaned in closer.

“I can do it. He might like me back. I have to manage to talk to him. I can manage to say something…”

Iruka wished that Madara-kun could feel the comforting hand that Iruka placed on his shoulder. Maybe he did, because his whole body relaxed when Iruka whispered, “Yes, you can.”

Madara-kun picked up his bento and went outside to look for Tobirama-kun. He spotted him under a tree and went over to sit beside him.

After Madara-kun finished his first inarizushi, he offered one to Tobirama-kun. Iruka was happy to see that Tobirama-kun accepted it with another smile. He grinned widely at Madara-kun’s corresponding blush.

Once he could see that they were getting along, he drifted up to the academy’s roof. He sat next to Kakashi and pointed down at the two boys.

“Did you see?”

Kakashi leaned into his side. “Yeah.”

👻

Weeks after Tobirama and Madara began to share lunches together, Kakashi came across Tobirama in the market muttering to himself about what "he” would like.

“He just got that hawk. What if he doesn't need these.” Tobirama picked up a set of jesses. “He must have these already…”

Since Kakashi himself didn't know what Madara would need, having never engaged in falconry, nor knowing how much Uchiha did generally, he suggested, “Talk to Hikaku.”

Tobirama’s face lit up and relaxed with the idea. He put down the jesses he was holding and turned to go to the training ground favoured by Hikaku's genin team. Kakashi trailed along behind.

Tobirama was lucky—Hikaku's sensei was just letting them take a break when he arrived.

"Hikaku-san?”

Hikaku waved him over. “I'm surprised to see you out here at this time of day.”

Tobirama flushed. Hikaku waved him over. “Come sit it down and tell me all about it.”

Kakashi trusted that Tobirama was in good hands, so he went to find Iruka to tell him all about it.

👻

Iruka was sitting at the top of the Hokage monument when Kakashi found him.

“I came across Tobirama in the market this morning.”

“Oh?” There was clearly something going on for Kakashi to mention it.

“He was looking for a gift for Madara.”

A satisfied smile bloomed across Iruka’s face. The Senju clan had never made a practice of giving gifts to friends the way the Uchiha clan did. That was something that had surprised Iruka when he had discovered it.

He had met Kakashi in the capital while on a mission. Not competing missions, or they'd never have been here together. Both under minor henge, and neither wearing a clan symbol. As they'd gotten to know each other, Iruka started to bring Kakashi little gifts, unknowingly putting Kakashi in a romantic mindset. When Kakashi had brought him a gift—and explained what it meant—he knew that he couldn't keep hiding his identity. He already had his suspicions that Kakashi wasn't what he appeared to be either.

“Before I can accept this, I need you to know something…”

He had his escape route planned—as he always did, even when meeting trusted associates—and dropped his henge. And briefly activated his Sharingan, so there could be no misinterpretation.

Kakashi had drawn a quick, startled breath and instinctively dropped his eyes to Iruka's mouth. Then, supremely brave and unexpectedly calm, Kakashi had raised his head and looked Iruka directly in the eyes… and dropped his own henge.

“Oh. I suspected we were not allies, but…”

“Yeah, me, too. It still doesn't change my desires and intentions.” He held out the box again. “Will you accept?”

Iruka had.

When discovered, their clans had not been pleased, to say the least. Each had been followed to one—the last—of their meetings and targeted the other. In the end, they both fell trying to defend the other from their kin. Iruka didn't believe either Itachi-sama or Naruto-sama had known what the plan was, but, well, death couldn't be undone. He thought it might have been one of the things that spurred the peace they now enjoyed.

Iruka wrapped his arm around Kakashi's waist and leaned into his shoulder. “What did Tobirama-kun decide on?”

“He didn't. Or, well, I don't know. He was dithering, so I sent him to Hikaku for advice.”

“Good. Hikaku-kun is sensible. He'll give Tobirama-kun good advice without too much teasing.”

Kakashi laughed.

👻

Kakashi and Iruka both happened to be there when Tobirama-kun presented Madara-kun with his gift, a lure he'd made with wings of a bird he'd hunted with his own summons.

Madara-kun blushed to the roots of his hair, and it was Iruka's turn to laugh. Madara-kun obviously knew much more than he had about Senju customs. Another thing that showed how all of Fire Country's clans had grown closer in trust.

Madara-kun accepted the gift, then asked, “Do you want to come while I train her tomorrow?”

“I'd love to. Then we can go out for lunch?”

Madara-kun smiled and agreed.

Kakashi and Iruka high fived at their success and left the boys to their time together, no longer in need of help. Iruka wondered what other help—or trouble—they could stir up in Konoha now.