Archive of Our Own

The first time Kakashi actually remembered sensing the smell, he was lazily walking through the village, Gai on his side, talking about this or that possible challenge when Kakashi’s eye widened and he turned, looking around. It was very faint and almost not there, but Kakashi’s gaze still narrowed at the blonde haired child arguing with the last of Uchiha’s. Huh… must’ve been just his imagination. 

The second time, Kakashi wasn’t even really focusing on the faint smell at all. His mind was much more occupied with the chunin in front of him, who was sitting next to the Hokage himself, studying the scroll Kakashi handed over. 

Kakashi could see the vein on the man’s head getting bigger and bigger, his teeth grinding together, almost amusing and - and there was a whiff of the smell again. 

Kakashi blinked his visible eye lazily, sniffing the air subtly - he was after a mission, so perhaps his imagination ran wild but… But it was there, the woods after the fresh rain and also the warmth of the lit firewood. Kakashi’s mouth opened under the mask, his body almost moving on his own, only to be stopped by the chunin Kakashi almost forgot was in the room finally snapping.

“Irresponsible! Good for heavy work, but writing a half decent scrolls is apparently way over their capabilities. ANBU being able to work in teams of one?! Forget it! There apparently need to be at least two, so one can read and the other to actually write !” It wasn’t even at Kakashi. Just because of him.

Kakashi was… flabbergasted. Was this guy even aware who Kakashi was? He didn’t even have his mask on, so the guy had to be able to recognize him. Not that Kakashi cared too much about his reputation - but the point was he had one. One that made even the jonin cover in fear and talk to him carefully, not meeting his eyes. Half of them too scared that Kakashi might snap and they would come face to face with the feared sharingan, or that he’d finally go feral as it was rumored. But not this guy. This guy was spitting fire, growling under his breath and glaring at Kakashi as if he was the root of all badly typed reports, apparently. Kakashi felt his mouth falling open as he glanced at the Hokage.

Hokage who was pretending to be too busy reading other reports and whose corners of his mouth were twitching too much for someone not paying attention to the man. Hokage who didn’t even bother hiding the snort that escaped him when the chunin all but threw the scroll at Kakashi’s head, only Kakashi’s automatic reflexes stopping it from connecting. 

“How about next time you bring something half decent that wasn’t eaten by a dog first?” The chunin asked, his hands on his hips. eyes blazing and glaring holes into Kakashi. And wow… unfair. Bull only carried it for a little while. Before Kakashi knew what was happening, before he even had the chance to comprehend, he was kicked out of the Hokage’s office.  

It was only once he was outside of the Tower that Kakashi turned and glanced at the door, eyebrows rising. Just who the hell was this guy? He was… amusing . Kakashi’s lips slipped into a smirk as he pulled out his book, hiding his nose into it and making his way towards the village archives.

Finding Umino Iruka’s file was much easier than it should have been, considering how much time the man spent with the Hokage on weekly if not daily bases, but that was perhaps because there was nothing outstanding about the file itself. 

Umino Iruka was a chunin that lost his parents in the Kyuubi incident, he was still friends with people that were at the Academy with him, he was the teacher at the university, taking care of the brightests of the Konoha to assure the village’s future and he didn’t go for missions outside of the village. 

Huh. 

Perhaps there was something interesting after all. The medical reports were missing, which wasn’t unusual per say - the village lost a lot back then, a lot of files burnt and not worth recovering, something Kakashi shouldn’t have even been paying any attention to. And yet his instinct kept screaming at him not to let go. Kakashi frowned. Umino Iruka seemed to be nothing more than just another boring beta chunin, spending too much time behind his desk. Yet it still felt like something huge was missing, like Kakashi couldn't make the entire picture. That didn’t happen all too often and Kakashi turned back to the beginning of the file, looking at the smiling face of the teacher, before slowly smirking himself. Not only amusing but also interesting. It was a challenge, that’s what it was and Kakashi’s alpha didn’t get  those all too often. The smile didn't disappear from his lips as he pocketed the picture and his mind reeling, coming up with a plan. 

It wasn’t hard to get obtain the mission report shift plan from Kotetsu - the man still owing Kakashi for keeping his syrup stash a secret from Izumo and if Kakashi made sure he was in the room every time Iruka Umino was on shift, that certainly ought to be a coincidence. Today, the mission room was just as full as the last five times Kakashi came, if a bit louder - the number of whispering and giggling kunoichi’s growing in numbers, earning a few glares from the agitated jonins recently returning from this or that mission, eager to be finally done and on their way home.

“So it’s true.” Kakashi looked up at the voice, lifting an eyebrow at Asuma. “Kurenai told me you were bothering a chunin, but I didn’t really believe her. Not until now at least.” He smirked around the cigarette in his mouth, making Kakashi huff and turn back to his book. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m simply reading my book here.” Asuma snorted, obviously not believing a word leaving his mouth and leaning his back against the wall next to Kakashi. 

“Right. Which one was it again?” He asked, looking around the report room while Kakashi very pointedly didn’t lift his eye from his book.  “Oh.” There was glee in that single syllable and Kakashi fought back a curse.“It’s Iruka, isn’t it? You never met him before. Your group didn’t deliver reports here. That must’ve been a shock.” He was laughing at Kakashi, a feat not a lot of people dared to do, and once again, Kakashi’s reminded just whose son the man was. 

Just whose son Asuma was. Kakashi’s head was turning to him the next moment, because finally, finally there was a lead he could follow. “Your father seems very fond of him.” He said lightly. The smirk was still on Asuma’s lips as the man shrugged.

“Yeah, well. Iruka’s really hard working and kind. It’s hard not to like him.” 

“That sounds like you’ve spent a lot of time together.” Kakashi kept his tone easy, almost bored, but still, the smirk on Asuma’s face just widened as he pulled the cigarette out of his mouth, making it even more obvious. 

“We did, but that’s as much as I’m going to tell you.” Now that didn’t work for Kakashi’s plans. But before Kakashi could ask why, he continued. “Iruka’s hard working and kind, but he’s also scary when he gets mad.” Asuma hummed, head turning to the front of the mission desk, before he snorted and patted Kakashi’s shoulder, the cigarette back in his mouth. “He likes ramen though. It might be in your best interest to get some.” 

“Why would I-” 

“You mean you didn’t make him mad yet?” Asuma asked, snorting. “Think about whatever you did, because he surely noticed you now. He doesn’t give the Iruka glare to just anyone, you know.” 

Kakashi’s eyebrow lifted, before he followed Asuma’s gaze - only to be met with the heated glare of the chunin. Iruka didn’t look away right away when he saw him looking as Kakashi expected him to either. Instead he held his eye as he aggressively stamped the report in his hands, making the jonin in front of him jump. 

There was a challenge in his eyes, one that made Kakashi’s skin heat up as he lifted his head higher, pulling himself to his full height instead of slouching like he usually did. His mouth parted under the mask, his heart beating faster as Iruka’s frown deepened, lips pressing into an unhappy line. There were heads turning his way now, unsettled and nervous gazes flitting over him as the people waiting in the row stepped from one foot to the other, and Kakashi didn’t notice he was emitting his smell - answer to the quiet challenge of the glaring chunin - not until Asuma cleared his throat, his palm pressed against his nose and eyes slightly wide. Within a moment Kakashi pulled it tight around himself, way too used to the reaction his pheromones caused with people. Kakashi sighed, scratching the back of his head. It was a while since he lost control like that.

“Maa, sorry. It was a really intense part in the book.” He said, eye curling in a smile as he stepped out of the room, but not before throwing a look at Iruka - who was sitting there, looking a bit confused and completely unphased. Hm. Just as Kakashi thought. Annoying and interesting. 

Talking to Asuma wasn’t of any use (and apparently neither was annoying Umino into submission), and he had a feeling Kurenai wouldn’t be of too much help either. Kakashi could try asking Gai , since it felt like the man knew everyone in the village, but that could end up with Gai loudly proclaiming Kakashi’s (non existent) youthful interest in the beta, which might alert Iruka  and make Kakashi’s job even harder. No, talking to Gai was out of the question. There was only one option left - his ANBU past being of some use once again. 

If anyone asked, Kakashi would refuse to acknowledge that he was stalking Umino Iruka. He was merely gathering information , something that should be done about all of the Konoha rezidents every now and then. One could never know when the information would end up being useful. 

So far Umino Iruka proved to be predictable - he woke up, stood at his stove waiting for his tea water to boil, blinking at it tiredly. More often than not, the man managed to burn himself, then proceeded to jump around his apartment shaking his hand, finally getting woken up. He’d hold his hairband between his lips, humming while he combed his hair, and then his day truly began. Teaching at the academy, eating lunch with the other teachers, the mission room and endless grading until Kotetsu or Izumo bullied him out to get a drink. The days repeated with the slightest changes and Kakashi couldn’t help but notice how boring Umino’s life was. 

But what Kakashi also noticed were the times Iruka would sit at his small table in front of the window, papers of his students in front of him, mug with tea resting next to him as he was too busy grading. All the little smiles when his students got something right, or did particularly well. The frown and unhappy curl of his mouth, when they were wrong. In those instances Iruka would take another paper, make a few notes for himself before nodding, brushing the paper with his fingertips as a small sigh would fall off his lips before moving onto the next one. 

There were times when the man would hurry home, attempt to cook - as if a disaster wouldn’t happen, then give up and make his way to the ramen shop, more often than not picking up a blonde kid on his way. The same blonde kid Iruka would yell at, at times, the same blonde kid, Iruka would spend time with after the school was over. The same kid that pretended to be strong and without a care in the world, the same kid that was yelling at Iruka that he didn’t need anyone watching over him and running towards his apartment, then sitting alone and quiet. The same blonde kid that made Kakashi’s heart shiver in his chest, memories and pain overflowing. Kakashi’s feet carrying  him over to the memorial stone in those moments his heart heavy and saddened. He wasn’t the only one missing the names on the stones. Naruto was missing them without even being aware of it, the village and the Hokage deciding this would be the best way to protect the boy. Kakashi kind of understood. Pain made people stronger. But how much pain could a human being, could a kid take before they broke? 

And would Minato-sensei forgive them if Naruto ever did?

Ironically, it was Iruka who made Kakashi feel better in those moments. More often than not the two would cross paths at the memorial stone, Iruka giving him hesitant glances while holding the four flowers in his hands - for his own parents and also Naruto’s as Kakashi found out later, since the boy couldn’t do that himself. The man would stop and linger near the trees instead of coming over.  As if waiting to give Kakashi the privacy people usually wanted - or needed - near the stone. Kakashi was tempted to just stand there for hours and see how far Iruka’s patience would go but…  that didn’t belong to this place.  So Kakashi would give the man a nod and leave, parting with him until the next day, when everything started over. The small smiles to his students when they did something right, the yelling that was pretty similar to the one in the mission room when they (or particularly one) continued to try Iruka’s patience. 

It was all the little things and before Kakashi knew it, he started looking for them. He felt unsettled if he didn’t check up on the man after returning from his missions. He felt on edge, until he saw Iruka behind the desk, shooting a glare around the mission room, getting all the jonin in their place. He felt unsettled unless he saw Iruka drinking with his buddies, laughing behind the cup of sake at whatever new antics Kotetsu came up with that deserved Izumo’s beating. 

Then… then the incident with Mizuki happened. And Kakashi wasn’t there. There was a mission in the water country, one that required Kakashi’s report to be delivered directly to the Hokage. Kakashi’s mission turned into an S-rank in the middle of it and even his sharingan made an appearance. His chakra was drained and maybe that was why he didn’t realize anything was wrong. It wasn’t until he realized what day it was and how empty Hokage’s office was. 

“Kakashi?” The Hokage asked, once the silence stretched and Kakashi blinked, his eye focusing on the man in front of him again. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be meeting Iruka today?” Perhaps Kakashi was being rude. But there was a tension spreading through his body now and he needed to know.

“... Iruka’s been in an incident.” Hokage’s eyes were trained on Kakashi’s as the old man leaned his chin onto his joined hands. “He’s resting until he recovers.” Incident. That word never meant anything good in the shinobi life and Kakashi could feel his throat drying out as he fought the need to lick his lips. 

“That’s unfortunate.” 

“It truly is.” Hokage’s eyes were still not leaving Kakashi, as if he was trying to solve a puzzle. Whatever he was looking for, the man probably found it, because he nodded to himself and stood up. “Come with me. I have a favor to ask.” Kakashi didn’t expect that to be the beginning of him getting to train the Team 7. But as he was standing in the middle of Naruto’s kitchen, looking at the expired milk carton, it wasn’t Minato sensei’s face that he saw. It wasn’t Minato’s face that pushed him to accept. It was Iruka’s. Well, it didn’t really matter. Looking at Kakashi’s history, and the group itself, he doubted they would get through Kakashi’s test. The kids were probably too focused on their own agendas, clashing too much and trying too hard to prove themselves to realize what was truly important anyway. 

Oh, and just how very wrong Kakashi was. He couldn’t believe it himself. The three that couldn’t do anything together ended up actually breaking the rules - his rules - to help each other. Sure, they all had different reasons, but there it was. Kakashi took a deep breath before he appeared in front of the covering trio, for a moment feeling just as nervous as the three were. This was his team. 

They were loud even on their way back to the village after passing his exam, they were arguing and they were very different from his own team from forever ago, but yet, Kakashi found himself reminded of the atmosphere back then when things went right (however short lived that was). Once again the mask was a blessing as Kakashi didn’t need to bother to stop the smirk on his lips as he was listening to the three. To think that these worked together just moments ago… Kakashi was going to have his work cut out for him. He stopped when he felt a presence in front of them, just to have Naruto walk into his back. 

“Ouch, why did you stop? We’re not back ye- Iruka-sensei!” It was fascinating the change in Naruto’s voice from angry and sulky to overjoyed, as the boy hurried over, jumping up and down in front of the other man. There was a string of words coming out of his mouth, recalling the events of how hard Kakashi’s test was (and the kid didn’t even try to spin the story more in his favor. Minato and Kushina would’ve been proud) and Kakashi tuned him out. Instead he used the time to look over the Academy teacher. His posture was tense, the man was leaning forward - the wound on his back obviously still bothering him. Naruto was getting excited, hand flying around as he was jumping up and down, getting to the more exciting parts of his story when Kakashi stepped forward, grasping his wrist to stop him from hitting Iruka accidentally. At least the boy didn’t jump on Iruka - Kakashi was sure the dumb guy would try to hold him up, no matter what damage that would cause to his healing back. 

“They passed.” Kakashi said, ignoring the wild tugging at his arm. 

“What! Why did you do that?! I wanted to tell Iruka-sensei!” Up this close, there were beads of sweat visible on Iruka’s brow and Kakashi frowned. Just how long was the man waiting there? 

“Are you even listening to m-” 

“Naruto.” Iruka’s voice stopped Naruto in the middle of the sentence as the boy’s head snapped around to face him. Kakashi let go of Naruto’s wrist the moment Iruka smiled and reached out, patting Naruto’s hair. “Good job, Naruto. I never doubted you for a moment.” His voice was quiet and yet very obviously proud. Then Iruka turned to the other two. “Any of you. I always knew you were all exceptional shinobis.” 

It was fascinating seeing their reaction - Sakura wiggling where she was standing, blushing and beaming, Sasuke pouting and looking to the side, hands tightening in his pockets and Naruto outright bawling. 

“Iruka-sensei!”

“Shall we celebrate it?” Iruka asked, a smile spreading on his face, even as his eyes returned to Kakashi. “Let me invite all of  you for ramen - including you, Kakashi-sensei.” 

“Yes! You’re the best, Iruka-sensei!” Naruto was getting excited again, and not even Sasuke was walking away as of yet. Iruka was still smiling, but the paleness of his face didn’t escape Kakashi - neither did the light swaying before Iruka managed to catch himself. 

“No.” he said, eye curling into a smile when Naruto gaped at him. “We’re going on a mission early tomorrow morning. They need a light dinner, not stuffing their mouths full.” Kakashi nodded, before pushing Naruto forward and around Iruka. “Everyone’s dismissed.” He didn’t look back to see the expression on Iruka’s face, concentrating on the chakra of his two new students instead as they each turned to walk home, while still grasping firmly at Naruto’s jacket. Kakashi wasn’t stupid - he knew what the contents of Naruto’s fridge looked like, and he was sure there was nothing that could be considered light (or healthy) in there. He ignored the boy whining as he dragged him to Yakiniku Q, waving lightly to the owner. Kakashi wasn’t going to let Minato’s son die of hunger - or malnourishment. 

Naruto’s mouth hit the table as the dish was set in front of him in moments, and Kakashi patted his back lightly. 

“Finish it and go straight home. Don’t worry about paying.” 

“Kakashi-sensei.” Naruto’s staring at him, eyes wide and awed. “Maybe you’re not an asshole after all.” 

… Kakashi shouldn’t feel offended, should he? 

It didn’t take long for Kakashi to make his way over to Iruka’s apartment, settling in a tree that gave him enough cover and yet still allowed him to peer inside. Kakashi must’ve spent more time with Naruto than he thought at first, because he found Iruka in his room, his hair down and pulled to the side, leaving a clear view of the huge healing scar on Iruka’s back. Scars weren’t anything new to shinobis - each of them had some, earned the mementos, carried the ultimate proof of survival. A reminder of something or someone worth protecting, of a reason worth fighting for. 

It hurt now, but the scar would end up moving Iruka forward, Kakashi knew. The man was going to walk away much stronger from this and even his bond with Naruto would deepen. Whether that was going to end up being a good or bad thing, Kakashi didn’t know yet. But it was something they both needed at the moment, even if Kakashi would have to end up tearing it apart later with his own hands to help Naruto grow into the man he was going to have to be.

Kakashi was pulled out of his musings when Iruka moved, making his way to the bed around the slightly open window and-

He gasped, pupils widening, heart beating too loudly in his ears as a shiver ran down his body.  There it was. There it was . The scent  Kakashi smelt hints of before, one that he thought he mostly imagined. But it was there, existing and present, stronger than ever before, and even if he didn’t realize what it was before, it was obvious now and how did Kakashi fail to notice it right away?! His teeth itched, his chest rising and falling as Kakashi breathed in the air like a lifeline, wanting, no, needing to feel more of it. Needing to be over there, needing to hold the man in his arms and never ever let go. Needing to touch him, run his hands over the warm skin and kiss and lick over the scar until it was fully healed, needing to kill the person who dared to touch his-

“Kakashi-sensei? What are you doing here?” The words were loud and surprised and Kakashi blinked, forcing his mind out of the haze of the smell, looking at the man in front of him - and when did he end up on the windowsill? When did he move? It was hard to think, his mouth salivating and heat rising throughout his entire body, feeling it curling up all the way in his stomach and sliding lower and lower. His fingers dig into the wooden frame of the window, to stop them from reaching forward and grasping what was supposed to be his, pulling it closer and biting down, marking, claiming. His, his, his. 

“You don’t look so good.” There was something though. Something that didn’t sit right, even though the entire world made sense suddenly. But there it was, sitting at the back of Kakashi’s mind, a shadow, a question, something . 

“Should I call someone? Kakashi?” Iruka stepped closer and Kakashi's head snapped up, staring at the man’s face, breathing hard. Just what was it- oh. Oh . Kakashi couldn’t see a hint of the overwhelming need he himself felt in Iruka’s face. There was no recognition in his eyes, no acknowledgment of what this was, what they were, just pure concern. Kakashi groaned, grinding his teeth together as he held himself back, and when Iruka’s arm reached out to touch him, Kakashi never used shunshin as quickly as then, holding onto the last strands of sanity he had left. 

Those were gone the moment Kakashi got home, falling down to his knees, entire body trembling. When Kakashi closed his eyes, he could still see Iruka’s face, lips parted and eyes wondering. He could still feel the smell, could almost taste it. It was imprinted to Kakashi's mind, reminding him of what was his and so close. 

“Fuck.” Kakashi gasped out, teeth biting hard on his bottom lip as his hand slipped inside his pants, fingers curling around his hard length. “ Fuck .” Kakashi hissed and oh god. Was he fucked. 

Only he wasn’t and that was the problem. 

Kakashi groaned, lips parting as his chest heaved, his entire world focusing on one single being in the universe. His mind racing with the smell and images of Iruka - Iruka glaring, Iruka’s lips stretching with a smile, Iruka’s flushed face as he was gasping for breath under the ministrations of Kakashi’s hands and lips, begging for more. His fingers tightening on Kakashi’s skin as his smell would envelop all of Kakashi, his body shaking and voice trembling. Kakashi.

Kakashi’s head hit the wall behind him with a thud as he groaned and licked his lips. It wasn't the first time Kakashi desired someone, it wasn't the first time he found someone attractive. But the sheer intensity of it when Iruka was involved was overwhelming. Even the way the Make Out Tactics series described this mate thing paled in comparison to the real deal.

Kakashi frowned, eyes opening and narrowing at the space in front of him. There was no doubt Iruka was Kakashi’s mate - the smell - and Kakashi’s reaction to it - couldn’t lie. But why didn’t Iruka react to Kakashi’s pheromones that day in the mission room? Why did it seem like he didn’t even notice them? And why didn’t he react to them today?! Was it possible for the mate bond to be only one sided? It wasn’t, right? Would fate be as cruel as that?  And why was there no mention of Iruka being an omega anywhere? 

Kakashi needed answers. And shower. Not necessarily in that order. 

The answers came much harder than Kakashi would want them to. They weren’t coming at all. Iruka wasn’t reacting to Kakashi’s pheromones when he submitted the reports of the D rank missions the kids went to. He didn’t even sniff at the air, he just smiled politely, even if he threw Kakashi a wondering look, he asked about Naruto and as his eyes skimmed over the reports and he laughed or smiled proudly when Kakashi answered. 

He never took more than just a few days off of the Academy and the mission desk, and even those times he spent sitting on the couch, hidden in at least twelve blankets which could mean the time off wasn’t for a heat, but he was just sick. According to the Academy files the breaks weren’t even regular so they really couldn’t have anything to do with heats, could they? It seemed like Iruka didn’t even have those. There was nothing anywhere indicating that Iruka was an omega. After all, omegas weren’t even shinobis usually, too rare and precious, and the possibility of them getting hurt too high, and the shock might be too much for their bonded alphas. 

Iruka was a shinobi though, a good one at that. He was working at the Academy, his nose and sense of smell was on par with the lower half of the betas. Everything in his life pointed to Iruka being an ordinary beta, when he was anything but that, even though that might’ve been what the entire village believed. And if Kakashi didn’t smell him before, didn’t smell the pheromones that Iruka was hiding under whatever scent blockers he was usually wearing, he would be one of the fools thinking the same. 

... why was the man so hard to figure out? Kakashi groaned, head falling back as he glared onto the ceiling as if it was to blame for everything. 

“Weren’t you supposed to be meeting your team early in the morning?” Tenzou asked, throwing Kakashi a look over his shoulder. 

“I’m running late.” Kakashi muttered, his fingers tapping on top of his thigh as he thought. 

“Obviously.” Tenzou’s voice was flat and neutral, as if he expected nothing else from Kakashi than just that. Maybe he really knew him all too well.

“Tenzou.” Kakashi groaned, and he didn’t even need to lift his head from where it was hanging over the edge of the couch to know the man was rolling his eyes at him. 

“I told you it’s Yamato now, Senpai.”

“Do you believe in true mates?” Perhaps it was just Kakashi’s imagination, but for a second there he could swear that he saw Tenzou tense from the corner of his eye. But the next moment the man stepped forward, leanin over Kakashi with his arms crossed over his chest as he snorted. 

“Did you stay up all night reading the Make out tactics again? It’s a good series, senpai, and I know your missions aren’t supposed to be particularly hard in the foreseeable future, but from what I heard, Team 7 is quite a handful. You might end up regretting it.” Kakashi huffed and sat up properly.

“Do you?” 

The man hummed. “That question doesn’t really matter.” He pointed out, pulling his ANBU mask over his face, looking at Kakashi through the cat's eyes. “The one that does is - do you ?” He held Kakashi’s gaze for a moment before shrugging. “Though both of us know you have the answer to that already. You wouldn’t ask otherwise.” And just when did the guy get so smart? Kakashi loved to think that he was able to hide his thoughts and emotions from the world, but here Tenzou was, reading him like an open book. 

“Now, please , go meet your team or you won’t hear the end of it.” He added, before disappearing out of the window. Kakashi watched the window for a moment, before sighing and following Tenzou’s suggestions. Letting the kids wait for a few hours might’ve been enough already.

Tenzou was right though. Kakashi already knew the answer - now he just needed to get Iruka to come up with the same one. But how was he supposed to do that when everything about them seemed only one sided so far? He needed to get underneath of the underneath.

“You’re late!” 

Kakashi’s eye curled into a smile as he lifted his hand. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m afraid I got lost on the path of life.” 

“You used that excuse this week already. Twice. ” Sasuke hissed and oh. Of course the genius of the Uchiha clan would remember - and point it out. He was just as annoyed as Naruto and Sakura were, he just tried to hide it better. 

“Maa, really? Did I use the one with the black cat yet?” Ah. There was nothing better than hearing his students' annoyed grumbling and whining to brighten up his mood. 

Kakashi should’ve known something would go horribly wrong when the kids were actually working together on the mission. He should’ve known when Sakura wasn’t glaring at Naruto, and when Naruto’s huge amount of chakra proved to be most valuable asset. He should’ve known when Naruto won his special training. He should’ve known because Uchihas hated to lose. Especially to people who they knew could be their equal in the future. 

A freak without the second gender . Naruto was way past the age of presenting and while there were guesses why that was - most of them having something to do with the Kyuubi - it proved to be just another reason why he wasn’t accepted among his peers. 

Sasuke was angry, Kakashi knew that, and just repeated the words that were whispered behind Naruto’s back by the parents of the children from Academy, ones that cut too deep without meaning him to. Once those were spoken though, Naruto’s eyes widened before his shoulders folded into himself, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes. Kakashi had a feeling Naruto didn’t feel the betrayal that he ought to - and he grit his teeth under the mask, before taking a small breath. 

“That’s enough for today. Sasuke, Sakura - you two are going to be helping weeding tomorrow. Naruto and I will be busy with the training.” Kakashi watched Sasuke the entire time he spoke, jealousy and regret mixing in his eyes. Kakashi clasped Naruto’s shoulder, turning him around and pushing him forward lightly as he brushed around him. “Come on, Naruto. I’m going your way anyway.” 

He didn’t wait for the boy to follow, but he was glad to hear that he did. They walked quietly for a while, and Kakashi started to wonder if they would get Naruto’s place like that - with Naruto’s mind heavy and sad. He wondered if he'd have to say something, but thankfully the boy spoke before Kakashi had to.

“Kakashi-sensei.” Naruto muttered, so quiet that if Kakashi didn’t have the superior hearing of the dominant alpha, he was sure he would’ve missed that. The boy was looking on the ground, fingers clutching his jacket firmly and shoulders tense. Kakashi lifted an eyebrow and waited. Whatever was going through Naruto’s mind, Kakashi had a feeling that he shouldn’t push him. Naruto could take his time until he was ready. “Am I weird?” 

Ah. There it was. Naruto pretended he didn’t care what Sasuke yelled at him when the two were arguing, but he still ended up feeling unsure and hurt. He was closer to Sasuke than he thought and his heart was also much softer. Naruto’s hands were shaking as he waited for Kakashi’s answer. Kakashi sighed, leaning his head back to look at the darkening sky.

“Yes, you are.” Kakashi took a few more steps forward, even after Naruto stopped, obviously shocked. “I’ve never seen anyone liking orange as much as you do. Your clothes catch more attention than the ninjas usually want to. You always charge into a fight, get provoked way too easily, don’t think about strategy too much. You’re too headstrong and really loud.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Naruto yelled, making Kakashi chuckle. 

“You mean because you didn’t present.” Kakashi glanced over at the boy, taking in his puffy red eyes, before shrugging. “Is that really so important?” 

“You know it is. Everyone presented. ...all Hokages are alphas.” The second part was said quieter, as if Naruto didn’t even want to say it out loud because he’d be acknowledging it as the truth. “Everyone is something. Only I am…” The words seemed to get stuck in Naruto’s throat and Kakashi finally stopped, turning to face him fully.

“You’re you.” 

“Yeah.” Naruto muttered. 

Kakashi hummed, patting his chin with his book, before squatting down in front of Naruto. “So would life be different if you presented?”

“Duh!” 

“If you presented as anything ?” The question caught Naruto off guard apparently, because he blinked, his mouth set, his eyebrows frowning as he mulled over the question.

“Well… yeah.” He nodded slowly. “But I’d present as an alpha.” And there they were. 

“But what if you didn’t. What if you presented as a beta? Or an omega?” Naruto’s frown returned in full force and Kakashi continued. “Who’s better? Sakura or Sasuke?” Kakashi didn’t have to wait a second before Naruto jumped.

“Sakura of course! Sasuke’s just a bastard.” 

“And yet, she’s a beta.” Kakashi pointed out. Naruto blinked, his mouth opening.

“Oh.” Perhaps the kid was getting it now. Time to push a bit more then.

“Is she weaker than Sasuke?” 

“No.” The boy shook his head, one shoulder shrugging. “She can control her chakra much better, as you said.” That was true. Kakashi did say that. The part that he didn’t mention in front of the two was that  Sakura could partly thank the fact that she was beta. It was easier to keep her levels even when she didn’t have to worry about all the smells distracting her, or didn’t need to battle any of the instincts. She didn’t need to defend her position, didn’t need to prove she was good enough, didn’t have to battle all the stereotypes. Didn’t need to fight the possessiveness that could be unbearable at times. Didn’t have to know what it felt like, seeing someone who was supposed to be hers go out there and face the world on their own, didn’t know how it felt to try to step back and calm down the overwhelming need to protect them, because one respected their choices, even if everything in them screamed not to, but instead to hide them in the safety in one’s arms. 

… maybe Kakashi was projecting a bit. 

“But he knows more jutsus.” Naruto was pouting again. “And I guess he is kinda smart.” 

“Is he the smartest kid you know?” 

“Like hell!” Naruto bristled at Kakashi, his hands curling into fists. “Shikamaru is much smarter than that jerk! He’s lazy, but he’s still ten paces ahead of everyone!” 

“That’s the Nara boy, right? Isn’t he a beta as well though?” It was almost visible - the little wheels turning in Naruto’s head, following the information and subtle hints to his conclusion. 

“Whatever you are - alpha, beta, omega or none of the above, it doesn’t matter. We’re shinobi. That’s what defines us. Isn't that right, Iruka-sensei?” Kakashi asked, before turning around, smiling. He could feel Iruka standing there for a while, but he had a lesson to teach Naruto - and perhaps Iruka too. It seemed to come through, because Iruka was staring at him, cheeks slightly flushed and he coughed and swallowed before nodding. 

“Y-yes. Kakashi-sensei is correct.” It was adorable how the man was stumbling over his own words, even as he made his way over to Naruto and knelt down next to Kakashi, throwing him a quick wondering, if a bit awed, look, before the boy claimed his attention again. “It doesn’t matter what you present - or don’t present as. The only person that can decide your path in life is you, yourself.” 

The next moment Naruto screamed, tears running down his way as he sobbed, and Kakashi was very glad Iruka decided to come pick him up - he was the perfect target for Naruto to throw himself at and hug tightly. Kakashi didn’t mind the boy, but cleaning snot off of his uniform wasn’t what he imagined his evening to be like. 

“I’m going to be the first Hokage, that’s not an alpha! Believe it!” The words were wet and Kakashi had to strain to understand them, but once he did, he couldn’t help but smile.  Minato and Kushina would be proud. 

“I do.” Iruka whispered into Naruto’s hair, holding the boy close. Just watching the two like that, made something within Kakashi melt. It was warm, and domestic - a family moment. He didn’t want to intrude, no matter how much the alpha within him screamed to stay there, be with his mate, prove that he could look after both of them - because Naruto was Iruka’s. But as he was getting up, he could feel Iruka’s hand curling around his wrist. 

“Would you like to have dinner with us?” 

No. That’s what Kakashi should say. He should apologize, come up with an excuse and leave. He stood up, stretched his back, already knowing full well he wasn’t going to do that. This was an opportunity that Kakashi was going to grasp with both hands and hold onto it.

“Only if you let me pay. Ramen right?” 

The word worked like a charm - Naruto jumped up, pulling at Iruka’s arm. 

“Ramen! Come on, Iruka-sensei! I decided my path’s leading towards ramen now!” Kakashi laughed as Iruka pulled himself up, shaking his head. 

“Right, right. Of course, mister future Hokage.” He shook his head again and pulled the boy between them as they walked towards the Ichiraku’s.

The walk wasn’t silent at all. Naruto returned to his old self and kept chattering about their last mission, about how the missions weren’t hard enough and how they could do more. It was always this or that, until he suddenly got quiet, looking between the two of them, face scrunched as if Kakashi told him their next mission is going to be a written test. Kakashi lifted an eyebrow when the boy pouted, and slipped to Iruka’s side, pushing him lightly. 

“Naruto!” Iruka stumbled before Kakashi caught his elbow. “Ah, sorry Kakashi, I didn’t mean to - Naruto! What did you do that for!” It was adorable. The way kept jumping from apologizing to Kakashi and yelling at Naruto and back. It didn’t seem that Naruto minded though - he looked back at the two of them and nodded, before walking in front of them contently. 

...Kakashi wasn’t complaining either. They were walking much closer than before, and if Kakashi leaned in, he could smell Iruka even underneath all the scent blockers. It made him itch to reach out, rest his hand on the small of Iruka’s back as they walked, but. No. It wasn’t the right time. Not just yet. 

“I’m sorry.” Iruka said, smiling over at Kakashi almost shyly. “I have no idea why he did that. I should talk to him about this, but…” He bit his lip, looking at the boy in front of them. “I feel like he has had enough for one day.” Iruka’s words were warm and soft, just like his eyes. He might’ve yelled at Naruto just moments ago, but it was very obvious how Iruka felt about the boy - how he probably always felt about him deep down, no matter what the beast locked inside Naruto did to him. The Hokage had to know it - he probably knew about the omega thing too, thinking back now, and perhaps that was the reason why he thought Iruka would be the best fit for Naruto’s teacher. And of course, he was right. Iruka’s heart was so good through and through - it was no wonder people kept being pulled to him like moths to flame. Or at least that was the case for Kakashi. Iruka didn’t even realize. That was a part of his charm too. 

“Why don’t you adopt him?” 

Iruka stumbled at Kakashi’s question, and Kakashi was really glad for his mask - he didn’t want Iruka to get flustered or mad. While it was fun seeing him yell at other people, Kakashi wouldn’t really get to admire it if the man was yelling at him . He liked the view  - the slight flush rising on Iruka’s cheeks, the twitching of his eyes and gritting his teeth. Passionate Iruka was wonderful. Every time Kakashi saw him, the fire burning within Iruka’s eyes ignited Kakashi’s very being, his entire body just itching to get closer to Iruka, to take him in his arms, kiss him, until he’s staring at Kakashi flushed and breathless, whatever he might’ve been thinking about until then completely forgotten.

“Kakashi-sensei!” Iruka hissed, throwing a look Naruto’s way. Naruto didn’t seem to notice at all, too busy jumping and singing about ramen. Was the boy easy to please. Still, that obviously didn’t stop Iruka from fretting, his hands jumping at his sides and Kakashi smiled, before reaching over, grasping Iruka’s hand into his own, momentarily regretting his habit of wearing the gloves. If he didn’t, he would feel all of Iruka’s own warmth. 

“Calm down, Iruka.” Kakashi didn’t miss the twitch of Iruka’s fingers in his hold and once again, he was very thankful for the mask hiding his smirk. He stepped closer, leaning into him and whispering into Iruka’s ear. “He’s too busy daydreaming about ramen, he wouldn’t notice if the Hokage Monument collapsed in front of him.” He snorted. “I’m pretty sure the only thing getting him out of it would be if a certain black haired boy he’s working with showed up. Hopefully with endless apologies falling from his mouth.” Kakashi didn’t miss how the two riled each other up - as well as pushed each other forward. In a way they were a perfect team - a perfect match - and for a moment Kakashi was glad Naruto didn’t present after all. If the boy presented as omega by any chance, it would be complete hell to deal with. Sasuke wasn’t the type of guy who would be able to fight his instincts easily, which would only end up in more arguments about Naruto being reckless between the two of them. Sasuke wouldn’t get why he was more agitated with Naruto, wouldn’t get that for a while, and it would take Naruto even longer probably, which would make Sasuke even more annoyed and no. Kakashi had enough of that on a daily basis already. 

“So they are still at each other’s throats, huh?” 

“Mhm.” Kakashi nodded, shrugging one shoulder. “But I understand why you wanted them to be on the same team. The competitiveness between them makes both of them grow.”

“Naruto can learn a lot from him.” Iruka admitted quietly. 

“But it goes the other way too.” There were so many similarities between the two boys, and yet they both were so different. They were both alone, facing the world on their own, but while everyone around thought of  Sasuke as of the last Uchiha, the genius, they thought of Naruto as a beast. Entire village had their opinions about them without even meeting them. But people didn’t bother to really look . And while Sasuke’s heart grew harder, Naruto’s went the opposite direction. “He took after you in kindness, sensei.” 

Iruka’s eyes were wide, a slight flush spreading over his cheeks making the scar over his nose more obvious as he shook his head, looking away from Kakashi and clearing his throat. 

“Naruto was always like that. I had nothing to do with it.” 

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Kakashi pointed out. “You accepted him. You accepted him long before you realized you did, long  before Naruto heard you say that too. He didn’t realize that himself, but he has good instincts. He knew every time you were sitting together eating ramen, or every time you spent your time making him clean the Hokage Monument.” It should've been long after Iruka was done with Naruto and yet, his teacher still chose to be there with him the entire time, instead of just making him do it and coming to check on him later. Iruka sat there with him, talked to him - yelled and tried to explain why that was wrong, and it was more attention from one single person than Naruto got from anyone else. It was all those little things Iruka did that saved Naruto and Konoha. Iruka didn’t even realize that. 

Kakashi could catch a whiff of salty tears and he squeezed Iruka’s hand, smiling, eye curling. 

“You did very well with him, Iruka.” 

The tears that went unshed until that moment spilled over, running down Iruka’s cheeks, before Iruka’s other hand snapped up, brushing at his eyes quickly, trying to hide the evidence of them before Naruto would notice. 

“You’re giving me too much credit, Kakashi-sensei.” His voice was shaky, but his hand held onto Kakashi’s for dear life.

“On the contrary. The others don’t give you enough.” Kakashi could hear the slightest hitch in Iruka’s breathing, and he made sure not to look at the other man at that moment. He had a feeling that if he did, if he saw Iruka looking at him, he might not stop himself from following the path his tears took with his own lips. 

“You might just see more than there really is.” Iruka muttered, and fuck not looking at him. Kakashi stopped and grasped Iruka’s hand tighter, waiting until the man met his eye. 

“I see exactly what there is. I know it all and that is the reason all the credit is yours.” Oh and how true those words were - Iruka didn’t even know about that. Kakashi knew the secret Iruka was hiding, one that he didn’t share with anyone else in his life. He knew how hard Iruka worked to give at least something resembling a home to Naruto, his omega and genuine love for the boy pushing him to do that and more. “It’s thanks to you that Naruto has the confidence to be loud and pushy and annoying.” Iruka’s mouth twitched at that lightly, even as he was giving Kakashi a rather disapproving look. Kakashi snorted. “Oh, come on, even you have to admit that through all your blind love. Naruto is all of those things - and his mother would genuinely thank you for that. That you led Naruto while giving him all the space he needed. That you were on his side when no one else was, and pushed him when he was giving up.” Kakashi didn’t doubt his words for a moment - he was sure that it would be Kushina’s opinion too, if she couldn’t be the one to take care of her son, she would want Iruka to do it for her. He was hard working, kind with a heart of gold, with a strong sense of justice, and people were terrified of his yelling - everyone but the people that loved him and considered it mostly just cute. They were similar in that regard. “And exactly because he is all those things there is no doubt in my mind that he’s going to become the Hokage - and surpass all the ones before him.” Because all Naruto wanted was recognition and acceptance. And if he got those, he would do anything for those people. He wouldn't be able to do everything alone, no - but it seemed that Naruto was on his way to getting that covered. Everyone who met Naruto was affected one way or the other. He was leaving marks in everyone’s lives, even if the people tried to change that. 

“Those… are some controversial opinions you have, Kakashi-sensei.” Iruka was smiling though, a happy stretch of his lips. 

“Hm?” Kakashi blinked innocently. “The Naruto becoming Hokage one?” 

“That one too.” Iruka nodded and bit his lip. “But what you told Naruto - that it’s being shinobi that defines us and not what we present -  or don’t present - as.” 

“Do you disagree?” 

“Not at all.” Iruka shook his head quickly. “It’s just not a lot of people share those views. They tend to have high expectations of alphas, they don’t even consider the possibility of a genius beta, and a lot of them would just lock the omegas in their homes if they could, thinking they are doing that for their own good, because omegas can’t be strong enough to become shinobi.” Iruka was watching him now, eyes sharp, eagerly waiting for his reaction, and trying to mask it with the light tone of his voice - as if it didn’t even matter. As if he wasn’t dying of curiosity. 

Kakashi wanted to tease him. Wanted to keep quiet and see just how long Iruka could pretend. But he also wanted to get on his good side, as much as possible. If he managed to create some bonds with Iruka, even if Iruka couldn’t smell their bond… it would be worth it. 

“Isn’t it funny that people would consider the ones that can carry and bring up children weak?” He asked, looking at Iruka and wondering if he should push the issue more…  Kakashi could never stop himself if he thought about something too much. 

“It’s almost like saying you’re not the most amazing shinobi in Konoha, sensei.” Iruka’s eyes widened and Kakashi could pick up on his heartbeat quickening as he held his breath. There it was. “Everyone keeps saying that ANBU and jounin work is difficult. But if they kill someone in their job, no one bats an eye. If you kill someone in your job, you get instantly hunted down by more ninjas than I ever did in my life. Not everyone has your patience and skill.” Iruka snorted, and Kakashi smiled. “No one should underestimate you or the omegas, Iruka.” There was a flush rising up on Iruka’s cheeks once more and for a moment Kakashi was tempted to reveal his sharingan, to make sure he could keep this memory forever. However that might freak Iruka out and Kakashi didn’t want to disturb the atmosphere between the two of them. 

“I’ve never thought I’d hear a dominant alpha say something like that.” Iruka admitted. “Everyone says your instincts are too strong to resist.”

“I never said it would be easy.” Kakashi admitted, shrugging. “I’m sure I’d be terrified of what might happen, but I think everyone should be treated human first, everything else second.” That was apparently the right answer, because Iruka bit his lip, before smiling. 

“Whomever you pick as your partner, they are going to be lucky ones.” 

“I can pick you.” The words were out of Kakashi’s mouth before he knew it, and he only registered them because of the sharp intake of breath coming from Iruka. He might’ve not meant to say them, but that didn’t mean he was taking them back. 

The wind blowing through Konoha was cold as Iruka stood there, staring as seconds ticked by. Kakashi wondered if Iruka thought that his secret was out. It was but Kakashi didn’t want to stress him out - if Iruka didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell him (yet), Kakashi could wait for a while longer. 

Iruka swallowed hard, before forcing out an unsure laugh. 

“Kakashi-sensei, stop joking. I’m sure a dominant alpha like you would want an omega on his side. Possibly a dominant one as well.” His fingers curled into a fist on his side and Kakashi just looked at him for a moment. 

“You’re doing your best to teach your children to be open minded and not pay too much attention to their presentation, yet you seem to be stuck on it.” Iruka flinched, an embarrassed flush rising to his ears as Kakashi shrugged. “I like a person. While it would be nice to be compatible, it wouldn’t matter if I didn’t like them for who they were as one.” Kakashi could hear Iruka’s heart beating loudly in his chest as if it was trying to run away and he wondered if the man was fighting flight or fight instinct himself. Kakashi took a deep breath, before stepping towards the man, a hand rising up to touch Iruka’s cheek, his stomach fluttering with just the idea of being able to feel Iruka’s skin on his fingertips. Finally. 

“Iruka-sensei! Kakashi-sensei! What takes you so long, I’m starving! If you don’t hurry up I’m gonna order without you!” Naruto yelled, before running inside the Ichiraku’s. 

Kakashi closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was going to pick the most boring mission he could find the day after tomorrow, just for that. His hand fell uselessly to his side again and he smiled at Iruka from under the mask. 

“If this is the reason why you don’t want to adopt him, I certainly understand.” 

Iruka blinked, then a chuckle escaped his lips, then another and before he knew it, he was laughing out loud. Kakashi wondered if it was all the stress that the man felt lately, but no matter what the reason was, it was good to see him that way. 

“I wanted to.” Iruka admitted. “But apparently having a child live alone is better than giving it into the care of someone who doesn’t have a partner. Which is something I never really understood.” Oh. Did the Hokage know about this? Would Iruka mention it to him? There wasn’t anyone else in the village who seemed eager to adopt the boy, and if Iruka wanted to… wasn’t it better to give him to Iruka? Naruto already considered Iruka his father - it was obvious in the way he hurried over and babbled his entire day to Iruka, how he looked at him first whenever they came back. How Iruka’s approval mattered the most to him. And Iruka very obviously considered the boy his as well. So if Hokage didn’t do anything to help the adoption… Perhaps it was the proof that he was aware of Iruka’s omega situation and he didn’t want to pull people’s attention to it. Didn’t want them to question things. Should Kakashi talk to him? 

“I mean, it doesn’t matter too much anymore.” Iruka continued, making Kakashi wonder if he perhaps spoke part of his thoughts aloud. “I can support him this way too, and soon, he won’t even need a guardian.” Iruka smiled, his eyes softening as he glanced at the small shop. “He’s growing up so fast. I’m half worried that if I close my eyes now, he is already  going to be the Hokage when I open them again.” 

“I’m ordering a fourth bowl now!” 

Iruka flinched before marching over to the stand. 

“Naruto! You should’ve stopped at the second one if Kakashi-sensei is the one paying for it! Where are your manners?!” 

“But I’m starving! And the only thing he’s buying are those perverted books of his, so he has to have a lot of money anyway!” 

“Naruto!” 

… perhaps Kakashi shouldn’t find the interaction as adorable as he did. He blamed Iruka for that. And he didn’t mind one bit.

Things were getting better - he was starting to spend more time with Iruka and Iruka was getting used to his presence more and more, he was feeling comfortable in it. At first Kakashi thought that Iruka might just be a passive omega - it would explain his apparent lack of heats and weak nose. In that case, prolonged exposure to Kakashi’s smell might kickstart the processes that got stuck in his body, but… nothing like that happened. There was something weird going on and Kakashi was too curious for his own sake.

There would be people that would call Kakashi shameful if they realized what he was doing, most certainly. But Kakashi was an ANBU for years and they knew if they couldn’t get the information needed the normal (easy) way, they just had to find another. Kakashi did. He was currently in Iruka’s apartment, very logically looking through his stuff while the man was busy working at the Academy. There had to be a reason why Iruka wasn’t a normal omega. Maybe it was part of the lost medical reports, but even if so, there was a possibility that Iruka had a copy of it somewhere. 

He didn’t find the record. What he found was a foul smelling box, something that almost didn’t seem to belong in Iruka’s home at all. And yet the outside carried a bit of Iruka’s smell still. Kakashi frowned, his alpha bristling and growling when he reached for it but he ignored it for the time being. He needed to know what it was. Needed to know why his entire body screamed at him that this thing was wrong and bad and to take it as far away from Iruka as possible. 

His frown deepened as he opened the box and froze. Oh. Maybe he should be less surprised with the little white pills - because those made sense. They reminded Kakashi of the emergency inhibitors that active ANBU alphas carried with them just in case, keeping them as last possible option - something that fucked with their mind and bodies and something that Kakashi was very glad to get rid of once he got off the active duty. For Iruka to have something like this…  

Kakashi reached inside and took one of the pills - he couldn’t take all of them from Iruka, not without talking to him first. But he needed some answers. His stomach was tense as he put the box back in its place and jumped out of Iruka’s window, his senses reaching far to look for Tenzou. If anyone would have the answers to Kakashi’s questions, it would be him. 

Iruka was smart. Even in the case that he truly disliked what he was, he wouldn’t take these if he knew the risk, would he? If these were truly as dangerous as Tenzou claimed, then Iruka was risking much more than just never finding out who his mate was - even if the thought hurt Kakashi to the very bone, it was something Iruka could live with. Kakashi just  wouldn’t tell him. Instead he’d do his best to win Iruka over the normal way and not let anyone come between them or take Iruka away. He would just have to show Iruka that Kakashi was the best option for him - sense of smell or not. He just needed to win over Iruka’s heart - which, Kakashi could be honest about, wasn’t only about the mate thing. He started being interested in the man all the way back, the first time Iruka looked at his report with distaste and returned it to him, refusing to back off from dominant’s alpha challenge, and not only stood his ground but offered a challenge back. Iruka didn’t shy away from him, he didn’t care about who Kakashi was supposed to be. Kakashi was interested before he got a full experience of Iruka’s pheromones - he was interested before Kakasih’s world clicked into place. He could admit it now - he wanted the man before he knew the taunting smell around the village was coming from him. Having Iruka understand what they were though would make winning him over easier - or maybe not. Iruka was hard headed enough for him to even fight fate if he didn’t like Kakashi. 

Still though… was Iruka aware of all the side effects of those suppressants? Didn’t Iruka want a kid on his own? Iruka seemed to love those, if Naruto was anything to go by (and Kakashi’s alpha was singing in his mind at the idea of maybe having a kid with Iruka in the future) - would he knowingly risk losing the ability to have one? Was it possible that he didn’t know? How was Iruka even getting these? And where from? There was no way he could get them in Konoha without raising questions, especially if he seemed to be taking them for a longer time now. And while Kakashi knew that some of the suppressants got sold in the dark corners, Kakashi didn’t think it would escape the ANBU eyes. ANBU would report to Hokage right away, especially if it was something concerning his ward and - 

and that would mean that the Hokage knew. And if the Hokage knew, then it was possible that Asuma knew as well. Kakashi’s eye narrowed, before he stood up, senses already reaching out to look for Asuma’s chakra, to have a talk with him and- 

A hand on his arm stopped him. Kakashi blinked, Tenzou coming back to the focus as Kakashi calmed down slowly. 

“Senpai. For omega to take these… they must’ve been desperate. And terrified. Hunting down the one person they see as an ally isn’t exactly smart.” 

Kakashi grit his teeth, before closing his eyes and forcing himself to calm down. If Kakashi should listen to anyone… it would be Tenzou. He sighed before turning around. 

“So what am I supposed to do?” 

“Why don’t you try being honest with him?”

“This is not what I meant by being honest.” 

Kakashi knew the voice. His alpha was telling him there was something familiar about it, as was the scent coming from the masked man, but it still made his hackles rise, still made him clutch onto his omega - his bleeding omega - tighter as he growled a warning to the newcomer. His head snapping around and his eyes narrowing, letting his alpha pheromones spread into the air around them. If the man even thinks about trying anything-.

The masked man lifted his hands up in a non-threatening gesture. 

“Waa, scary.” The voice was even and Kakashi couldn’t smell a hint of fear from the man. “You should put that eye away or I can’t look at you.” 

“A-ANBU-san.” His omega trembled in Kakashi’s arms and Kakashi keened, nose brushing against his omega’s cheek trying to calm him down. It was going to be okay. Kakashi would protect him, and would shed even more blood than he already did if he had to. If this man tried to come too close, he would end up the same as the people that attacked Kakashi’s omega, torn to pieces so no one would be able to put them together again. “Can you help? I think he’s gone feral.” 

The familiar man took a step closer and Kakashi’s head snapped around again, growling. Familiar or not, it wouldn’t matter if he moved again. 

“I think we’re going to have to count on you, Iruka-sensei.” 

“What?!” 

Kakashi didn’t look away from the man, his teeth still barred in the last warning. His omega was hurt. He was not letting anyone to him, not until he felt better again. 

“I can’t come closer, or he might hurt you accidentally trying to protect you. I can’t attack him, or he’s going to think he’s still fighting for your life and that’s not going to help the feral state. It would turn him vicious instead.” A small sigh. The man sat down where he was and Kakashi stopped growling, but was still eyeing him suspiciously. But it seemed like he wasn’t interested in endangering Kakashi’s omega again. And Kakashi’s omega was still hurting - Kakashi should be paying attention to him , unless the other guy would try to attack. He huffed, before turning around to his omega. The man was still trembling, his smell still fearful, so Kakashi purred softly, nuzzling his omega’s neck. “You are the only one who can help. You need to stay calm and let him hold you until he calms down.” 

“Calm down?! That’s easy for you to say! He’s not trying to tear your neck out!” 

"I can promise you he's not tearing out anything of yours either." The man spoke again. “Look at him. He’s holding you firmly, sure. But he’s not hurting you or holding you down and threatening you. He’s protecting you. And actually doing his best to calm you down.” 

“This is nothing like what we teach at the Academy.” His omega sounded unhappy and Kakashi huffed, looking at him. He was safe. Kakashi was making sure he was safe, so he could just relax. He brushed his cheek against the omega’s. 

“It’s unexpectedly a lot more intense, isn’t it?” 

Kakashi’s omega swallowed and shivered in his arms. He was still tensing up though and that couldn’t be good for his wound. Kakashi frowned, nosing at the soft skin and closing his eyes as he took a deep breath, only to have them snap out at the smell coming from the other man. It was very subtle, but it was there and it made Kakashi groan at the back of his throat. He knew what his omega smelled like, but the surge of arousal that was obvious in his scent now, made his mouth water and his teeth itch as he could feel his front teeth growing longer. He gasped, tearing the mask off of his face as he opened his mouth, taking the tanned skin into his mouth, sucking and licking at the perfect spot. He would just need to sink his teeth in and the two of them would start their bonding. Just a little motion and - his eyes snapped to the side, glaring at the other man, who lowered his head. 

“Your sharingan is spinning for no reason, senpai. I’m not challenging your claim.” It sounded like the man was laughing and Kakashi huffed. The gesture of submission enough for now, he turned back to his omega, his teeth brushing over the skin. He wouldn’t bite him - not with the smell of blood -his omega’s and all the dead people who dared to hurt him - it would be too dangerous. If Kakashi did it, both of them would be affected and while the masked man wasn’t threatening right now, he didn’t trust him with the most precious being in his life. 

Kakashi took a deep breath, almost feeling the sweet scent spilling over his tongue. His omega smelled so wonderful. But he was tensing yet again and Kakashi whined.He curled his pheromones around the two of them, their smell changing to the comforting kind instead of threatening, but it didn’t seem to do much for the other man. Kakashi frowned as he pulled back, looking at his mate. What was it? Why wasn’t he calming down? The smell of blood invaded his nostrils again and his eyes snapped to his mate’s side - was that it? Was it so painful for him that he couldn’t relax in Kakashi’s arms? That wouldn’t do. 

He pushed the man down, getting rid of the cut vest and pulling the remains of his shirt up. His mate flailed, and Kakashi growled, grabbing his hands and pressing them down against the man’s chest, mindful of the injury, before leaning down and licking at the blood, humming. It was going to be alright, his mate had to know. Kakashi wouldn’t be able to fully heal the wound, but he would stop the bleeding and it was going to be alright. He could carry him home after and-

“That’s not going to help him too much.” The masked man spoke up again, sounding closer than before and Kakashi’s eyes narrowed, as he checked that his mate was safe on the ground - before turning around, his teeth snapping. 

“Iruka-sensei.” The man continued, the mask facing Kakashi. “You need to talk to him and calm him down. He needs to know you’re alright, otherwise we are going to be stuck here.” 

“Why...why did he...?” 

“He knows.” The masked man leaned his head to the side, before sighing. “Please don’t fret too much or he truly will kill me, if he thinks I’m the cause of your distress.” Kakashi reached back without looking, grasping at his mate’s shirt and pulling it down, hiding his mate’s skin from the other’s eyes. He couldn’t smell what the masked man was, but that didn’t mean Kakashi was fine with him. “He knew for a while now. I don’t think he’s going to tell anyone though.” 

“He told you.” 

“He didn’t.” It’s the first time the man feels almost… unsettled. Kakashi still watched him like a hawk. “I know because we are in similar boats, you and I. This is not the time to explain though. We need to move. Speak to him.” 

It’s quiet for a moment. So quiet that Kakashi’s tempted to quickly look over his shoulder, check whether his mate was alright, but that would mean pulling his eyes off the guy. Still… his mate was a priority. Kakashi glanced over with the intention to just quickly check if he was okay, but his gaze ended up glued to the picture in front of him. 

His mate was flushed, teeth worrying his bottom lip and Kakashi reached out, brushing his thumb over his mate’s cheek, leaning his head to the side to try and catch his eyes.  When he did, his mate swallowed hard. 

“Kakashi.” It was the first time since he got hurt that his mate talked to Kakashi himself. His own heart skipped a beat as he stared at the other man. “Thank you, I’m fine, okay? But it’s dangerous here.” 

Kakashi frowned. Dangerous? Kakashi could keep his mate safe. He wasn’t going to let anyone close. 

“I’m hurt and people in Konoha would be able to heal me. Can we go home?” The hand covering his own was warm and hardened by the use of kunais, shurikens and all the other weapons Iruka used at the Academy. It was grounding and welcome and Kakashi blinked. There was fog clouding his mind, and fear and worry and tension in his entire body and his teeth were itching.

“Tenzou.” He muttered, forcing himself to focus through the haze and hold onto the bit of sanity Iruka brought. 

“Senpai.” 

“Go first, make sure there are no problems on the way.” Kakashi growled, picking Iruka up in his arms. Iruka flailed, only making his smell spread further and Kakashi grit his teeth. Fuck.  “I’ll follow at a safe distance.” He wasn’t back to himself fully - not yet, and not for a while, still. The alpha in him roaring and wanting Kakashi to succumb to his instincts. 

“Of course.” That was one of the amazing things about Tenzou. He always understood Kakashi without Kakashi having to fully explain himself, even if he was no alpha. Kakashi took a deep breath as Tenzou disappeared, before turning his head, sniffling at Iruka’s neck. 

“I’m sorry.” He whispered to Iruka, feeling the man tense in his arms. “I didn’t mean to tell you like this.” Forming words was more difficult than Kakashi would have hoped for. But he wanted to explain, wanted to make sure Iruka didn’t freak out. Wanted him to feel safe. 

“How did you find out?” 

“I smelled you.” At least that was an answer Kakashi could give without lying. The smell of unhappiness filled his nostrils as Kakashi ran through the forest. “Not a strong smell. But my nose is good, you know. That day - it was the day you found me in your window. I followed you because you caught my attention.” The words were falling off of his lips and Kakashi wasn’t sure if he could stop them. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to, and he didn’t know what it was - whether it was the almost feral state he was in, or whether he just wanted Iruka to know finally. It was a heavy secret all this time, and maybe Kakashi hoped for… something. Though maybe after today, after Iruka saw what monster Kakashi could be. Perhaps it wasn’t possible anymore. But Kakashi needed to tell him. “You weren’t afraid of me, you looked at me. That doesn’t happen often. Then I spent more time around you, curiosity started turning into something else.” If this was the last chance Kakashi had to explain… “Before I knew it, my eyes found you in every room before anyone else.” Kakashi’s hands tightened on Iruka and he made sure not to look down at the man in his arms. Instead his eyes were focused on the road in front of them, checking for any possible danger even with Tenzou making way for them. He knew logically that Iruka wasn’t hurt too badly, but that didn’t stop his alpha from worrying and fretting. It was just strands of sanity and Iruka himself that were keeping him from slipping into the completely feral state again and Kakashi took in a shaky breath, trying his best to hold onto it. Once they would be back, that was going to be a completely new problem - even back there, he couldn’t stand even Tenzou close to Iruka, and to have the med nins come closer… that was going to be a real struggle. 

Iruka’s breath was warm on his neck, his fingers twitching where they held onto him, and Kakashi shivered, gritting his teeth. And of course, there was more to say and explain as well. 

He didn’t want to tell Iruka about Kakashi going to his flat, about checking out his wards around it, since some weird part of him wanted his mate to be safe, and if Kakashi couldn’t be the one putting them up, he just needed to know they were the top level - and they were. Apparently Iruka was just as great as them as he was at his seals, so it made Kakashi breathe a bit easier - even if he still stood guard outside whenever he could. He didn’t want to tell him about how he checked inside of the apartment since he was already there, like sometimes he did with Naruto’s house (even though with Naruto, he filled his fridge every now and then and the boy never even noticed). Didn’t want to tell him how curious he was, and how he needed to look around. How he followed his nose and looked around until he found his suppressants and the scent blockers. He wasn’t sure Iruka would understand the paranoid feelings, and the need to have things in his life under control - to check and recheck everything until he got complete understanding of it and thus could decide which way to move on - perhaps it was an ANBU thing, where one needed to know what step they would take before they did. He swallowed and shook his head. 

The protective walls of the village were already visible, and Kakashi didn’t bother to stop by the gate to deal with the guards. Either Tenzou already did that, or they wouldn't even notice him, Kakashi didn’t care as he stepped inside the hospital, clutching Iruka closer to himself as people noticed them and walked closer. Kakashi was already barely hanging there before and all of these people were not making it easier for him now. A growl escaped his throat when an alpha doctor came to them, his teeth baring and ready to snap.

“Kakashi, if Umino’s hurt, we’re going to have to take a look at him.” The growl came louder when the man didn’t back off. No alphas around his mate. 

“We’re going to need beta or omega doctors.” Tenzou said, coming from behind the alpha. “I’m sure you understand he’s feral. Iruka-sensei is possibly still bleeding, so I would ask all of the alphas to tend to other patients please.” 

“ANBU-san, if he’s feral, then we should isolate him. Get him away from Umino, or he might snap on him as well.” 

The masked head leaned to the side, before Tenzou shrugged. 

“Iruka-sensei got that covered.” The man turned to face the two of them. “Do you not?”

“He didn’t hurt me all this time.” Iruka nodded. “I’m fine.” The doctor frowned hestiating for a moment, but Kakashi was glad to see he was listening in the end. He turned around and left - as did the others. He relaxed his grip, only to have his eyes narrow when Iruka winced. His hand moved to run over Iruka’s side, but Iruka caught it and smiled. 

“It’s okay. I promise. The sword wound is not too deep thanks to you.” It was a lie of course. Kakashi saw how the sword ran him through, saw and smelled the blood everywhere and it was the shocked expression on Iruka’s face and the way the man fell down once the sword was pulled out that made him see red and kill their attackers. Slaughter might be a better word, with what Kakashi left behind. They didn’t stand a chance against a feral alpha.  It was actually one of the things that were weighing down on Kakashi - Iruka saw him kill all of them with his own hands without a single bit of hesitation. And while Iruka had to understand it on some level - he was a shinobi after all - he was also the kindest person Kakashi knew. He was the man that asked the Hokage to take him off the mission list, told him he’d much rather be a teacher, and the way his eyes shone with happiness, warmth and kindness when the Hokage agreed spoke volumes. Yet here Kakashi was, dragging him on a mission that he hoped would bring them closer and now it might end up doing the exact opposite. 

“Kakashi.” Iruka’s hands were warm on Kakashi’s cheek as the man lifted his head. “It’s not so bad, it just stings a little.” There was no way it was okay. None. But Iruka was a brave moron, not admitting to anything, because he knew just how far down Kakashi could spiral just imagining all that blood. Blood that Kakashi managed to stop for the most part thanks to his saliva - something that Iruka might’ve considered weird, and something that Kakashi should explain, since that was done between family - or mates. As far as Iruka knew, they were neither. 

Iruka’s fingers brushed over Kakashi’s temple, before he caught the headband, slowly pulling it down and over Kakashi’s sharingan. His other hand joined the first on the other side of Kakashi’s face, travelling down over his cheekbones and chin, lifting it up. 

“I’m okay.” The words were soft and warm and for a moment Kakashi wondered if this was the way Iruka used to talk to his unsettled students. Kakashi hoped not. Being this close to the other, all Kakashi wanted was to lean his head to the side a bit and reach out, until his lips could taste Iruka’s. Wanted to kiss him until Iruka understood what they were to each other. Wanted to hold him and whisper that everything was going to be alright because Kakashi wasn’t going to let anyone hurt Iruka ever again. Wanted to - 

The mask was pulled over Kakashi’s face, Iruka’s knuckles brushing at Kakashi's mouth with the motion and Kakashi’s eye slipped closed as he held back a groan. Fuck. The man could never make life easier for Kakashi. Maybe that was why Kakashi liked him so much. 

“The doctor is here now - and your friend is waiting for you.” Iruka pointed out, motioning to the door where Tenzou still stood - this time accompanied by a person that lacked any smell. Kakashi frowned, leaning closer to Iruka to take one last deep breath - Iruka smelled mostly like him now, making Kakashi shiver with pleasure, but he could still smell him underneath. Kakashi frowned at Iruka’s flushed cheeks, before shaking his head.

“Don’t let any alpha near him.” Kakashi growled to the beta doctor, before pulling away, after making sure Iruka was safely situated on the bed, not missing that his hand came up to his side the instant Kakashi let go. “Only betas.” Betas wouldn’t be able to smell the omega, not the way the alphas could. So as long as there were only beta doctors and nurses, Iruka's secret was safe. 

Kakashi walked to the door, just as Tenzou made his way to Iruka’s bed, lifting a clawed glowed hand. When Iruka didn’t move, he took Iruka’s hand, pressing something into it. Iruka’s eyes widened as he stared down at it and Kakashi wondered if he should go over and take a look himself, but then Iruka swallowed, pressing the hand to his chest. 

“ Thank you .”

Tenzou’s head leant to the side, before he nodded. 

“I told you we’re similar.” He said, before following Kakashi and pushing him out of the room. Kakashi waited until they were far enough before he grabbed Tenzou’s wrist. 

“What did you give him?” Considering the relief in Iruka’s voice, the look in his eyes when they were staring at Tenzou as if he was the savior of the entire world. It didn’t sit well with him. 

Kakashi could imagine the eyebrow rising behind the ANBU mask. “The suppressants he was taking until now.” Kakashi grit his teeth, his grip on the other tightening to the point of being painful. 

“You said they were dangerous.” And also the reason Iruka couldn’t smell him. The arm was pulled out of his grip.

“Yes. But did you want him to go into heat in the hospital?” Oh…. so that was why the smell was getting stronger. It wasn’t just calling Kakashi because he was so used to it. He was actually getting into heat. Kakashi glanced back, worried. Should he go back? He could protect Iruka, make sure more of his own smell would be in the room and as long as Iruka couldn’t smell him, his heat wouldn’t be triggered more and - 

Tenzou sighed. “You realize your actions were what triggered it. Iruka might not be able to smell you, but having an alpha display their power like that because of them , would make any omega’s instinct kick in. Having you close wouldn’t be good for him while he’s hurt.” Kakashi hated it, but Tenzou was right. 

 “Hokage’s summoning you.”

“... you already managed to give him a report?” Kakashi wasn’t pouting. He was just unhappy about the situation and being forced to leave Iruka’s side. 

“Iruka Umino is an important part of the Academy and the village. The Hokage always wants to be informed as soon as possible. So I’m not the only one reporting to him.” If Kakashi didn’t know better, he would think that Iruka was bugged, with how soon the Hokage got the word.

“How much does he know?”

Tenzou gave him a long look from behind the mask and Kakashi groaned. 

“...damn.”

It had been weeks. Kakashi didn’t see Iruka for weeks. First, the man was at the hospital, then at home and he didn’t come to pick  Naruto up from his training once . The man was nowhere to be seen, and perhaps if Kakashi pushed he would be able to corner him, but what was the point? It was obvious what was happening.

Iruka was avoiding him. And why shouldn’t he? The rumors going through the village weren’t too far from the truth. Kakashi did go feral, and if it wasn’t for Iruka he still might be in that state. Even though the state was caused by Iruka getting hurt in the first place, but…  it was better if the village thought that Kakashi was the cause of Iruka’s injuries, that Iruka just wanted to help and that Kakashi imprinted on the poor beta. It was better than revealing anything, correcting them, because they might try to dig into it further and if Iruka didn’t want to reveal what he truly was, Kakashi would do anything to keep the secret for him. Kakashi was okay with that. He would be okay with his mate refusing to see him too. But Kakashi still needed to see him, to check on him, especially after the last mission the Hokage sent him to. Kakashi didn’t see Iruka for a while and it was too much for the alpha within him. 

That was how he got to be in the tree at the training ground of the Academy, using all the experience and skill he got as ANBU to stay hidden from the sight. Iruka was outside, teaching the kids about shurikens and how to use them, his face serious yet gentle as he explained how to handle them to prevent the kids from getting hurt. 

“Now, is everyone ready? We’re not throwing them just yet.” Iruka’s eyes swept over the class, eyeing the obvious trouble makers for a moment longer than the rest. “To know how to throw the weapon, you have to understand it first. Aim is important, but the trick to it is fusing it with tiny bits of your chakra.”

Kakashi snorted as he watched. Aim was impossible with the kids - the shurikens given to the Academy were older and bent with purpose, making it harder to aim correctly and forcing the kids to learn the correct use of their energies. It was hard to channel the chakra without something solid to hold onto at first and having the shurikens to focus the chakra on would make it easier for the kids to control it, same as strengthening a tag with it. Which was helping with the training down the road, because if the kids managed to do that, then later when they were going to learn the actual jutsus, they wouldn’t waste too much of their chakra for nothing. Though apparently not all kids could understand that, considering Naruto. Or maybe it was just the overflow of chakra that he had thanks to the Kyuubi, needing an outlet. Maybe Kakashi should give him extra training once he picks them up the next day. But then Sasuke would want one as well, and then he wouldn’t be able to get rid of Sakura either, which in turn would mean even more headache and would it even be worth all that hassle? 

A child crying out brought Kakashi back to reality as he glanced towards the sound, finding Iruka kneeling down in front of an orange haired girl, who seemed more startled than anything else. There were tears rolling down her flushed cheeks, Iruka brushing them away with his thumb. 

“It’s okay, Moegi. You did well.”  He smiled as he turned the girl’s hand over, pressing his own palm over hers. Kakashi could see the green glow of the healing chakra, and while Kakashi wasn’t aware that Iruka had that ability too, it made sense to have the teachers know at least some basics to healing jutsus. Though the knowledge that it was usual and to be expected, didn’t stop his alpha from purring proudly at the competence of his mate as he tended to the girl, talking to her in quiet tones, his entire class surrounding him and watching in as much awe as Kakashi. Or maybe not the entire class.

“Of course it’s not hard!” Two of the boys obviously took advantage of Iruka being too busy with the girl as they argued and motioned with the shurikens and Kakashi was momentarily reminded of Sasuke and Naruto. “You just need to push your chakra in it and throw it!” Kakashi snorted and shook his head. If only it was that simple. Oh, well, they were going to learn soon. He was just about to turn his gaze back to Iruka - hoping to think of his students as little as possible with Iruka around - when the quick movement caught his eyes. 

“You weren’t supposed to really throw it!” 

The shuriken was flying Iruka’s way. Iruka had to know about it, Iruka was a teacher and things like that had to happen to him a lot. He was an actual shinobi too, he dealt with much worse missions than a kid throwing a shuriken, so Kakashi was sure he would move out of the way or catch it or something. 

And yet his own hand still flashed out, throwing out his own weapon, before the movement registered in Kakashi’s mind. The kid’s shuriken broke off in halves, while Kakashi’s traveled further, lodging itself in a tree with a loud thud. 

“Who threw it?!” Iruka snapped, looking around the children. “Both of them! I told you we were not going to be throwing them just yet, and you still did.” 

“Konohamaru threw the first one!”

“Traitor!” The kid hissed and Kakashi lifted an eyebrow. Did the Hokage have a type of children he was particularly fond of? 

“Konohamaru.” Iruka growled, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. 

“I didn’t mean to throw it, Iruka-sensei! It slipped my hand!” 

“Yes, you did! You were reaching back so far too!” The kid next to Konohamaru yelled, earning a glare from the latter.

Kakashi could see Iruka getting impatient, the cute vein on his forehead rising and pumping with every word that left the boys’ mouth and it wasn’t the first time Kakashi wanted to be over there, holding Iruka’s hand and kissing him until Iruka calmed down. Or until he blew up, hitting Kakashi as well - as long as he wouldn’t have to get a lecture that the kids were probably going to get as well. But if Kakashi annoyed Iruka enough, he was sure the rage would be concentrated on himself - for a moment Kakashi would become the sole of Iruka’s focus. Kakashi wouldn’t mind too much. 

“ Both of you come here this instance and -” 

“What!?” There was a loud gasp from the group of kids that were standing in front of the tree where Kakashi’s shuriken remained stuck and he cursed mentally. He didn’t want to draw attention to it, but trust Iruka’s class to mess up his plans. Maybe Iruka was training them to be ANBU’s worst nightmare on purpose.

“I can’t… pull it out.” The kid grabbing Kakashi’s shuriken grit out as he tried to force the weapon out of the tree and Kakashi bit his lip. Maybe he should’ve thrown it softer. Or not at all. 

“Aaah!” Another kid yelled - and how did Iruka remember all of their names? - and pointed at the shuriken. “That’s not ours! That’s a real one!” 

“Really?!” 

“Yeah! It’s one of the real expensive ones as well! I’ve seen them in mom’s stash!” 

“Isn’t your mom a jonin?” 

“Yes, she is!” The kid was beaming proudly, puffing her chest out and Kakashi wondered if he could talk the Hokage into making a decree that would forbid any and all jonin to ever let their kids see their weapons. For the village safety reason, of course. But still he had a feeling, it was too late already anyway. 

“Kari.” Iruka took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose while he firmly kept his eyes closed. “We had a talk about this when you brought your mom’s kunais, didn’t we? You can’t bring your mom’s weapons to the school.” 

“I didn’t! That’s not mom’s!” 

Kakashi watched Iruka freeze for a moment, his shoulders tensing before he snapped into movement, turning around. His eyes were scanning the trees and Kakashi gulped, stepping a bit behind the tree even though he knew Iruka couldn’t see him. Kakashi was concealing his presence - he would be able to hide it even from the ANBU. There was no way Iruka could know where he was. And yet, Iruka’s eyes returned to Kakashi’s spot more often than was comforting. 

Kakashi’s breath was held in his chest when Iruka glanced his way one more time, staring at the spot for a while longer than before and Kakashi was tempted to leave, to flicker away. But that would give him away and so he forced himself to remain standing until Iruka turned back around to the kids. 

“Pack the shurikens up again and we’re returning to the classroom. This was enough for one day.” 

“Whaaaat? But we didn’t even get to throw them yet! That’s unfair, Iruka-sensei!” 

“You weren’t supposed to be throwing them at all today and yet some of you did. We can continue this in the classroom and then if I’m happy with your guys’ progress, we can return tomorrow.” Iruka answered, ignoring the whining coming from the kids as he stepped to the tree, plucking Kakashi’s shuriken out and ushering the kids inside the Academy building, shooting the trees one last look before he disappeared inside himself. 

Of course. Kakashi wouldn’t be lucky enough for Iruka to leave the shuriken there. He just hoped Iruka wouldn’t ask around about it. He had a terrible feeling that Gai might be able to recognize it. If Gai would tell Iruka it was Kakashi’s… Iruka would just get even madder that Kakashi couldn’t take a hint and leave him alone. He knew he already messed up, but he didn’t want Iruka to believe Kakashi thought of him as weak. He didn’t want Iruka to hate him, if there was the slightest chance he didn’t yet.

Damn it. Kakashi groaned, the back of his head hitting the tree trunk. Did he really mess everything up this time around? Was there even anything left to mess up?

Perhaps the mission he was being sent on was a blessing in disguise. 

It was Kakashi's own fault. He was so lost in his own mind, thinking about Tenzou’s words “Senpai, of course there is a chance. You said he’s the one for you - why would you give up on him?”   that he wasn't paying attention to the world around him - a deadly mistake out there so maybe he truly should listen to the man every now and then and not go on the missions alone. 

Or perhaps it was the fact that he was lost thinking about the owner of the smell haunting his nights and days. Perhaps that might have been the reason why he didn't notice it right away. When his gaze lifted from his book, his eyes met Iruka’s. And maybe it wasn’t just his imagination - or wishful thinking - that the moment caught Iruka’s breath just as much as it did Kakashi’s. 

Kakashi blinked, before he slowly turned to Naruto. Naruto who was standing between them, a smirk on his face as he was leaning his head back on the arms that were crossed behind it, very obviously happy and proud of himself. 

“You promised to treat me to ramen, if I managed to finish today’s training, Kakashi-sensei! I finished!” Naruto beamed. “Iruka-sensei’s coming too!”  

Iruka’s eyes snapped from Kakashi to Naruto, the pieces finally falling together at that point. Two adult shinobis were tricked by a kid. 

“What! You didn’t tell me- Naruto!” The man growled, hitting Naruto’s head. Kakashi shouldn’t be surprised that Iruka didn’t want him there after all. It wasn’t like Kakashi truly expected anything else. It wasn’t like Kakashi actually deserved another chance anyway. 

“Ouch, Iruka-sensei! Don’t hit me! It’s not broken now!” 

And perhaps Kakashi should’ve asked him just what he was talking about, but he didn't. He couldn’t, because his heart was beating in his chest so loudly that he was sure even Iruka could hear it since it felt as if it was moments before breaking. Iruka was so good that he would feel responsible and Kakashi couldn’t allow that. His hands were lifting up to do the few quick seals - only to freeze halfway, when a small awkward laugh came from the man in front of him. 

"I'm sorry. I did not know - " Forcing the words out was obviously a struggle for Iruka and Kakashi wanted to leave. But Iruka looked up at him, a small flush on his cheeks, as he offered Kakashi a small smile, half hidden by Iruka rubbing at the scar over his nose. "Would you like to eat with us? If you … don’t mind me joining, that is."

The words were quiet and hesitant and Kakashi almost couldn’t believe them. Iruka wanted him around. He wanted him around despite everything. And then Kakashi of the sharingan, the man who knew a thousand jutsus, friend killer Kakashi stuttered. He stuttered and it might’ve been the first time in his entire life.

"I- no, I- what? Eat... With you?" Kakashi couldn’t do much more than stare at Iruka and wonder if his ears were deceiving him. Or perhaps this was a dream. The laugh, the flush, the shyness, the smell and just Iruka, it was too much for Kakashi’s poor brain. His alpha was doing a victory dance in his mind, his pathetic whining from moments ago forgotten completely. Kakashi wasn’t pushed away - so his alpha urged him to go forward, take the chance, take what's his. And yet, Kakashi still found himself hesitating, much to the disappointment of the beat hiding in him. “Are you sure?” he asked, even though he wanted nothing more than to stay on Iruka’s side. Forever if he could. “I can go if you -” 

He didn’t get much further than that, because Naruto was yelling and grabbing both - his arm and Iruka’s. 

“No! It’s finally complete now, you can’t break that again! You have to stay!” There it was. He mentioned it again , and that wasn’t a mere coincidence, was it? 

“Naruto, what isn’t broken anymore?” Iruka asked, just as confused as Kakashi, but Naruto ignored the both of them, pulling them inside the small shop, his mind too busy dreaming about ramen already. 

“Sit down now!” The boy had more strength than Kakashi expected - or perhaps he was just flat out shocked - because he was pushed and he almost stumbled over the chair before sitting down. Iruka didn’t fare much better as Naruto forced him on the chair next to Kakashi. “Iruka-sensei, you can eat as much as you want, Kakashi-sensei is paying!” He beamed. 

Kakashi blinked and opened his mouth to warn Naruto that he was not paying for the entire ramen stand he was sure the boy could manage to eat but… But Iruka sighed, before offering Kakashi a small soft smile. 

“Then I guess thanks are in order, Kakashi-sensei. For both myself and Naruto.” 

“Not at all.” Kakashi shook his head. “The pleasure is actually all mine.” Naruto was like a kid to Iruka, that much was obvious. And by paying for both of them, Kakashi was proving he could provide for his mate and his family. It wasn’t what he planned, but it would still work and his alpha was purring at the idea. It was almost like Iruka was accepting him, and while it didn’t make everything better, at least right then Iruka wasn’t running away from him. He was sitting next to him, smiling and asking about Naruto’s progress, and while Naruto talked more about it than Kakashi did,it still felt like a moment between them. 

One that ended far too soon for Kakashi’s liking, even though Naruto was apparently doing his best to prolong it by ordering more and more bowls of ramen. Iruka was nice enough to stop him somewhere around the tenth one - or perhaps it was just the tenth that Kakashi stopped counting.  He passed over the bills before following the two outside. Naruto was plastered to Iruka’s front, looking up and smiling at him and Iruka was smiling right back, patting his hair, lightly. The love the two shared was obvious - adoption papers or not, approval of the village or not, the two were a family. And Kakashi could admit, he ached to be a part of that as well. 

Naruto’s head snapped around, to half glare at Kakashi as he let go of Iruka.

“Don’t be late tomorrow, Kakashi-sensei!” He huffed, pointing a finger at him, making Kakashi smile behind his mask. 

“Maa. You know I can’t promise that, Naruto. The road of life is long and perilous.”

“Just wake up sooner then!” He huffed, his fists curling on his sides. “And show yourself when you get there instead of watching us like a creep!”

“Naruto.” Iruka sighed, hand rubbing his temple. “First, Kakashi-sensei is your teacher. Second, if you know he’s around and watching you lot, why don’t you set up traps for him? You’d be alarmed when he gets there and you wouldn’t need to wait for him to show himself?”

Naruto’s eyes widened, his mouth opening in a small ‘o’ in understanding. 

“I need to go!” He yelped suddenly, running off to the direction Kakashi was half sure was Sasuke’s house. 

Kakashi shook his head and pouted under the mask. 

“Now, that’s unfair, Iruka.”

“I am just helping him with his education.” Iruka was a picture of very innocence.

“You’re not his teacher anymore.”

“You know what they say.” Iruka shrugged, hands coming up to emphasize the movement. “A teacher’s work is never done.”

Kakashi chuckled at that, shaking his head. Of course. What else should he have expected from a past trouble maker? And from what he heard - and witnessed - some of Iruka's prankster self still showed up every now and then in the mission room, when he was particularly unhappy with recurring report offenders.

Iruka was smiling at him, as if knowing what Kakashi was thinking but refusing to admit it, and the comfortable silence stretched between them, before Kakashi realized. This was it. The dinner was done. However much he wanted to spend time with Iruka he didn’t have an excuse anymore. And perhaps some of his reluctance to let go just yet was showing on his face. Or perhaps Iruka felt a bit of the pull that Kakashi did, because the man looked at him quietly instead of just turning around and leaving.

“Would you… walk with me, Kakashi-sensei?” Kakashi’s eyes snapped to Iruka, hope blooming in his chest, just to be crushed in the next moment. “I think there is something we need to talk about.”

Iruka was right of course. They had a lot to talk about - Iruka had to have questions. Kakashi remembered the entire thing that happened when Iruka got hurt, even though a bit hazily, it was no wonder Iruka would wonder about things. The man deserved his answers, even if it would make Kakashi feel uncomfortable. Even if the conversation ended up shattering Kakashi’s heart into a million pieces. It wasn’t Iruka’s fault.  

It was a very long time since he had to force himself to smile with Iruka.

“Of course.”  He nodded, ignoring the half frown Iruka gave him and turned, walking towards the small forest. Their conversation should be private - he didn’t know how angry Iruka was, but in case he would let something slip out in his anger the forest would mute their voices better - and would be emptier than if they walked through Konoha’s streets. Kakashi would notice anyone’s presence among the trees easier too. Among these trees, Kakashi could keep Iruka safe. 

They walked quietly long after they reached the forest. Kakashi wondered if he should make it easier for Iruka, if he should be the one to start talking and maybe try to explain or perhaps tell Iruka that Kakashi will keep his secret and he can count on Tenzou keeping it too, but Iruka spoke before Kakashi managed to open his mouth. 

“I wanted to thank you.” Iruka spoke, barely above whisper and Kakashi nodded. 

“Yes, I’m sorry, I know-” His head snapped up when the spoken words finally registered in his brain and he blinked. Wait a moment. “What?” 

Iruka took a deep breath, his chest rising with it, before his gaze rose from the ground beneath them to meet Kakashi’s eyes. 

“Thank you. For saving my life. Not only by getting me here, but also by,” Iruka swallowed, eyes darting around. “Keeping my secret.” Oh. Kakashi lifted an eyebrow. 

“You’re… welcome.” That was it. That was it?! Kakashi was freaking out this entire time for a thank you?!  “Is that all? Don’t you want to ask anything?” Complain? Scream?  Yell? Throw the closest thing at Kakashi’s head? If not, then that was nice, but it also felt a bit… underwhelming. Kakashi almost felt cheated. 

“No.” Iruka frowned, a very cute confused frown. Kakashi would take his time admiring it, if this wasn’t such a pressing matter. “The ANBU from last time - he found me looking for you and explained.” 

“You looked for me?” When was that? Kakashi was sure he would notice the man looking for him. Iruka didn’t make it a habit to hide his presence like some of them did.

“Yes. I was over at your place but apparently you were on a mission.” 

Kakashi blinked. It was true that he was on a mission, one that the Hokage sent him to. It would also make sense why Tenzou was the one Iruka talked to - Kakashi asked him to watch Iruka while Kakashi was gone, even though that wasn’t supposed to be for too long. And it wasn’t for too long, but that meant that it was one of those few days that Iruka looked for him, Kakashi missed him, Tenzou didn’t mention that little part when he was talking about Kakashi having a chance - and was that what the man considered a payback!? Talking to Iruka, telling him things and leaving Kakashi in the dark? Kakashi was half sure Tenzou was watching from some hiding spot and choking with laughter by now. Kakashi could choke him with something else as well. Namely his hands. And he would consider it, if there weren’t more pressing matters.

How did Iruka even know where Kakashi’s place was? Kakashi was sure he never showed the other man. Could Iruka have followed his instincts? Could he somewhere deep inside know what he was supposed to be to Kakashi? And also- wait. 

“You were looking for me.” Kakashi repeated slowly. 

“Yes?” 

And that was exactly the problem. 

“Why would you look for me when you’ve been avoiding me?” 

The confusion marking Iruka’s face deepened and Iruka frowned. 

“What? I wasn’t avoiding you.” 

“Yes, you were.” Kakashi wasn’t blaming him, but it would’ve been nice if Iruka could respect Kakashi enough to just admit it. Iruka’s eyebrow twitched. 

“What are you talking about?! When was I avoiding you?” Were they really going to pretend that didn’t happen? Ignore all of Kakashi’s turmoil and fear?

“When you came back from the hospital. You didn’t even wait for Naruto at the bridge after missions and training.” Iruka’s eyes widened and there was a second that satisfaction filled Kakashi’s being. Now there was no denying it and-

“... I wasn’t avoiding you.” Or maybe there was. Kakashi scowled and sighed.

“Look, I’m not blaming you, after all that happened, but-” 

“I wasn’t avoiding you.” The words came firmer and the man was suddenly trying his best not to look at Kakashi. “I wasn’t avoiding you.” He repeated, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. “I….” Iruka whispered something Kakashi didn’t understand, his hands curling into fists by sides nervously.

“What was that?” He asked and lifted an eyebrow. Iruka was just as red as the fire that lived in each of them was and Kakashi couldn’t wait to hear him speak. “You need to speak up, Iruka.” Because it sounded… It sounded important and Kakashi’s heart sped up once again with a hope he didn’t want to regret. 

Iruka’s hands were fisted on his sides, shaking slightly and before Kakashi knew what he was doing, he was reaching over, taking them into his own hands and squeezing. 

“Iruka. Please. ”

There was the tiniest of gasps slipping from Iruka’s lips, the softest melody to Kakashi’s ears and Iruka licked his lips. 

“My heat started.” 

All of the breath in Kakashi’s lungs escaped in seconds, his lips parted, staring at the other man, and where his heart was beating like crazy just a few moments ago, it felt like it was completely still now. Could he dare to believe it had anything to do with him? Could he be allowed to? 

“Your heat.” He repeated slowly, trying to make sense out of the words he was hearing. Iruka got into heat. After Kakashi held him, after Kakashi went feral, after his pheromones were running wild around Iruka - Iruka got into heat. Even despite the suppressants that Yamato gave him, he went into heat. Iruka’s body recognized him, even if Iruka himself couldn’t smell him. The joy that ran through Kakashi was a feeling he had almost forgotten, and he wasn’t even aware how much he missed. Not until that very moment. 

“Iruka, I-”

He didn’t get too much further, because suddenly Iruka’s nails were scratching at his cheek with his hurry to pull down Kakashi’s mask, the man was surging forward and then warm lips collided with Kakashi’s. The movement was too much, too quick, too miscalculated, and it brought more pain than pleasure, especially since Iruka was pulling back just as quickly as he jumped the other man, and Kakashi couldn’t allow that. Not right then. 

Kakashi grabbed at Iruka’s waist, pulling him back to himself, closer, needing to feel the heat of Iruka’s body under his hands. The other man was looking up at him, eyes wide and worried, mouth opened slightly and Kakashi wondered if he would be as anxious if he knew how loudly Kakashi’s heart was beating, as if trying to jump out of Kakashi’s chest and let Iruka keep physical possession of it as well. Kakashi wouldn’t really mind - after all, Iruka had all of him already. 

His head leant closer, eyes moving from Iruka’s down to his parted lips as he kissed Iruka. Once, twice, third time, just small soft kisses against the other’s lips, a question and also a voiceless prayer for permission to do more. It came in the form of the tiny gasp leaving Iruka’s lips. Kakashi’s mouth pressed against Iruka’s as he tried to swallow the sound down, his hand coming up to hold onto Iruka’s arm, the other hand brushing up Iruka’s other side slowly, over Iruka’s forearm and over his neck until it could settle in a gentle with a gentle grip to the side of his face.  He could feel Iruka’s hand clutching into his shirt over his collarbone, the touch just as desperate as Kakashi’s own, while his lips were gentle and soft and Kakashi wondered if he could just drown into this feeling forever. 

A quiet moan escaped the other man and Kakashi’s tongue followed the source of the sound, wanting more, needing more. All of the other man. 

It felt like they’d been kissing for hours. Kakashi didn’t even need his sharingan to remember the way Iruka’s lips felt, the taste of his kisses and the small breaths tickling his own mouth. Yet, it still felt all too soon when he pulled back, pressing their foreheads together with a sigh and a deep breath before finally opening his eyes. Iruka’s own eyes were still closed, his chest heaving and lips trembling slightly as if this was a dream he was afraid he might wake up from any time soon. A quick chuckle escaped Kakashi as his leaned closer, kissing Iruka’s eyelids - first one than the other, before his arms slipped down, curling around the other’s waist and bringing him close in a tight hug, as tight as Kakashi’s ribcage felt against the happiness spreading wildly in his chest. 

He could feel Iruka squirming against him for a moment, and Kakashi relaxed his grip, worried he might’ve made the man uncomfortable, but when he glanced down Iruka was smiling softly, holding onto Kakashi just as tightly and refusing to let go. 

There were still a lot of things to say. Still a lot of things Kakashi didn’t tell Iruka, and perhaps Iruka would never be able to really know what they were supposed to mean to each other  - what Iruka meant to him, but perhaps Kakashi didn’t even need more as long as he could hold Iruka in his arms like this. Perhaps this would be enough.