Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

The Tawse That Refreshes	By : Sushi4Brains Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Kakashi/Iruka Views: 2235 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor do I make any profit from this work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
Twenty minutes ago, the mission room overflowed with animated conversation and raucous laughter, which allowed Kakashi to blend into the surroundings and study Iruka, undetected. An hour ago, Kakashi had a definitive exit strategy planned; he’d return the crumpled sleep pants he escaped in, and brusquely deliver the succinct speech he’d prepared. He’d be brief, he’d be blunt… he’d be gone.
Twenty-three minutes and ten seconds later, both his brilliant plan and speech blew up in his face; shot to hell by a friendly smile and six little words from the chipper chunnin. “I’ll be with you shortly Hatake-san,” Iruka said.
An imperceptible tremor shot through him, but this wasn’t anger. No, this was something more primeval and horribly ill timed; a convergence of lust, want…need. When shaking his head briskly failed to dislodge these errant sensations, Kakashi almost drew blood as his nails dug into the palm of his hand. Hoping the shooting pain would stave off his nascent erection, Kakashi hung his head in defeat. This just isn’t my day is it?
Betrayed by his body, and undone by memories, he darkly glared at the ingenuous Iruka who’d taken to humming that irritating little ditty again. It may have been a hunger-induced delusion, but he could swear the expansive mission room walls suddenly shrunk around him, forcing all his awareness on the small space Iruka occupied. Every sound, every little movement Iruka made was magnified tenfold. The earthy aroma of sandalwood wrapped around him as Iruka stirred about, inveigling his mind to recall Iruka’s steady heartbeat against his back.
Get it together Hatake! Stay focused on the hostility that brought you here.
A high-pitched squeak from a rebellious desk drawer opening sliced through the weighty silence; its effect like nails on a chalkboard jolted him from this mesmeric state. Iruka was rooting around the broad compartment mumbling something about ‘damn smokers and cigarette butts strewn about,’ when the highly polished, dark mahogany colored handle of a hairbrush slid forward to openly mock him.
At once, the tiny hairs on Kakashi’s arms stood at attention, his gut twisted violently, and his heart rate galloped like a panicked impala. Over the raging internal tumult, he caught the last bit of Iruka’s comment, but just barely.
“…wasn’t very polite Hatake-san. I mean seriously, Chikao-kun almost pissed his pants.” Iruka’s snickering transformed into full-blown cachinnation faster than a lightning bolt piercing the night sky. He was working up to a serious stitch in the side when he spluttered, “Did you…did you see his face?”
Iruka’s laughter was infectious, like a virus on industrial strength steroids; slivers of Kakashi’s remaining stoicism huddled together in solidarity waving the white flag of unconditional surrender. Torn between despising and approving of Iruka’s aptitude for breaching his defenses, the sullen smirk Kakashi struggled to maintain became a smile, and then…a robust laugh.
That’s right chunnin, keep giving me reasons to dislike you.
Mercifully, their amusement died a quick death when the mission room door discreetly opened behind them. Recognizing the chakra signature, Kakashi was never more grateful for whatever distraction this nosy bastard would provide.
Genma’s uneasy laughter joined theirs as he trundled across the room, “What…what did I miss?” Stopping in his tracks to the right of Kakashi, he eyed both men curiously. His senbon twitched accusingly with each sideways glance between the sniggering shinobi, “The hell’s so funny you two?”
Catching his breath Iruka tried to explain, “Ah, Genma-san… you had to be here.”
Only a few minutes were necessary for Iruka to compose himself and slip back into his default administrator mode. Wiping a stray tear from his eye, Iruka launched into his briefing, “It should be a relatively quiet shift. Asuma’s due back shortly, and then you can close up for the night.” Grabbing his overstuffed satchel he warned, “There’s a clean ashtray somewhere in my top drawer Genma-san; find it and make sure he uses it please.” Turning toward Kakashi with a polite smile, Iruka asked, “Are you ready to go Hatake-san?”
Hesitant to trust his own voice, Kakashi grunted affirmatively and fell in step with Iruka. He made a point of keeping his head down, his hands deep in his pockets, and his mouth shut, as Iruka led him along winding back roads to an area of the village he seldom visited. So, he’s dragging me deeper into the civilian sector; smart move chunnin. The Hokage took a dim view of rowdy shinobi behavior in general, but causing problems here carried harsher penalties.
While Iruka pointed out areas of interest like an over caffeinated tour guide, Kakashi listened intently, eager to understand how the younger man’s mind worked.
Nearing the edge of town, Kakashi couldn’t resist the urge to tease the exuberant man, “I’m surprised at you Iruka. You’ve neglected to mention the best attraction in this part of the village.”
“Didn’t see the need,” Iruka shot back with a grin. “Everybody knows the largest adult bookstore in all of Fire Country is situated in the red light district. Since I assumed you were a regular customer, I didn’t want to be redundant.”
Their conversation tapered off when they entered a nondescript dinky little restaurant with an atmosphere far too friendly for Kakashi’s tastes. One of the wait staff, a matronly bespectacled woman, immediately latched onto Iruka hugging him as if she’d known him all his life. Figures, he’s more of a civilian than a shinobi.
It didn’t take her too long before she was playfully pestering Iruka about his love life. Oddly enough, the knot in Kakashi’s stomach loosened when he heard Iruka bemoan not having found that special someone yet.
Sensing Kakashi’s discomfort with this ebullient display of affection, Iruka lightheartedly taunted, “Relax, Tokiwa-san has been trying to marry me off since I was seventeen. Better be on your guard Hatake-san, lest she set her matchmaking talents on you as well.”
Tokiwa grinned mischievously, “Don’t be ridiculous Iruka-kun. I mean no offense to your friend here, but he’s too scrawny. Most of the eligible girls I know are looking for a much younger man with some meat on his bones, like you.”
Kakashi ignored her; busybodies he could handle, Iruka however, was an altogether different story. Who would have thought the brash chunnin was so bashful? The same stern face, which angrily confronted him days ago, now sported a light blush resting on grin stretched cheeks. Those communicative brown eyes which narrowed in displeasure at him, shone with an indulgence that bespoke familial love. That voice, so masterfully curt with reproof for Kakashi was now smoother than premium aged whiskey.
After leading them through a cluster of tables, the woman gestured to a defensibly positioned booth and disappeared into the kitchen. Aside from himself and Iruka, an elderly couple sat far enough away to prevent eavesdropping. Based on the volume of their conversation, they could scarcely hear each other, let alone him and Iruka. Perfect, now I won’t have to mince my words when I cuss him out.
“In case you’re wondering, Hatake-san,” Iruka whispered, “this is a family style restaurant. Whatever strikes the cook’s fancy at dinner time is what they serve.”
“Ah, that explains the absence of menus,” Kakashi cagily responded. After a beat, Kakashi cynically added, “Iruka, you’ve seen more of me than most non-medical personnel usually do, so I think it’s safe for you to call me Kakashi now.”
Another brilliant red flush spread over his high cheekbones, “I suppose that’s true Hatak…umm, Kakashi.” Leaning back into the booth with his arms crossed over his chest, Iruka was all business,   “All right, let’s get to it. You’re still upset about what happened a few days ago, aren’t you?”
The man’s too mercurial for his own good, yet another reason to stay away from him after tonight. Kakashi’s curt response cut deeper than a Greenland’s winter gust, “You know I’ve killed greater men for lesser offences.”
“Nonsense, we’re comrades,” Iruka responded with a snort. “Besides, you respect me too much.”
It was Kakashi’s turn to slouch against the upholstered backrest. “Actually, I think you’ve got a few screws loose Iruka.” Though he grudgingly respected the man’s brio, he was going to make damn sure there would be no repeat performances. “Listen up Iruka…”
“Excuse me sirs,” another server meekly interrupted, “Our manager is honored by your presence and wishes you to enjoy this special meal with his compliments.” After spreading a humble feast before them, she bowed low to whisper, “Thank you so very much for all your …”
Kakashi graciously nodded his head; finally, the type of reception befitting me. He was just about to utter some insincere drivel when she sweetly said, “…Iruka-san, we appreciate your kind concern.”
Cocking his head toward the smiling chunnin, his eye narrowed in suspicion. Once the clearly confused waitress retreated from them, Kakashi was incredulous, “What was that all about Iruka?”
“Oh,” he smiled, “I help out at the orphanage from time to time, teaching the kids how to read and write.” Iruka shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the intense scrutiny, “Do go on Kakashi, I think you were just about to threaten me again.”
Wiseass chunnin, he knows I can’t strangle him here…too many witnesses. “As I was saying, I’m not exactly sure what happened between us a few days ago,” he tactlessly confessed. “Nonetheless, comrade or not … I will definitely kill you if you try something like that again.”
Iruka looked up from his soup with an impish grin, “You and I are not that different Kakashi. We play our respective roles in the village’s defense to the utmost of our ability. Your duties take care of the present, mine prepare for the future. We both have a strong need to be in control of our respective environments and …”
Kakashi impatiently gestured with his chopsticks, “Your point being what exactly?”
“You disappeared from my home thinking I’d wrested control from you when in fact you yielded control to me. My point is your frustration is misplaced; the person you’re really angry with is yourself …”
“I hardly think that’s an accurate statement. If I’m not mistaken, you jammed up my chakra with some high-level and very likely forbidden jutsu. If that’s not wresting control from a person, then I don’t know what is.” Dammit, that sounded a lot less petulant in my head.
Pushing aside his half-finished bowl, Iruka addressed the peevish jounin with care, “You’re right Kakashi that was a high-level jutsu, one you could easily have escaped from, if your mind were properly focused. You know darn well it’s not a forbidden jutsu either.”
The broiled salted saury on his plate suddenly became infinitely more fascinating to Kakashi, and he refused to respond.
“I used that jutsu as a means of self-preservation; I may be bold, but I’m not a fool Kakashi. The jutsu kept you still long enough for me to get my point across, and you obviously suffered no lingering ill effects.” With a measured glare akin to a hunter having cornered his prey, Iruka sarcastically intoned, “Tell me something. How is it that you have over a thousand jutsu at your disposal, yet you used nary a one to extricate yourself from the situation?”
Damn you Iruka! I’ve been asking myself the same question over the last few days.
When Kakashi again failed to respond, Iruka concluded, “Shall we assume that ‘yielding control’ was an accurate description of your actions?” His smile was confident now and he shrewdly winked, “I’d even go so far as to say that you enjoyed the personalized attention, however negative its form.”
What a percipient bastard! “I never pegged you as one of Morino’s minions Iruka,” Kakashi awkwardly joked. “But if this is Ibiki’s new approach to a random psych evaluation, I have to say it’s rather lame.”
Iruka shyly lowered his head, “You’re much closer to the truth on that one then you realize Kakashi. I teach pre-genin at the Academy, and when it comes to identifying spoiled brats, I suppose you could say I’m something of an expert.”
“You’re comparing me to one of your snot-nosed students, Iruka sensei?”
“Not exactly Kakashi,” he chuffed. “You’re taller, and more cunning.”
One more question, and I can leave tonight behind with no regrets. Kakashi rested his ceramic spoon in his empty bowl, “Why aren’t you afraid of me Iruka?”
Iruka’s response was swift and equally blunt. “Why should I be?”
Has this man been living under a rock or something? Leaning forward abruptly, Kakashi menaced, “I’m a trained killer Iruka, and according to my last psych evaluation, a danger to myself and others…should I snap.”
Iruka considered that for a few seconds. Smirking, he tapped his own forehead protector, “I’m a trained killer too, who just so happens to train other killers on a daily basis. I’m aware of your reputation Kakashi, but I’m also aware that you can be a conceited, condescending jerk when the mood strikes you. You’ve got it twisted my friend; fear and respect are entirely different entities. This is only my opinion but I believe fear is an intangible emotional response triggered by mutable circumstances. Respect on the other hand, is a series of tangible actions cultivated by a constant.”
“Not really in the mood for a philosophical debate Iruka.”
“Of course, the reason I always treat you courteously Kakashi is because I do respect you. I’ve always admired your unfailing dedication to this village and its people, and I always will. Nevertheless, when you laid hands on me the other day in the mission room, every scrap of courtesy and admiration flew out the window. I had to make you understand that I wouldn’t tolerate that type of foolishness. It’s beneath a man of your stature.”
Taken aback by the insult compliment, Kakashi ground out, “You verbally and physically assaulted a superior officer. That’s grounds for an automatic reduction in rank and maybe some jail time as well. Seeing that I’m a ‘conceited condescending jerk’, I should report you, but I’ll settle for a sincere apology.”
Iruka heartily chuckled, “Then don’t hold your breath Kakashi, because it isn’t gonna happen. I wounded your pride and I’ll make no apologies for doing so.” Iruka grinned and snagged the last pork dumpling from the communal plate, “Go ahead, report me. I’m sure the Hokage and the Council of Elders will get a kick out of your detailed description of the assault.” Another deep chuckle, “Humph, the infamous Copy Ninja bested by a lowly Academy instructor; it’ll be the talk of the town for months.” Iruka looked up from his own plate, “Was there something else you wanted to discuss?”
Kakashi had to laugh at himself, “Nope that should do it Iruka-sensei.” Cheeky bastard, he’s fierce and as stubborn as I am. Guess the evening hasn’t been a total loss; I did get some of the answers I was looking for.
Digging into their cooling repast, the conversation flowed smoothly, and despite Kakashi’s initial impressions of Iruka, he was starting to like him. Crap! Much to his surprise, he learned they shared many common interests, a love of military history for one thing. Well, that’s a point in your favor chunnin. Iruka’s observations were astute, which stimulated his higher brain functions, and his sense of humor was dry and almost as bawdy as Kakashi’s. Even Iruka’s impersonation of a hung over Tsunade was spot on and dammed hilarious.
Well this isn’t going the way I’d planned. I’m still leery of this joker and yet I’m at ease in his presence as if I’d known him for years. Regardless, he bears watching because there’s something extremely dangerous behind that innocent smile of his.
After desert, they leaned back in their separate places, stuffed like two ticks on a bloodhound.
His appetite sated, Kakashi was abruptly jarred from his blissful state of mind when Iruka unexpectedly uttered these words, “I won’t be just another notch on your bedpost Kakashi.”
Quick thinking and remarkable reflexes were the only things keeping him from falling out of the booth, What is he, a mind reader too? “That’s it, no more sake for you,” he joshed. “Come on, I’ll walk you home and …”
“We’re shinobi, Iruka soberly retorted, “Shinobi don’t have the luxury of beating around the bush. I demand fidelity, honesty, and respect in a relationship and will reciprocate in kind. If you’re unwilling or unable to give the whole of yourself to me, then I suggest you look elsewhere.”
Blindly reaching for his own sake cup, Kakashi tipped it back hastily. For once, his nimble mind was stuck in neutral. Since he couldn’t dredge up a believable lie to save his life, he simply said, “I wasn’t looking for a one night stand Iruka, or a committed relationship.” His eye slowly raked over Iruka, “On second thought, I might consider a ‘friends with benefits’ type of arrangement, if you’re interested in that sort of thing.”
“Not interested Kakashi.” Looking directly into his eye, Iruka reminded him, “Perhaps you missed this, but with me it’s all or nothing.”
Kakashi leered devilishly, “I obviously misjudged you; seems you’re not the prude I thought you were. You’re looking for a master/slave type situation, am I right?”
“Nope, that’s not my thing either. What I’m looking for is a relationship between equals. I have no desire to alter your identity, but I will take great pleasure in smoothing out some of your rougher edges.” Eyeing Kakashi thoughtfully, he added, “Yeah, I definitely believe you could benefit from some …behavior modification.”
“Careful Iruka-sensei, that sounds like a challenge.”
“Pardon me then, I meant it as a statement of fact, not a challenge per se.”
“Maa…I’ve never been one to shy away from learning new things, and if properly motivated, I just might…wait a minute, ‘behavior modification’? What the hell is that supposed to mean Iruka?”
“Ah, so you’re the type of person that requires an audio-visual presentation to grasp a concept… interesting. Iruka grinned wickedly inclining his head toward the exit. “Come along then Kakashi, it’s time for show and tell.”
Slamming down enough coinage to outfit the staff with new uniforms as a tip, Kakashi slid away from table thinking, perfect, he’s a mind reader after all.
TBC…
NOTE:
The name Tokiwa means: “Eternally constant.”
- 2
- 3
- 4
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Tawse That Refreshes