Chapter 5
“Yo.”
Iruka had expected Kakashi to be there, since the chakra he detected felt so familiar; but he was instead faced with a small ninja hound sitting nearby. He felt guilty seeing the pug - it was another reminder that he had overreacted to some stupid words and had run off without even saying goodbye. He did have to admit, though, he also felt a little better knowing that Kakashi had made sure he wasn't alone.
“Hi, Pakkun…” Iruka sighed, moving to sit on the grass by the memorial stone, gazing up at the stars. “I’m guessing Kakashi sent you?”
“Yes. He wanted me to make sure you were okay.” Pakkun paced closer to Iruka, and sat by his side.
"I'm surprised you remember me."
"I never forget anyone who gives good pets."
“Is that so…” Iruka replied, beginning to absentmindedly pet Kakashi's dog.
"You seem down." Pakkun observed. "Would you like to feel my paw pads? They're very soft."
"Sure, let's see them."
"H-Hey, what are you doing, kid?" Pakkun cried out in protest as a pair of hands lifted him from the ground. "I'm not a pet, you know…"
"You love it." Iruka teased as he put Kakashi's ninken in his lap and wrapped his arms around him.
Pakkun let out a soft sigh and curled up into a little ball, closing his eyes as Iruka ran gentle fingers through his soft fur. He would never admit it, but Iruka was right - he absolutely loved sleeping on people. Especially when they were doing... that. The pair stayed like that for a while; Pakkun resting as Iruka stared up at the sky, letting his mind wander. Finally, Pakkun sensed that it was beginning to get late, and got up to stretch.
“I need to get back to Boss now. He worries about you, you know." he said, turning to follow Iruka's gaze at the bright stars speckled across the clear night sky. "When I was summoned, I had never seen him so distressed before. He was acting all cool and composed, but if you know him, you can easily tell when he’s not himself.”
“I didn’t mean to make him worry. I just…” Iruka sighed. “No, it doesn’t matter…”
“So, what do you want me to report to him?”
"Just tell him I'll be okay." Iruka answered. "And… Thanks for not abandoning me."