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You're the last person I'd ever want out of my life… You're the one I call home.

Iruka blushed as he pictured Kakashi's unmasked face repeating the lines he spoke a few days earlier. Like most of the village, Iruka had wondered what his profile looked like underneath; and although he had expected his face was just as attractive as the rest of him, Iruka hadn't been prepared to become enchanted by it. Kakashi's exposed face somehow made his words all the more meaningful - not just hinting of other intentions, but making a promise of something more; as though reassuring Iruka that everything would be okay.

Thin smoke filled Iruka's peripheral vision and a burst of giggles and gasps brought him back to reality; and when he looked up from the lesson plan he had been working on, to his students, who were supposed to be working quietly, he was furious.

"Konohamaru!" Iruka growled, "I tolerated it when you were transforming into other students, but this is very inappropriate! You will change back this instant. That jutsu is very disrespectful to women, and I don't ever want to see you doing it again!"

"Sorry, sensei." Konohamaru's eyes glinted mischievously as he transformed again; this time into the lingerie model's male equivalent. "Is this one better?"

"Out." Iruka said quietly as his face grew red with anger and embarrassment. "I will be speaking to you soon."

Konohamaru quickly changed back into himself and left the classroom without a word. The rest of the class had become silent, too; as though Iruka's sudden calm had scared them, since they were used to him yelling when he became angry and temperamental. Although his day went smoothly from then on, Iruka was exhausted and couldn't wait for the day to end - all he wanted was go home, cook a nice dinner, have a relaxing hot shower, and settle down for the evening. But when he stepped off academy grounds, he sensed the presence of a very nonchalant shinobi approaching from behind - a very familiar chakra; and he slowed down to let them catch up, knowing full-well that his plans had changed the moment he noticed he was being followed.

"Hi, Kakashi."

“Yo.” He greeted. “Heading home?”

“Yeah, I just finished work.” Iruka sighed. “It was a long day…”

“Why don’t you tell me about it? We could stop somewhere for food on the way.”

Iruka was about to decline Kakashi's offer, eager to get home; but if he was being honest with himself, he really could do with the company. Besides, he hadn't paid Kakashi back yet for helping out with Naruto's ramen bill.

“Fine, but I’m paying, since you helped me out the other night. I won’t take no for an answer.” Iruka declared. 

“Okay, okay. You can pay if it makes you feel better.” Kakashi chuckled. “But where should we go?”

“Well you suggested the idea, so I thought you had somewhere in mind…”

“Mah, only if you don’t mind having ramen again.” He replied sheepishly.

“Naruto’s bad habits are starting to rub off onto you, aren’t they?” Iruka grinned as they headed towards Ichiraku.

It was quiet when they arrived, and they took a seat; Iruka electing one by the left wall. Although there were so many options to choose from, Iruka chose his usual which was topped with pork. Kakashi had decided to order the same dish, and they ate in a comfortable silence. About halfway through his bowl, Iruka felt eyes on him, and looked up to find that Kakashi had just about finished his food and was studying him intently. 

“W-What is it?” Iruka asked, wiping his mouth, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. 

Kakashi didn't say anything as he reached out and gently brushed Iruka's cheek, letting his hand linger a moment before pulling away. Iruka's heart pounded wildly, threatening to pump out of his chest; and the intimate contact caused a migration of butterflies to flutter about in his stomach, turning him into a nervous mess. Kakashi’s expression was unreadable, although the glimmer in his eye indicated to Iruka that he seemed to be smiling to himself. 

“You had a little bit of ramen on your face. I got it off for you.” 

“Oh. T-Thank you.” Iruka glanced down as he flushed in embarrassment; and his eyes found Kakashi's empty bowl.

“Are you still hungry? You can get another bowl if you want.”

“Oh, no; just one is enough!” Kakashi denied politely. His stomach told another story though; and it began to grumble furiously. 

“Kakashi, if you’re hungry, don’t lie about it! You’re getting another bowl, and that’s final!” Iruka began lecturing. “Now, what do you want?”

“It’s okay, Iruka.” The jounin laughed sheepishly, raising his hands in an easing motion. “I do have stuff at home I can eat later.”

“Just get another bowl, Kakashi.”

The intensity of Iruka’s gaze made Kakashi feel nervous; and the stern tone didn’t help. He could tell that Iruka wasn’t angry at him, but Kakashi knew he'd be in trouble if Iruka didn't get his own way.

“Alright, but only one more. That should be enough.” He eventually smiled, deciding it was the right decision when Iruka's eyes lit up like he was a child who had just been given candy.

They sat at the stall a while longer, continuing to chat after Kakashi finished eating so his stomach could settle, but also so Iruka could make sure Kakashi wasn't hiding his hunger again. When they were satisfied and got ready to leave, Kakashi instinctively reached for his wallet to pay for the meal; but before he could do anything besides pull it out, a tanned hand swiped it from his grip.

“I told you that I was paying.” Iruka playfully glared when Kakashi looked up at him, slightly befuddled.

“Ah, sorry. I guess I forgot.” Kakashi chuckled, scratching the back of his head, wondering how he could have missed Iruka's quick reaction. His chuckle turned into astonishment, however, when Iruka pocketed his wallet.

“You’re not getting this back until I finish paying for the meals.” Iruka said as though he was reprimanding a student. After he pulled out his own wallet and paid, he tapped Kakashi's shoulder to get his attention.

"Are you ready?"

"Ready for anything." Kakashi replied, wrapping an arm around Iruka's waist to escort him elsewhere.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Iruka asked, arching his back away from Kakashi's arm as he nervously glanced around.

"Sorry, Iruka." he apologised, "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." 

"Well, that's a first." Iruka joked, easily bouncing back into his elated mood.

"Mhn? What are you talking about?" Kakashi asked in confusion.

"You always try to make me uncomfortable any chance you get, with all your teasing!" 

"Well, I never!" Kakashi replied in mock horror.

"You do, and that's a fact." 

"Mah, I only tease you because you have the most glorious blush." 

"Shut up, Hatake." Iruka playfully bumped into him, feeling a heat on his face that could only, definitely be said blush. 

Kakashi smirked at the reaction, finding himself grateful, not for the first time, that he wore a mask. This time, it was because he was absolutely sure that he was blushing, too.