I Like You (Kakashi Hatake x Iruka Umino)

Chapter Eleven

Iruka Umino was conflicted as he walked through the streets of Konoha, arms crossed over his chest. Two weeks had passed since he'd last seen Kakashi, and he was starting to have the nagging suspicion that the silver-haired man was avoiding him.

Sure, the last night he'd spent at the Jonin's place, he'd known something was wrong. Kakashi had acted normal during the sex and then super distant afterward, and when Iruka had tried to get whatever was wrong out of him, Kakashi had changed the subject. Iruka had left the following morning with a bad feeling plaguing the back of his mind, and of course, he'd been correct, because Kakashi hadn't contacted him at all.

Usually, Kakashi was the one to initiate, so he'd waited about a week in case the older man simply wanted some space. But, when two weeks had passed, he began to grow worried, as they hadn't gone that long without seeing each other since whatever their relationship was had started.

So, he'd gone to Kakashi's apartment, just to talk and maybe hook up again, only for the silver-haired man not to answer. Iruka wasn't sure whether the Jonin was actually home and actively chose to ignore him or if he just hadn't been at his apartment, but either way, he'd left feeling somewhat dejected.

Now he was walking through the streets of The Leaf Village in an attempt to clear his mind to no avail. On the bright side, he supposed he could see the more positive things about the temporary break. It gave him time to think about his own feelings, which he still hadn't sorted through...

Okay, so he was in love with Kakashi. He wouldn't ever say it aloud, but he was.

Kakashi's feelings were unclear, though he probably didn't like Iruka back.

He knew that much. But what was he supposed to do with that information?

He wasn't sure about that, but his thoughts were cut off by the sight of spiky blonde hair and bright blue eyes. It was then that he realized he was in front of Naruto's apartment building, which The Third Hokage paid for him to live in.

Iruka frowned at the sight of it. It was cheap, and while he knew that The Third Hokage wasn't made of money, he wished that Naruto was better-taken care of. It made sense that Naruto wasn't able to be fostered like most other children or kept in the orphanage- his situation was delicate and a lot of the adults in The Leaf Village knew about his association with the fox and wouldn't hesitate to hurt him because of it.

Still, though, he wished someone would do more for Naruto... He wished he could do more for Naruto, but he wasn't the Jinchuriki's dad and he didn't know what lines he should and shouldn't cross. He tried his best not to stick his nose in Naruto's business too much, only stopping the boy when he was pulling one of his infamous pranks and teaching him when he was at The Academy during the school year, but seeing him sitting on the front steps of the apartment complex with a frown, rubbing at his eyes had Iruka genuinely concerned.

"Naruto," Iruka stopped, walking up to the steps and kneeling down in front of them so he was at the same height as his student. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong!" The blonde exclaimed, not convincing at all as he looked off to the side. His cheeks and eyes were both red and puffy, and it was obvious that he'd been crying. "Leave me alone."

Iruka sighed, staying silent for a moment. Despite his words, Naruto didn't leave, only looking at him expectantly. It made sense that the boy was upset- it was summer, he didn't have school, and he didn't have any family or friends to be around. He was only ten, and probably just as lonely as Iruka had been when he was younger if not more so- No, it was definitely worse for Naruto, because unlike Iruka, he had the disadvantage of being hated by almost the entire village.

As much as Naruto and his antics had pissed Iruka off at certain times, he'd learned that arguing with Naruto was basically pointless. Plus, the kid hadn't done anything wrong in this instance. So, Iruka only stood up, crossing his arms and offering a small shrug.

"I was gonna offer to take you shopping and to Ichiraku, but if you really want me to leave-" He started, dramatic in his movements as he acted like he was about to walk away. Unsurprisingly, Naruto stood up and took one of his hands without a second of hesitation.

"Wait, I'll come with you, Iruka-Sensei!"

"Thank goodness," With that, Iruka started to walk, Naruto's hand still holding his unusually tight. He made a mental note to drop by and check on his student more as they headed towards Ichiraku, Naruto practically buzzing with excitement. Initially, he hadn't planned on finding Naruto and doing any of this, but he wanted to make the boy's day better, and it wouldn't hurt to catch up with him over some ramen and take him shopping for anything he might need. Though The Third Hokage paid his utilities and for his apartment, the allowance he gave Naruto probably wasn't enough for the blonde to spoil himself with, and Iruka didn't mind putting a dent in his wallet if it helped Naruto out and made him feel a little less lonely. "It sucks to miss out on your company."

"Really?" Naruto asked, and Iruka suddenly felt guilt take over him. Was it really possible that Naruto had assumed that no one enjoyed his company because of everything he'd been through?

"Of course! Who wouldn't want you around?" Iruka regretted the question almost as soon as it left its mouth, knowing that the honest answer would be most people, but thankfully, Naruto didn't answer that.

"Iruka-Sensei," Naruto tilted his head, letting go of Iruka's hand and crossing his arms, staring up at the brunette with a concerned look in his ocean-hued eyes. Iruka had to suppress a frown as he thought back to Kakashi, the silver-haired man still plaguing the back of his mind. "You seem sad."

"Ah, I'm alright. Don't worry about it, Naruto," He gave a dismissive wave, though Naruto didn't seem to be buying it at all, so he decided to change the subject to keep the boy from prying. "How about a piggyback ride?"

"Wait, really!?" Naruto asked, a smile taking over his face.

"Yes, really," Iruka couldn't help but smile back, kneeling down and chuckling as Naruto climbed onto his back, wrapping his arms around the brunette's arms from behind. Careful to support the blonde's legs with his arms, Iruka stood back up and began to run, relishing in the carefree laughter that left Naruto's mouth.

For the first time in two weeks, he was in a good mood, and he realized that he could worry about Kakashi later. Right now? He had to get to Ichiraku Ramen.