Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Hybrid Host Club ❯ Chapter 3

Hybrid Host Club

Part 3: Puzzle (98)

Iruka couldn't help but want to laugh at the two young men when they turned to glare at him for his comment. He turned away from scowling faces and ended up facing the bar; raising a hand to his mouth to hide the smile that was turning the corners of his lips and found his gaze locking with familiar stormy grey.

Iruka watched as Kakashi's exposed eye closed and formed a smiling crescent and he couldn't help the soft fluttering in his chest at the smile that most wouldn't recognise as such because Kakashi's rarely, truly smiled. Iruka had wondered many time's the why's and were for's of Hatake Kakashi, though the man was well renowned for his perverted reading habit's few seemed to really know him. Jiraiya and Tsunade were the only ones that Iruka was aware of that had any inkling of the wolf hybrids life before he came to work and live with them here.

Iruka felt his eyes slowly roam over lean features, thin lips that had a small nick on the lower at the corner, winter grey eyes and the dark patch half hidden by thick silver/grey hair. Iruka had to admit that the man was attractive, Kakashi spoke to something primal inside his heart and he was aware of the feeling's he had always harboured for the wolf. But he had far too much to do and not enough time to dedicate anything like a relationship, and he wasn't sure of the man stood before him. He knew so little about him still and they'd known each other for five years.

Iruka sighed, catching grey eyes again and feeling warmth steal into his cheeks a he quickly turned away from the barman and back to Naruto and Sasuke, catching the ghost of what he thought might have been a gentle smile curling Kakashi's lips. And thought the urge to turn and look was there, he didn't turning his attention elsewhere for fear that the wolf would take the encouragement offered, however unintentional and wanted.

When Iruka focused it was to find the two men now glaring at each other instead and though that made him feel less uncomfortable it wouldn't do for them to be at odds with each other.

He had plans after all.

Iruka spoke firmly, looking at each male in turn, "That's enough you two. You don't even know each other!" He watched in mild fascination as both males looked at him and then down at the floor, the faintest hint of a blush flushing tanned and milky white skin. They looked as though they had been thoroughly chastised and he hadn't really done anything yet.

He could see Naruto's tail twitching restlessly as his ears all but disappeared into his unruly spikes, even as Sasuke's bangs slipped in front of his darkened cheeks. Iruka turned to look over his shoulder once more when he heard Kakashi clear his throat behind him, purposefully not catching those knowing eyes but looking slightly lower. Iruka could only hope that Kakashi could shed some light on what exactly was going on. The man seemed to have an uncanny knack for observing and analysing others.

Kakashi responded to Iruka's puzzled expression more than his questions aimed at the chastened pair, even though he was aware of the subtle looks he was being given by both Naruto and Sasuke from under lowered lashes, "Actually Iruka they met yesterday - though they appear to have gotten off on the wrong foot."

He gave another eye smile aimed at the former teacher, wanting to see if he could cause that pink tinge to his cheeks again. Kakashi loved to tease Iruka and watch his reactions. It was the only substitute he could get as he all but physically restrained himself from the constant need to touch Iruka instead.

Kakashi just couldn't seem to help himself with this man, that warm, supple caramel coloured skin, the pale scar criss-crossing the bridge of his nose and the silky looking strands of chocolate coloured hair were just too tempting. Iruka was a delectable looking treat but it was more than that - Iruka made Kakashi feel warm on the inside, like he hadn't in so many years.

Kakashi observed Iruka, taking in the sight of him from head to toe, the way that suit hugged his lithe body, loving all the smooth curves and planes so exquisitely it made his heartbeat pick up its pace and his body beg to touch. It was the sole reason he had moved behind the bar once more, he needed something between them, it didn't matter that he could vault the bar easily if he wished, it was the thought that counted.

He knew that Iruka didn't appreciate his more forward nature and he was trying to back off and from the look he had received after manoeuvring back behind the bar he had some hope that it was working. Iruka's chocolate eyes had looked confused, brows furrowing and Kakashi had felt that heat stirring low in his belly once more.

Kakashi had wanted to reach out and tenderly smooth his fingers across that frown to wipe it away, but he knew it wouldn't have been appreciated. He had been chastised for breaches' of Iruka's personal space before so he had kept his distance, keeping his hands busy by cleaning glasses that had been left to drip dry on the counter, watching and processing quickly. Those few brief moments were he'd managed to lay a casual hand on bare skin were remembered with a deep fondness. The ghost of shivers that had raced up and down his spine at the memory of the voice that Iruka had employed to make him back off. Damn, but that voice gave a man ideas. The one time he'd had it directed at him he'd had almost given in to jibing back with a, "Yes sennnnseiiii," in his own teasingly seductive voice.

Sasuke watched the two older men with burgeoning interest; it would appear from the flush decorating Iruka-sensei's face and the heated gaze Kakashi was sporting that there was obviously something going on between these two. It fit with the small amount of information he had managed to garner from the barman yesterday.

The way Kakashi had reacted to his inquiries about Iruka said it all.

Kakashi's animal instinct's come to the fore when he had asked about Iruka, he'd lay bet's that Kakashi hadn't realised it either and he wasn't planning on telling him. Sasuke found himself strangely conflicted about the idea of his former sensei being pursued by the wolf; it wasn't that he wanted Iruka for himself, more that he didn't know enough about Kakashi to assess whether he was suitable for Iruka. He held his Iruka in very high regard and he wanted the best for the man, he had missed him very much.

Sasuke knew the thoughts were irrational due to the amount of time they had spent apart but Iruka was more than just his teacher, he had been a close friend to the young man he had once been and he had missed his presence in his life. His dark gaze flickered to the little fox finding his chest squeezing tight at the soft expression gracing his face. He felt a much more refined pang in his chest at the tender expression that curled those lips into a small smile.

Why did he look at Iruka like that?

Sasuke could feel something hot and warm bubbling to the surface, a strange mix of annoyance, jealousy and disappointment. So he turned his eyes away from the happy looking blond and out across the floor, not wanting to express to other's the depths of the emotion's he was feeling.

Jealousy was very unbecoming of any man - especially an Uchiha.

Naruto watched the way Iruka-sensei looked at Kakashi and he felt relieved for the older man. Though Iruka was his sensei he was also considered family in the foxes mind. He had seen the quiet moments when Iruka hadn't noticed him watching, moments when he let his guard completely drop and Naruto could see the loneliness draping heavily across his shoulders like a thick blanket. Naruto did his best at those times to make Iruka feel better but he knew that his company could only do so much.

Iruka needed someone to be with him, he had seen the longing gaze from the teacher when he was watching his friends - Izumo and Kotetsu. It made Naruto sad that he couldn't help Iruka, but he hoped that Kakashi could. People only saw the surface of what Kakashi showed them, the lazy pervert and barman, but Naruto had spent many hours with the wolf and he thought that he may have gained a better grasp on who Kakashi was beneath the beneath as he liked to say.

Naruto could see the way the two interacted when they were together, the small expressions, blushes, tones and feeling's easy to identify in his eyes. But he had also seen the way Kakashi acted with others, though he may be stand offish at times he did his best to help without really being seen to do so. Kakashi didn't care for recognition for good deeds, he did something only for what it brought the person he chose to do something for. That was its own reward. Naruto was also aware that the barkeep had been the driving force in getting Iruka's two friends together.

Though Naruto didn't think that they knew that.

Naruto turned his gaze away from the embarrassing display, not wanting to watch or interfere with the two men - he could only hope they sorted themselves out eventually. His gaze travelled to the current source of his turmoil, the dark haired man sat at the bar with his face turned out at the crowd. He watched silently for a few minutes, he had no idea what to make of this Uchiha Sasuke, he was confusing.

Naruto had been startled by him yesterday; those long pale fingers currently resting on his knee had burrowed into his tail had sent warm tingles up his spine that he had never felt before. He wasn't really sure what to make of the feeling. He wasn't used to human's touching him, he preferred the company of his own kind, and yet he considered that he may have acted a little rashly but Sasuke hadn't helped with that cold attitude of his.

Naruto felt heat seeping into his cheeks at the memory of that new sensation curling up his spine, he felt the oddest urge to let Sasuke touch him again. He shook his head, scowling at the other man, he was so ...frustrating.

What did he want from him?

Sasuke looked out into the crowd not wanting to intrude on the moment the two older men were having and not wanting to see that tender smile pointed at them either. He could see the booths and tables starting to fill with the evening crowd and was surprised by the number of families present in the unusual club. He could see many couples and even small children traversing the floor and couldn't help but feel an odd sense of nostalgia.

He hadn't done something like that in many years, since before he had met Iruka-sensei. He had been left to himself much of his life, the limited family contact he had now was mainly with his brother and Mother - but even that had grown fleeting. Sasuke looked back to the blond stood beside Iruka, wanting to bury the odd feelings that stirred in his chest. Instead he found two focused sky blue eyes staring him down and he felt his heart stir in appreciation of the challenge, "What are you looking at, Dobe?"

Sasuke heard the other man sniff in response, a rather feminine sound if you asked Sasuke, before he growled, "Hmm... an arrogant Teme!" Sasuke wanted to smile at the fox, even though he had insulted him, but he refrained, just quirking an eyebrow at his response before turning to speak to his old sensei, visibly blanking the fox and knowing it would have some kind of effect.

"Iruka-sensei?" He watched as the teacher turned to face him once more, cheeks still slightly pinked, but Sasuke didn't pay that any mind.

"Yes, Sasuke-kun." Sasuke sighed at that familiar voice speaking his name; it only seemed to heighten the nostalgia that was nibbling at the edges of his mind.

"Did you teach this little fox too?" His voice was light and questioning.

"Hai. Why do you ask?" Iruka looked at Sasuke as he asked the odd question, attempting to puzzle out why the young Uchiha was so curious.

"Hn. His manners are somewhat lacking." Sasuke couldn't help throwing the comment back at the fox over his shoulder, his dark eyes glinting with amusement as he continued to look at the puzzled sensei. Sasuke watched comprehension dawning on the teachers face and noticed the almost curl of his lips. Sasuke could hear the fox blustering at his comment, cussing up a storm from behind Iruka.

Sasuke watched in rye amusement as Iruka's face dropped its amused air and turned on the fox, raising a hand and smacking him upside the head, "What have a told you about cussing Nar...u...mph."

Sasuke felt something rising up in his throat and let the sound spill forth, a quiet, husky chuckle falling from his lips as he took in the scene before him. Iruka's mouth was covered once again but this time by a tan palm and a very chagrined looking fox. As Sasuke laughed quietly he felt numerous sets of eyes turn to him, causing a shiver to tickle the fine hairs along the nape of his neck. He schooled his features once more and looked up into curious grey, blue and brown eyes, "Hn."

Naruto looked at his sensei as he covered his mouth head shaking back and forth, pleading with Iruka not to continue. He made his eyes open wider and let his ears fall to either side of his face in his best begging expression. He felt Iruka lips close under his hand and felt the movement of his head as the brunet shook it, eyes shutting and a frown furrowing his brow as he looked back at him with questions roaming in familiar dark umber eyes. Naruto couldn't stop from whispering, "Gomen Iruka-sensei."

He heard something behind him; a rich, full-bodied sound that felt like it had brushed across the fine hair's covering his body making them stand on end.

Naruto turned around slowly, taking in the sight of the Uchiha chuckling quietly and he couldn't pull his eyes away once they'd landed on the man, that sound caressing his senses in the most pleasant of ways.

Naruto had to admit that Sasuke looked surprisingly good like that. Naruto knew the other man was attractive, he was taller than his own five foot nine by a few inches taking him over six foot, the clothes' he wore fitted him like a glove, emphasizing a clearly toned physique underneath, inky black strands framing a serious but elegant face. But there was something mesmerising about that sound, it made Sasuke's face light up, as corny as that sounded, he looked warmer, more ... human.

Sasuke stared back into bright sapphire eyes, watching the younger man looking at him with a slightly dazed expression on his face. He felt the sudden need to touch him, to brush fingertips across those dark marks on his cheeks, to try and coerce a laugh from those plush lips.

He hadn't even realised his hand had started to reach out until he caught site of the appendage in his peripheral vision, suddenly clenching the fingers into a fist and withdrawing it and hoping no one noticed his sudden loss of control. It was obvious the blond hadn't noticed his movements as he had maintained eye contact with the fox throughout, but the other two?

Sasuke just didn't know.

Sasuke let his hand fall back to his lap, settling back more comfortably on the stool as he broke eye contact with those deep sapphire pools that seemed to suck away any control he had .He turned back to face his former sensei, noticing a very familiar smile adorning the man's lips and feeling warmth creep up his from his collar.

Sasuke remembered that smile, whenever he had managed to do something that made Iruka happy the brunet had always smiled at him like that. He felt a little flustered by it now, having grown up since that time, he was a man who didn't want nor need the praise of others as he had as a child. Though Sasuke found that he wanted Iruka to be proud of him, much as he wanted his brother to be as well, it was why he strove so hard in an environment he hated.

Sasuke's eyes darted away from Iruka's, looking instead towards the bar and Kakashi. He could see in that lone smoky orb the thought processes slowly ticking over. This man may well be a barman but if Sasuke wasn't mistaken he was a very intelligent individual, comparable even with his brother.

Sasuke arched a brow in questions at the clearly puzzling Kakashi and received a shrug in return a quiet, "Maaa..." leaving thin lips. Sasuke's gaze hardened for a moment but then eased, he wasn't in a boardroom or an office block, there was no one here that was planning on stabbing him in the back, so he returned the shrug, causing the older man to smile once more.

Sasuke looked over his shoulder to see the blond still staring at him and gnawing on his lower lip as though he was thinking very hard about something, he couldn't resist teasing the young fox, if only to ease the odd tension that surrounded them. "Oi Dobe, don't think so hard you may break something."

Sasuke was greeted with a startled look before his words finally sank in and he came out swinging, "Why you arrogant son-of-a..."

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Sasuke turned wide eyes to a very stern looking Iruka, who had turned a familiar forbidding glare on the foul mouthed fox.

Sasuke watched as Naruto wilted under that look and his ears lay flat back against his skull as he gaze lowered to the ground. Sasuke couldn't help but feel guilty for causing the reaction, it was obvious that the young blond cared about Iruka very much and he didn't enjoy being put in a bad light in front of him.

He rose quietly to his feet, turning to Iruka and giving a very formal bow, before speaking quietly, "My apologies Iruka-sensei it was my fault." He wasn't quite sure why he'd done it, the only person he ever bowed to was there father and that was not out of respect, but the look on the foxes face had reminded him far too much of the boy he had once been.

When Sasuke's dark gaze rose to meet Iruka's deep brown he could see the softening of that stern expression and felt relief like a cool breeze on a hot day. He flicked his eyes to the left to see the sad fox standing dejectedly beside Iruka and he wanted to reach out and ruffle those golden spikes, to gently tease those expressive ears back up. His gaze travelled south to see the way the fox's tail had curled close to his body and he remembered the feel of the soft brush of fur against his fingers. When he looked up again he caught sight of wide blue eyes glancing at him from under thick black lashes, but he made no sign that he had seen, instead straightening up to await the teacher's response.

Sasuke watched Iruka study him for a moment before turning back to the fox and speaking more calmly, "You shouldn't say things like that, I thought I taught you better than that?"

He only just heard the mumbled apology the blond gave Iruka, seeing the hint of a blush gracing what was visible of his tanned face under his blond bangs, "Gomen...sensei."

Sasuke felt something squeeze hard in his chest at the quiet words and he had the urge to reach out again and take a hold of the little fox and comfort him. He wasn't really sure where this need was coming from and he only just managed to will his hands to remain at his sides. He had been distracted by the fox and hadn't noticed Iruka-sensei turning to look at him once more. When he heard the barkeep clear his throat his head turned automatically taking in the intent expression on Kakashi's face and turning to see Iruka giving him a very knowing gaze.

Sasuke turned his eyes away from the probing looks he was receiving, listening to Iruka when he spoke to him without turning, "Sasuke-kun, please try not to provoke him." Sasuke nodded his assent whilst keeping his face hidden behind black bangs. He started when he felt warm fingers in his hair tousling the strands fondly much as they had done many years ago. Sasuke turned, wide eyed, to look at Iruka watching him tussle the blonde's hair too, much as he himself had wanted to only minutes ago.

"Now then, no more fighting, ne?"

"Hai sensei." They spoke in unison before they turned to look at each other in mild surprise, their eyes meeting before skittering away to look anywhere else with slightly pinked cheeks.

Sasuke shifted to sit back on the barstool, looking out across the floor when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He spun around to look into a single charcoal grey eye, Kakashi's voice was low as he spoke, "Your food will be here in about five minutes, maybe it would be nice to sit and catch up with Iruka-sensei?" From the intense gaze he was receiving Sasuke couldn't miss the obvious ploy the man was engaging in, he wasn't a prodigy like his brother but he was quick of the mark.

"He's not been eating well because he's been so busy - how very considerate of you Kakashi-san." Before Kakashi could retort he turned to Iruka, who was quietly talking with the blond, and asked, "Iruka-sensei, would you like to sit and eat with me?"

Sasuke watched as Iruka smiled back at him and nodded acknowledging his request. When Sasuke noticed that the fox was about to make a scene he stared at him hard, raising an eyebrow in silent question. Sasuke felt an odd sense of satisfaction at the way the fox bit his lower lip in an attempt to remain silent and not protest Sasuke stealing Iruka away from him. Sasuke acknowledged the fox's effort with a subtle nod and extended the invitation, "You want to join us, Dobe?"

Sasuke could see surprise written across the blond's face, lips parted in a O, eyes slightly widened, but his expression quickly morphed into something Sasuke easily recognised - suspicion. The fox all but growled in response, "What do you want, Teme?"

Sasuke looked on as Iruka turned to the blond, hands going to his hips as he gave the younger man his own stare, "Naru..."

"They all want something, Iruka-sensei." The blond accused, not trying to hide his apparent dislike, the fox turned from Iruka to look at Sasuke with intent, suspicion and obvious disdain, "What do you want?"

Sasuke looked back unwaveringly, he hadn't truly wanted anything, but if the blond was going to insist he would play the part he had been assigned, "I want to know your name and I'd like to have a pleasant meal with someone for a change. Happy, Dobe?" He gave the blond a dark look before turning back Iruka, all but dismissing the fox, "Iruka-sensei?"

Sasuke could see the slightest signs of strain on his former sensei's face, noticing the creases at the corners of his eyes and the downturn of his lips. Perhaps the years hadn't been as kind as Sasuke had hoped they would be, he wanted to know what bothered Iruka so much that he tried to hide his weariness from everyone.

It reminded Sasuke to much of himself and Itachi too. Sasuke knew he would make concessions for Iruka, it had always been that way, back then it had been from the silent, stoic little boy his Father had desired to the laughing child he should have been. Now, now he was changing from the demanding businessman that never took no or I can't as an answer, to a vague semblance of the boy he had once been. It wasn't easy to say what he did, to let the emotions he hid from the world flavour his tone, but for Iruka he would, "Please sit and eat with me, sensei."

Iruka could see the effort it took Sasuke to request his company again and he had every intention of taking him up on the offer, but he was hoping that Naruto would join them. He was worried about him, Naruto was so defensive around humans and though he knew the why of it he found himself stuck as to what to do with the young man to ease the pain he still carried inside him.

His own life was becoming increasingly busy with the business and the time he could make for teaching. Iruka needed to find someone that the young hybrid would be comfortable enough around to be taught. There was still so much Naruto needed to learn because of what he was. Iruka hated the fact that hybrid education was cut off so early in life, he was struggling to help all the hybrids here, but he couldn't do it alone.

Iruka turned to Naruto to find him stood quietly, contemplating Sasuke's words. Iruka had hoped that as Naruto had begun to see Itachi around the place that he would eventually run into the youngest Uchiha again and now he was getting a chance to see his old pupil once more.

But Iruka had thought that Naruto would like the stoic man's company, as he had shown some interest in the elder Uchiha. Although, Iruka had to wonder if he even realised that Itachi was Sasuke's elder brother. Iruka turned back to Sasuke, who was silently watching Naruto and felt the first stirring's of tentative hope, maybe there was something to this?

"Hai, Sasuke-kun. I'd like that very much." Iruka turned from Sasuke to look at Kakashi once more, "Kakashi, can I have a menu please." He saw the small smile on the wolf's face as he turned to retrieve a menu for him but said nothing of it, the odd twisting warmth rising in his belly at the small quirk of lips.

"Hai, Iruka-sensei." Iruka felt heat flood his cheeks at the honorific.

"Kakashi! Don't call me sensei - I have never taught you." Iruka reprimanded, though his tone held no real heat. Iruka watched Kakashi's tail sway to and fro as he retrieved the menu from the stack at the other end of the bar. As Kakashi turned he couldn't help letting his eyes trail up along the taut planes and masculine curves of his body.

Iruka watched as one silvery ear tilted towards him and a playful twinkle filled Kakashi's gaze when he turned back around, "But I'd like you to sensei." Iruka caught the subtle wink thrown at him and his cheeks heated further, he knew he probably looked like a damn tomato at this point, and he turned away from the lavacious wolf and back to his former student attempting to ignore the obvious evidence of his embarrassment.

What Iruka saw on turning to the pair behind him was - pleasing. Instead of paying attention to he and Kakashi, Sasuke was watching Naruto with rapt attention, Naruto was strangely silent.

Iruka watched quietly as Sasuke extended a hand out to the blond, unaware of his and aa set of one smoky eyes watching him. Iruka watched Sasuke closely, observing the way his posture shifted and leant into Naruto's. IT was something he had never seen Sasuke do before, even in childhood, he had always kept his distance much as Kakashi did.

Sasuke's voice was soft and smooth as he spoke to the blond, cajoling almost like he were tempting a kitten from under the bed, "Why don't you come and eat with us? You can have whatever you want as long as it's on the menu."

Iruka watched as familiar sapphire eyes lifted to the extended hand and, though he didn't reach out for those pale fingers, Naruto did turn those normally bright eyes on Sasuke before speaking, "I can't, I'm going on shift."

"Ahh... next time then?" There was something about the way the two males interacted that brought an odd feeling of recognition to Iruka's mind. They looked as though they were dancing around each other much as Izumo and Kotetsu had done for months. Iruka looked back at Kakashi then and subtly tipped his head to indicate the two men he'd just been watching, quirking a brow in silent question.

Iruka watched as Kakashi lifted his chin, subtly taking a few deep inhales through his nose, eyes shuttering for a few minutes, though Iruka knew that Kakashi was fully aware of his surrounding's even with his one visible eye closed.

"Hmmm...Hai, sensei." Iruka heard Kakashi's low murmur, hoping the two young men wouldn't pay it any notice. He couldn't help the warm smile that tiled his lips; this was good news! Well, it would be if they could get the pair to stop sniping at each other for five minutes. But even that seemed a possibility at the moment.

Iruka turned back when he heard the shuffling of feet on the floor seeing that Naruto had moved over to stand closer to Sasuke. Sasuke's once extended hand was lax in his lap once more.

Iruka watched with open interest as Naruto leant in this time and asked quietly, voice laced with confusion and curiosity, "Who are you, Teme?"

Iruka caught movement at the periphery of his vision and watched as a pale hand came up and ran a single fingertip along one of the dark markings on Naruto's cheeks. He watched as Naruto's eyes slid shut, the lashes fluttering before stilling against his cheeks as that fingertip traced the whiskers path, "Uchiha Sasuke, little fox."

Naruto let his eyes slide shut, felt lashes fluttering against his cheek's as if they couldn't decide to be open or closed, wanting to watch as well as feel the slightly rough pad of Sasuke's right index finger ran a line over one of his whisker-like markings.

When Naruto opened his eyes again, day locked with night before a smooth, husky voice escaped his lips, "You owe me food, Teme."

Sasuke's only reply was an almost inaudible, "Hn."