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Chapter Text

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The doors of the throne room flew open, and the room fell quiet. His fury cast a dark shadow over the small chamber. “What is this?” each word punctuated with the snap of deadly fangs.

The older woman who sat at the head of the table raised an eyebrow face blank “It is a royal proclamation.”

“Yes, I know that.” The prince was quickly losing his patience, “What is this about all eligible suitors?”

“It is exactly as it seems, young prince,” Lord Danzo smirked, “we seek for you a spouse of quality.”

The young prince slammed the crumpled proclamation enraged, dark wood splintering beneath his fist. “How dare you go behind my back about such things, you cannot simply force me into a marriage.”

“Ah but you see, we can, Prince Kakashi. We have given you ample time to seek out your own spouse and you have returned fruitless.” The woman smiled and the rest of the council straightened. “You agreed upon this.”

“I did not think-” Kakashi’s face fell into its usual cold stare schooling his expression, not allowing the council any further pleasure in his distress. They expected a prince above all else-

He did not have a choice, it seemed.

Iruka walked down the cobblestone path he had tread a thousand times, in perfect rhythm with the green-eyed man who walked by his side. The man whose companionship and presence had never waned, touching every aspect of Iruka’s life.

Iruka's feet struck the earth just a bit faster as the small market came into view, patrons bustling, friends chattering and children giggling. It was a place of life and movement. The small market, a warm breeze, ruffling the edges of Iruka’s stagnant life.

As they reached the wide square, the pair were forced to halt as lines of carriages’ rattled across the cobblestone, lovely opulent things they were, bronze and gold glittering under the high sun.

Mizuki scoffed as he clutched Iruka close in the crowd. “Look at them all parade in jewels and gold, flittering to win favor like little pests. If only people could see them as they really were…”

Iruka knitted his eyebrows at the odd statement, but when he went to tell his companion another interrupted.

“You are one to talk”, said an unknown voice.

Iruka's eye instead caught on the interloper, there was something about the tall lean figure that was strange. Iruka was lost to the mumbled tirade that Mizuki let loose and kept his eye fixed on the new man. He was so clearly out of place in this market crowd; his garb too pristine to be a traveler and covered from head to toe despite the summer heat.

A child bumped against the hooded man and their connection snapped. Iruka looked back at Mizuki for a moment, to see if he had noticed the strange air, but he was ranting. Iruka looked back at the man, but he was gone. Lost to the bustling crowd.

Iruka's head was on a swivel.

Mizuki’s mood had soured, face stern as he mumbled more to himself than to Iruka, “I have purchases that I must attend to, stick to the list, and I will find you later” he quickly pressed a purse of coins into Iruka’s hand without a second glance.

Iruka bid him a swift farewell, before moving further into the market, acquiring items as he strolled the lanes, sharing a friendly smile, or cheerful greeting. Iruka enjoyed the solitude of shopping.

Here he could let his mind wander as he perused the lovely trinkets, but there was a heavy mood upon some of the stall owners today.

"Have you seen it?"

"No, I haven't," Iruka heard a couple of the town gossips and could not stop himself from pausing to listen, though Mizuki would chastise him for eavesdropping.

"The creature has been around last night. I know it because my fruit is missing!"

"Fruit? What would a monster need with fruit?"

"Monsters gotta eat too..." The shorter woman shrugged.

Iruka almost laughed at the ridiculous conversation, but something about a monster lurking amongst the village shadows made it hard to make light of the situation. He should warn Mizuki.

Trying to shake the feeling that magic was involved somehow in this mystery, he decided to focus on his purchases.

Iruka flitted through a few stores, browsing through the fresh rows of flowers before settling upon the delicate ajisai. A few bouquets and the house would come to life. It took him but a moment to rummage through baskets of thread, intent on finding the perfect ivory of Mizuki’s slippers.

His list dwindling by the minute, Iruka let his eyes wander to the small collection of used books across the way. They were worn and torn, but Iruka cared not, each volume held something undiscovered.

“Umino, get over here I got something I think you will like.” A sharp dark hair woman beckoned from within the shop, face firm but eyes alight with amusement. “Have you finished the book from last time?” Not allowing Iruka a word as she continued unwavering, “I found myself enraptured by the intricacies afforded to regional folklore.”

Iruka hummed, pulling the book from deep within the woven bag. “Yes, absolutely interesting however how deeply can we rely upon the validity of a narrator who cannot tell water-hemlock from parsley…. Anyways, you truly should not be lending these to me for free.”

“It is no problem at all your mother would have had my head if I were to ever deny her son’s curious mind.” Yoshino’s face grew stern as she accepted the book, pressing another into his hand in return. “Please accept it, it gives me great peace knowing my greatest customer’s child follows close in her path.”

Iruka dared not argue further, expressing his gratitude before wandering further into the market stalls.

“Is there anything else I can assist you with today, sir?” The familiar shopkeeper appeared from the backroom, a crate of cabbages perched against his hip, preoccupied as he rummaged through a half empty box of pome.

A tension released in Iruka's voice, light and teasing as he fell into an old routine. “Do you have any ramen?”

“Iruka!” The man’s eyes were alright as he weaved through the rows of crates and barrels to reach the front desk. “How is my favorite customer? You have not been here in ages, and surely must be out of green onions. How about I throw a few in, on me?”

“Oh no, no sir I simply cannot accept that, I have a very specific list.” Iruka waved a small piece of paper, same as always.

The shopkeeper's smile dimmed a bit as he outstretched his hand, face expectant. Iruka blustered before handing over the list. Teuchi was friendly to most everyone who crossed his path but was not the type of man to dawdle. A quick scan and Teuchi was buzzing around the shop’s counter.

“I have been waiting for you to return, usually you are here like clockwork. Will it be months before I see you again? Surely you will need more than the rice you have listed here?” He hefted a large bag of rice onto the counter.” You look like skin and bones”

“Ah, no I am-” Iruka cut himself off, “I am worried about your back! That is so very heavy!” Iruka did not want to admit that he was worried about what Mizuki might do if he found out he was receiving handouts. But if he were to mention that he was only allowed to bring so much home, surely Teuchi would want to know more, and what if he asked Mizuki? Each scenario seemingly worse than the last.

“Iruka, you worry too much, I am not a decrepit old man yet!” He had already accumulated two more items from thin air. “Let other people do things for you.” A mournful look flashed his eyes, but for a moment.

Iruka stepped back in resignation, pushing away a moment of wariness at what the man had meant.” Would you at least let me help you wrap them?”

The man beamed as he slid a roll of brown paper and twine across the counter. “I think that can be arranged”

Iruka’s worry loosened, as silly as it was, the action brought him comfort. For it had been Teuchi who had taught him all the essentials of kitchen management when he had first lost his parents. Confused and dazed, he had wandered the market for hours, unsure where to begin. It was only when Teuchi had pulled him to the side, asking for an extra hand packaging a particularly large order for a client that Iruka was brought back from the murky depths of his grief. A request to busy idle hands, focus a lost mind.

Iruka had fumbled and failed over and over, paper torn, ribbon uneven, and creases wrinkled. Teuchi snagged him week after week, simple chatter flowing into broths and buckles, soaps, and stews. Teuchi inch by inch laid the foundation to no longer survive but thrive.

He smirked as snipped the twine, not an inch put to waste.

“Iruka! I have been searching for you.”

The memories faded as his fingers fumbled for his coin pouch. He was dawdling. Mizuki hated wasted time, specifically wasting his time. Mizuki now pressed close, hand loosely gripping Iruka’s arm.

“What is this?” his voice like a hiss.

“Are you a friend of Iruka?” Teuchi asked and eyed the grip.

“Don’t worry about it! Thank you for the food, sir.”

“What food? I asked you to get rice. Rice was what was on the list, simple as that, Iruka. Are you inept? Can you not follow simple instructions?” His grip tightens.

Teuchi’s gaze quickly flicked to the offending hand.

The vendor's brief glimpse did not go unnoticed as Mizuki’s grip tightened even further, fingernails biting at the soft flesh of Iruka’s arm. “We are not beggars in search of your pathetic handouts.” Mizuki carelessly tossed the cabbage into the dirt at Teuchi’s feet.

“That’s rude!” Iruka is outraged at the blatant act of disrespect but dares not to move.

Mizuki need not say a word, his glare speaking volumes. Iruka is unable to meet Teuchi’s eyes as he laid the coins upon the counter with a quiet thank you, quickly collecting the rice before Mizuki yanks him toward the street.

Chapter Text

Mizuki was silent on the walk home, seethingly so. Iruka feels dread in his heart and gets worse with every step.

When they, at last, arrive home Iruka starts to make their meager dinner. Careful to be as silent as possible, Mizuki perched in the kitchen chair fingers pinching the narrow bridge of his nose.

The stove clicks on and Mizuki strikes, voice sharp as he remains motionless in his chair.

“Why did you accept food like a beggar? Do you want to be back on the street? I can send you back there.”

“I apologize Mizuki, I didn’t realize it would be so bad. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Apologies? Do you listen to nothing I ask? I specifically told you only items on the list. You clearly need lessons taught to you. It's too bad, but this is for the best.” Rising from the chair Mizuki stalked across the room, to the counter where Iruka had laid out each dinner item with great care. In one fell swoop, he has thrown everything to the floor. “Now clean this up.”

Iruka gasped as startled "no" as he watched his hard work fall to ruin. Mizuki took the opportunity to pivot catching Iruka by the arm.

“The disrespect you show your own familial home, what would your parents say?” Mizuki sneered, before releasing Iruka’s arm with a scoff.
Tsubaki watched with a hint of pity in her eyes, drawn surely by the commotion and shattering of glass. Iruka painstakingly pulled another grain of rice from hidden crevices, before immersing his hand again amongst the suds. Scrubbing at the sticky teriyaki that splattered the floor.

“I apologize, Miss Tsubaki, dinner will be slightly late this evening” The tears stung and mingled amongst the suds, he could not bring himself to look her in the eye.

“Iruka I-”

“Never mind him lovely, you look so radiant this evening it would be a shame for you to be hidden away in this old, dusty house.” Mizuki crooned, as he took her by the hand, “What do you say to going to Kusagakure for the night?”

The lady nodded, eyebrows still furrowed as she turned to Iruka, “I would love to try this new recipe Iruka, perhaps another night?” voice gentle.

“I would be happy to” Iruka smiled at the quiet woman’s grace, her sweetness a balm to the harshest of words.

“My love,” Tsubaki turned to her betrothed, laying a gentle hand upon his cheek. “Could we perhaps stop at that lovely dessert shop, on our return? Perhaps bring back that wagashi that Iruka loves so much?”

Mizuki clutched her fingers, gentle and sweet, as he pretended to ponder. “Well, I do not see why not.” A smile broke across his sullen expression. “Perhaps we could fetch a nice tea in the morning?”

Tsubaki’s eyes widened as she giggled with delight, “but you hate staying the night.”

“Ah, but your favorite blend is only found there.” Mizuki turned to Iruka with a slight frown, “I am not sure what came over me, but we will return tomorrow.”

There was not a hint of remorse for his tantrum to be found.

He waved the path ahead to Tsubaki's delight as they linked arms, flippancy unable to mask the cold cut of his tone. ” I hope for everyone's sake, you have sorted yourself by the time we have returned.”

Iruka picked at his cold plate, exhaustion seeping into his bones. As he watched the wind tousle and stir the branches, gentle sways in a familiar game turned into violent clashes.

The time away would be good for Mizuki, the old stuffy house sometimes twisted his mood, and brought forth a side of him unrecognizable to even his closest friend. Iruka’s eyes stung with unshed tears unsure how to bring back his lost friend. Iruka clung so desperately to the boy he had known, the boy who pulled him from the rubble, saved him from certain destitute and spared his family home.

Iruka caught a glimpse of a hidden shard of the shattered bowl, the red ceramic catching in the dim light from its hiding place under the cupboard. Iruka crouched low once again, duty never fulfilled.

This should be the last piece. An enormous clatter suddenly shocked him.

Iruka yelped as he slammed his head into the hardwood. His finger stung and pinpricks of red seeped from his palm. The dull ache of his skull and the injury to his dignity left him sour and grumbling. Clamoring to his feet Iruka notices the skittering drawing him back to the fireplace in the main room

Iruka mustered all of his courage, but it was of no use, as the kitchen was empty and not a foe in sight. Whatever was in the fireplace was lodged and would require Iruka’s closer presence, so he took his courage closer. He drew a deep breath as reached blindly into the chimney, fingers crawling inching their way to their destination. The cold stone disappears replaced by something else. Iruka tugged at the unseen fluffy object and heard a yelp. A human yelp, the yelp of a child.

Iruka stumbled back falling flat on his ass, stunned as something, no, someone tumbled out of the fireplace and landed upside down at Iruka's toes.

Hands, feet, and grubby face most definitely a child. But wait was that a tail wait no two tails, and fuzzy ears?

Big tears gathered in the child’s eyes before a wail pierced the taut silence.

Iruka was stunned, eyes blinking unsure. Could such a small bump on the head cause hallucinations “What?”

The maybe child’s breath hitched as Iruka sat up further, soot covered hands held out in a placating fashion. Iruka did not want the creature to flee further into the house, as he opened his mouth to speak, the grubby child spoke instead.

“Who are you?” There was not a tremble of fear behind the bold statement, eyes curious and suspicious as they accessed Iruka.

“Who are you!” Iruka retorted. Surely none of this was real, surely this was not the ridiculous beast all the ladies in the market were gossiping about. A small thing like him surely could not warrant so much distress.

“I am Naruto!” The tailed beast declared puffing up, “I am the best!”

“Oh really? Is that why you were stuck in my chimney?”

“Your chimney is just broken” The child began to pout.

“It’s not broke-”, shaking his head. Why was he arguing with a child?

The boy pouted with a sniffle before defiantly insisting, “It is too the brokest chimney ever!!”

He watched the boy carefully, “Ok…do you have… parents or a guardian?”

“A what, and a who?” The boy cocked his head in confusion as if he had never heard such a word.

Iruka paused mid reach for the dish towel that would rid his hands of the pesky soot, “You know… someone who takes care of you, who feeds you, and tucks you into bed?”

The child fidgeted but did not move from his place, eyes never straying from the larger form. “Nope just me! I take care of me!”

Iruka’s frown deepened, this child magical or not was certainly way too young to be wandering alone.

Iruka was at a loss. The kid knew next to nothing “well how old are you?”

“Uhhhhhh, I don’t know.”

The man sighed in defeat, wondering why he was trying to reveal the reason there was a kitsune standing in his kitchen covered in soot and filth when clearly there was no reason to be found.

“Does anything hurt?”

The boy shook his head, strangely quiet.

Iruka quickly lifted the boy under the armpit, placing him back on his feet. A quick assessment told him there was no obvious damage or major injuries.

“Well let’s get you cleaned up then huh?”

“You aren’t kicking me out?”, the once boisterous voice was no more than a whisper.

Iruka in that moment wanted to curse at the cruelty of the world but instead fell to a crouch before the boy, hand hesitating a breath away from the down turned head of dusty locks. A quick sniffle and all hesitance were ripped from him, quickly burying his finger in the ash filled hair with a ruffle, “No Naruto, I will never kick you out.”

The boy looked at him with hopeful eyes and a wide grin.

Iruka clapped his hands, “Ok come on now it’s time you took a proper bath.”

Naruto squeaked, “No bath!”, but Iruka was quick to snatch the squirming Naruto. What had he gotten himself into?

Iruka led the wide-eyed boy through the halls and up the stairs and to Iruka’s small washroom. It was suitable but it did not sparkle the way the crystals sparkled in the lower rooms.

It would do.

Despite its plainness Naruto was transfixed, curious fingers twitching at all there was to explore and fiddle with. Iruka smiled amused at the childlike wonder, trying to push back the worrying thoughts of its implications.

Naruto eventually settled on reaching to fuss with the waterspout, testing the water with each combination.

“Can I help?” Iruka asked as he sat on the edge of the tub across from Naruto and his fidgeting hands. Iruka dipped in his own hand gently, nudging the stopper into place. ”We are going to test some temperatures and you tell me what you like.”

Iruka attempted his most reassuring smile, and he swung the hot water to full capacity, twisting the cold dial about halfway. Iruka would not risk the chance of scalding water, maybe after his long night but not now. He ran his hand through the water letting the stream fall between his fingers in rushing rivers of warmth.

“How does that feel”

Naruto extend a few fingers under the rushing stream; the boy shrugged his shoulders. “Alright”

“Can you get in by yourself?”

The boy -Naruto- nodded, face still a bit dubious, as Iruka carefully laid extra towels across the floor. Steam began to rise from the swiftly filling tub, the constant thrum a steady background to his tasks. Iruka quickly sought out the bubbling soaps he had so carefully stored away for a special occasion.

He turned over the brown paper before pulling the small twine bow. Fresh and lovely, the scent of lilac bloomed through the room.

“Do you know how to wash yourself?”

“Believe it!” The boy seemingly grew more confident by the moment.

“Ok.” Iruka hesitated as he eyed the filthy boy, the caked mud on his t-shirt alerting him that the trounce with the chimney was not the only mess the boy regularly got into. And by the state of it, who knows how long it had been since it had seen a proper wash.

Naruto was transfixed as the purple powder began to fizzle and bubble. Heaps of foamy fun growing by the minute. The boy threw one leg over the edge, all hesitation swept away with the prospect of something new.

“Hey! Wait no!” Iruka stumbled over his words, “You can’t get in with your clothes! They are gross.”

Naruto wrinkled his nose as he sat on the edge of the tub frozen “What is wrong with my clothes?”

“Nothing, but bathtubs are for uh… people” Iruka hesitated, watching the two tails flick impatiently. “And well… you have to clean clothes separately! And you don’t want to be stuck in wet clothes, right?”

Naruto’s ear perked in recognition “Oh like when I lay them out on the rocks by the river!”

Iruka hopped on the recognition even if it was not really the same, “Yes exactly, and in the meantime since it is so late, I will fetch you something for you to wear! Sound, ok?”

Naruto shot Iruka a pout, wobbling on the edge. That is when Iruka heard it, the growl and groan of the kid's empty stomach. Iruka felt guilt flooding his system, Naruto had stumbled into his home filthy and alone, of course he did not have a full belly.

How had this kid already wound Iruka around his finger?

Iruka sighed, “Be careful, and throw your clothes over by the sink before you get in.”

The kid grumbled something Iruka did not quite catch as the door shut behind him. The latch slid into place with a sharp click and Iruka stood alone once again.

Quickly he hurried down to the kitchen to throw a meager dinner together, something warm and filling that would be ready to go when the kid was finally out. He did still have the rice warmed from earlier, all he needed now was a simple protein and maybe a vegetable. He could surely manage something as simple as that… It wouldn't be his best work, but time was of the essence.

A late dinner sorted, Iruka hurried back to check on his new guest.

“Are you settled?” Iruka asked through the door but was left with silence. “I will return shortly with towels and whatever fresh clothes I can find.” Still no response. He figured the child was still likely pouting, despite bubbles, a bath could only be so fun.

As he silently shuffled through his meager wardrobe, he accepted that nothing would fit perfectly but an old nightshirt should suffice for now. Iruka found himself pressing his ear to the door once again, the gentle sound of stirring water just barely audible, “Naruto, can I come in?”

No response.

Iruka knocked, before calling once again. ”Naruto, I brought a towel and some clean clothes...” Iruka hesitates for a moment, keeping his tone low and steady. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah.” he heard the muffled reply.

Iruka stepped in slowly, unsurprised that the boy was still dirty, days of grime now caked on like mud, thick and intermingled with ash. Iruka sighed at the sight, knowing he would have to get more involved.

“Alright, first things first this bird’s nest you call hair.” Iruka dug his fingers into the tangle of short hair watching as soot and mud broke apart in his hands. “Keep those eyes closed”

Naruto had made his displeasure known with a weak excuse of a growl, hunching his shoulders and dipping his head low in a sulk.

“Oh, stop that, I just don’t want you getting soap in your eyes!” Iruka finally making his way to the giant fox ears.

Naruto finally gave in, halting all moping as Iruka began to hum a familiar tune. “See now that wasn’t so hard. Lift your head so I can rinse your hair.” The little face scrunched and twisted in displeasure as Iruka poured the pitcher of water, a few droplets going astray to run trail down the slope of his scrunched nose.

At last, they are done.

The water's lovely purple was now a muddled black as Naruto was swiftly wrapped in a towel before a single drop can make it to the polished floors. After the boy totally engulfed in white fluff, is hauled toward the small dressing table where Iruka quickly begins the meticulous process of drying dripping hair and two tails. The little fox seems to relax now clean, warm and enveloped in a fluffy towel. Iruka chuckled as he pulled the hair towel away, a kitsune now replaced with a stack of multicolored puff balls.

“Hey! You got any food?” The kitsune was unfazed.

Iruka collected himself quickly still quite amused by the boy's boldness, “Yeah I think I might have something!”

“Hey hey! Slow down!” Iruka fussed looking at the small boy now clean and swimming in the worn sleep shirt, with accusation as he wiped stray grains of rice from the counter with a sigh. This kid would eat him out of house and home. Panic only momentarily pulled at his chest, would Mizuki notice an errant hair, a dirty towel, the latent magic?

“Seconds please!”

Iruka’s heart warmed as the kid dug in. No one ever ate his cooking and asked for seconds. It was ok, it was edible, and he had managed to nail a few specific dishes. He had to, Mizuki always complaining that it was never quite right. That Kohari, his mother, had always been better.

The boy sat slumped in his chair, eyes blinking slowly, head nodding. The kid looked content, Iruka had to brush off the soft feeling he was getting as he watched Naruto’s ears twitch each time his chin hit his head. He could not allow himself to get attached.

“Off to bed with you”

Iruka shuffled the boy up the steps before following soon after, catching a glimpse of those fluffy orange ears peeking out of the makeshift pillow of Iruka’s own design.

The kid laid peacefully, and more importantly, quietly, in the pile of pillows as Iruka collected the soot-stained clothes, keen to remove any trace of filth, any trace of the magic.

Iruka sure, Mizuki would not take kindly to such things.

The golden rays striped the room in brilliant warmth.

The night’s chaos beckoned Iruka to stay but a moment more in the confines of his own sweet bed, but such was not his fate. No, he now had a creature of intrigue wandering his home, a child that needed to be shielded from prying eyes and loose lipped gossip.

His eyes flew open as he was fully jarred from the dream world, there was a kitsune in his house. A kitsune who needed to be gone before his friends returned. With careful steps, Iruka crept toward the sleeping beast.

“Naruto?” Iruka called gently trying to will the child up. He was met with silence. Next was pulling back the nest of blankets.

A small grumble

He could wait no longer, Iruka tapped the center of the boy's forehead “Wake up”. Naruto flipped, burying his face into the pile of pillows. Iruka fell back onto his haunches unsure. The kid might be sweet, but he was still a creature of magic and Iruka dared not take the risk of pushing the boy further.

Perhaps food would work better... Naruto had looked worse for wear and Iruka was struggling to imagine when the boy had last had a proper bath, a hot meal, or a soft bed. Guilt washed over him at the thought of such a young innocent creature left to his own devices for so long. If Iruka was being honest, he was fond of the kid, he wanted to make sure could offer the stable life the boy deserved. For now, food. He left the room to fulfill that minimum.

Iruka juggled pot and pan, tray and tea, moving through the motions, mind wandering to the magical creature that had quite literally come crashing into his life.

Chapter Text

“I’m home!” Iruka called, a great relief overcoming him as he stepped through the threshold of the house. The tight anxiety at last unwound, and dinner prep could now begin.

Iruka found Tsubaki in the sitting room, the early evening light cascading through the open windows—the perfect place for an afternoon read

Tsubaki offered a gentle smile from where she was perched in the window seat, book in one hand, empty teacup on the side table.

“Would you like a fresh pot, Miss Tsubaki?”

“That would be lovely.”

Iruka collected the delicate and intricate tea set at Tsubaki’s side, her favorite. It was a family heirloom, a gift from her mother and father upon her engagement. Iruka had only met the pair once, cowering in the shadow of the powerful man and elegant woman. Their family was bound tightly together, loyal to a fault, and had the power to garner both respect and riches from all edges of the continent. Her father was a man that Mizuki so desperately wished to please and emulate.

There was something kindred in the old man, more patient and stoic, yet inherently wrong. A connecting string between the two, something hidden deep beneath the jewels and silks, a raw bloodlust that no amount of elegance could soften.

At the sound of the kettles whistle, Iruka shook the thought from his head, he should not have let such thoughts of judgment pass as sweet Tsubaki sat in the other room.

Iruka heard the slightest thump and winced, he kept his head lowered while quickly glancing back to the lady of the house.

Her delicate features had not shifted in the slightest, her nose still hidden deep in her book, completely lost to the world around her.

Iruka let his shoulders fall in relief, quickly returning to refilling the cream bowl. Days with Miss Tsubaki were always peaceful, Iruka left to his devices most hours, save for the sporadic request.

Iruka hastily adjusted the tray one more time before departing from the kitchen.

“And here you are Tsubaki'' Iruka poured the tea into her cup before stirring in two lumps of sugar the same as she always took it, before offering the saucer to her.

Without raising an eye, the woman extracted the cup from its perch sipping so gracefully and elegantly. Tsubaki was all that would be expected of the daughter of a wealthy town head.
In the deepest crevices of his heart Iruka would allow himself a twinge of jealousy, for Tsubaki was all that he was not. All that he might have been if fate had taken a different path. The thought never lasted long. The poor woman had no more say in her fate than Iruka had in his and being jealous of small things such as beauty were for children.

“Iruka, no need to prepare a heavy dinner for tonight, Mizuki and I plan to visit with friends down the street.”

“Well, that sounds lovely Miss Tsubaki, do you know when you will return? Should I leave out your evening refreshments?” Iruka sat the saucer back on the tray.

She nodded her head noncommittally, but Iruka understood and accepted his evening task.

“Well then, I shall take my dinner in my quarters, good evening.” Iruka hastened up the stairs and to his room to find his window swinging and a dirty kitsune attempting his best to stay perfectly still. Tails flicking ever so often.

Iruka huffed in amusement. “What am I going to do with you? Off to the bath with you.” Iruka shuffled the boy along. “And no groaning!”

Naruto continued to whine, “but I took a bath yesterday and I am only a little dirty.” his face scrunched in displeasure, both feet planted on the cool flooring.

Iruka took a moment to reassess, the dirt was primarily located on Naruto’s feet and hand. His hair and tails were left near spotless.

“Face and paws. And you let me brush out your hair and tails.” Iruka settled onto the rug, armed with a brush and his patience.

“What about a story?” Naruto bargained.

“Ok, one story before bed” Iruka caved as the boy scrambled to the sink. Iruka settled himself firmly on the carpet; his tools and Naruto’s dinner were strategically placed. Satisfied with his work and certain his housemates would not return for hours he pushed up his sleeves ready to tame the untamable.

A few minutes later Naruto gracelessly flopped to the carpet happily helping himself to the filled plate as Iruka took his time to study his collection of detangling products. It was not long before began working at the knots, running gentle fingers through Naruto’s tails and hair. It took some time, and a gentle hand, but it was these small moments he had cherished most. And finally, by the time he had fully brushed out the tangle of fur, Naruto had already begun to drift off, eyes heavy as he breathed deep and even.
Iruka nudged the boy with fingers “all right off to bed.” Naruto made an unhappy grumbling whine before allowing Iruka to settle him into the pile of pillows below, taking care to add a few extra blankets into the mix.

The boy favored heaps of blankets over everything else. Oh, how those first nights had been challenging, explaining that no, Naruto did not have to sleep on the icy wooden floorboards. Still, Naruto resisted, rejecting anything with a proper frame. Iruka, after weeks of effort, had resigned himself to dragging an old mattress into the sitting room that joined to his own room. There he left it on the floor and loaded it with every soft blanket and pillow the house had to spare. Only then when Naruto could burrow himself into heaps of comfort did he cave.

The prince walked swiftly through the halls, each step taken with the utmost caution, he had to, one mistake and it would all be over. He missed no chance to turn a corner or weave through the winding halls he had walked since childhood. Still maintaining complete silence as he sidestepped the loose floorboard three paces into the northern corridor while dodging a beam of the midday sun.

“Oh handsomeeeee,” a shrill voice echoed down the hall. “I thought it might be nice to take a stroll through the gardens, wouldn’t you think so?”

Kakashi's pace quickened if he could only-

A new sound caught his attention, a shuffling just around the bend… had the other one circled the castle to cut him off?No surely, it couldn't be, no guest could navigate the twisting walls so easily and track him so swiftly. His home was too large, an imposing maze of rooms and corridors.

But… he had been dodging this dueling duo all day, relentless beasts, desperate to lure and claw their way to power. Kakashi but another obstacle to overcome, a prize to covet. His annoyance building by the moment as he listened for the swishing of their gaudy gowns punctuated by the snap of restless fangs.

The shuffling was too light, and those were not the click of shoes hitting ancient cedar. What caught the young prince’s ear was more of a scrabbling, claws upon wood. As he hesitated to listen closer it became clear the creature was much smaller than two full-grown vampires.

Kakashi had not a spare moment to ponder this discrepancy when a small blur of orange came crashing and scrambling through the hall. The small beast had Taiyaki gripped between sharp teeth, heaving a bag of something unknown and a large tome tucked under his arm. At the sight of Kakashi, all movements were halted, the young kitsune was frozen in place, eyes wide and frightful.

Kakashi met the boy’s eyes with purpose as he lifted one clawed finger to his lips reaching painfully slow for the window frame just to his left, as he undid the latch a sharp click pierced the silence. He paused for a moment, waiting, listening for the echoes of footsteps before pushing the window open.

He beckoned the boy forward. The warm sweet was still hanging from his mouth as the kit crept closer. Kakashi carefully pointed to a pathway of safe floorboards the boy could use, and without hesitance, the child hopped dutifully along, each silent movement, a relief.

Master Jiraiya would be cross about the loss of the book, and Lady Tsunade fussy about the lack of dinner sweets, but the kid was already puffed and startled, and Kakashi needed him to not make a sound, for them both to slip away unnoticed, he dares not make any other request.

They were so close to safety…

Kakashi pressed the window further, cringing when it let out a deafening creak. Footsteps rushed down the hall. All formality was lost as Kakashi hoisted the kit into the window frame.

“Go!’ Kakashi urged, and with that, the boy was gone.

“Alright Naruto, time for bed!” Iruka clapped his hands, and Naruto whined “But ‘Ruka I never had a bedtime before. I sleep when I'm sleepy...” the end of his sentence tailed off in a high-pitched, drawn-out groan. It almost made Iruka crack a smile, some things really did never change.

“Well you don’t live in the forest now, you live with me and in my house little kitsune’s have bedtimes.” Iruka countered.

Naruto continued his grumble, “but-”

“No buts! I am going to bed too.” The boy looked resigned. “And no more midnight romps to the kitchen Naruto, if you need something please wake me.”

Naruto silently shuffled towards the bathroom to brush his small fangs, Iruka not far behind.

“I don’t want to think about what would happen if Mizuki found out, he’s been so strange the bizarre occurrences in the forest lately…. Please be careful?” Iruka tried to reason.

Naruto's ears fell flat on his head as he nodded, quickly completing his evening routine. His normal excitement returned in anticipation of their nightly story.

Before Iruka could suggest anything, Naruto had dragged a new book from under the pile of blankets, holding it out expectantly.

“Where did you get that?” Iruka looked at the intricate cover, turning it over in his hand. Seeing a small smudge of what looked like jam. He leveled Naruto with a suspicious look.

“Need help!” Naruto chirped, pulling the book open and flipping through the pages of lovely script and unrecognizable diagrams. What type of book was this?

As he flipped through the pages Naruto chatted excitedly, bouncing on his toes next to Iruka as his tails swished faster and faster. Iruka smiled before he caught a glimpse at the page that had caught Naruto’s rapt attention. It was a page with drawings of beings that looked just like Naruto. Iruka's interest was also now peaked, despite his suspicions, he itched to see what exactly this book contained.

“Alright, but only one chapter a night.” Iruka held firm.

And so it went, a new bedtime routine, each night a new tale of what seemed to be a cataloging of someone’s wildest imagination. Iruka and Naruto giggled at the strange facts, enraptured by the grand histories, and marveling at wild traps and trickery. There had been a few repeats at Naruto’s insistence. Most frequently the logs detailing the moon, and kitsune.

Chapter Text

Iruka felt as if he was walking on air. The festival was to be tonight, a beautiful and wonderful event. The last time he had attended he was but a small child clinging to his mother's hand, lifted upon his father’s shoulders. Each memory carefully cherished, sweet brushes of the past glee. Snippets of how his parents had swung him around in silly dances, his mother’s eyes gleaming as her gaze had laid upon his father, his father's face softening into a smile as he trotted over with some silly prize played through his mind. It was all so vivid that night, the memories that he had clung to through the years. Laughter and the taste of sweet treats still lingered upon his lips. A celebration that came quite literally once in the blood moon.

Nothing could bring down his spirit… well almost nothing.

A small nagging part of his mind insisted something was off with Naruto. The boy had been demonstrating strange behaviors and fidgeting every time he entered the house over the past few weeks. Yet, Iruka was never able quite to pinpoint what it was. He chose to brush the feeling off, assuming excitement for the festival had the boy buzzing.

Iruka had spent the entirety of the week preparing for this night. He did not have any fine clothes of his own as there had never been a need. Plus, he now had to account for an extra mouth to feed, cloth, and shelter. Buying something new was simply not an option, heirlooms were the only choice.

Slowly he drew the silk kimono from where it had been carefully stored for nearly a decade, hidden. His mother’s finest garment, a cherished and beloved item that even Iruka had been unable to part with when funds had run low. These few treasures contained within them the echo of his family.

Putting it the beautiful garment on felt as natural as breathing. His fingers brushed over the fine material before arranging his hair into a loose swooping braid. Simple yet elegant, the perfect complement to the eye-catching garb and intricate hairpins. He took one final look in the mirror, one last breath as he smoothed out the creases, and he pushed back the inner voice that told him to stay home, that he did not belong.

If he did not go now, he worried he may never find the courage again. As he turned from the mirror, he pulled one last thing from the chest. A small necklace, a simple loop with a single shimmering crimson bead. A small token of luck that his mother had purchased for him at the last Lunarium. It would suit Naruto well.

“Iruka, where the hell are you?” Mizuki’s voice echoed through the halls.

Ah yes how could he forget? He needed only to do one last thing before heading out, see Mizuki and Tsubaki off on their travels. The pair was requested by Lord Ryoshi himself to join Tsubaki’s family in their sacred traditions of the Blood Moon.

“Coming!” Iruka hastened toward the ground floor, snagging two forgotten bags at the top of the steps. “It seems you have forgotten something!” Iruka smiled at a waiting Mizuki with barely contained excitement. “Has Miss Tsubaki already settled into the carri-?”

“What the hell are you wearing?” Mizuki’s eyes were cold.

“My mother’s kimono” Iruka sat the bags on the ground before smoothing and readjusting the tie, “Isn’t it lovely?”

“And why would you ever need to be wearing such a thing?”

Iruka’s smile faded, as the excitement fell from his voice. “Well, I cannot just wear my everyday clothes to a festival.”

Mizuki scoffed, taking a step closer, “And what makes you think you will be going to any festivals?”

“We talked about this!” annoyance creeping into Iruka’s tone. “If I was able to manage all that was needed for the household, I would attend the festival. And well, all of it is done.”

“No Iruka you talked about going to this silly festival, I agreed to nothing.” Mizuki, now even closer, casually inspected the hem of Iruka’s sleeve, with a self-satisfied smirk. “Anyways, it is far too dangerous for you to be wandering the streets alone, without an escort, without me. I will not allow it, after all, who knows what dangers may lurk in the dark…”

“And why would I care if you were to allow it?” Iruka snapped. “What matter does your presence have upon my comings and goings?”

Mizuki reared back as if slapped. “What. Did. You. Say?”

Iruka bit his tongue. Every ounce of him bubbling with rage. This was not about safety, Mizuki was jealous. Poisoned with vile bitterness.

“Do you think you are too good for me? I have given you all that I have Iruka. Every penny I have ever made, made for you. To help you keep this house. To ….” The man's face slid into a cold calm, a mask Iruka knew all too well. Iruka took a step back. “Do you think someone else could do better? Would you ever care to do better for yourself?” Mizuki scoffed. ”You are an orphan with no skill and no means to make a way in this world” Mizuki grabbed Iruka by eri, hauling him closer “You are-”

The terrible sound of cloth coming undone filled Iruka’s ears as the collar of his beautiful heirloom was torn apart by Mizuki’s hand.

Mizuki laughed cruelly, as he grasped another handful of silk, yanking with great ferocity. Iruka tried to pull away as the shoulder gave way, but this only swiftened Mizuki’s work.

“Mizuki please” Iruka pleaded blinking back the tears that so desperately wished to fall, “Please don’t do this.”

“Try as you may Iruka you will not leave this house.” Mizuki released Iruka with a grin “ I have assured that.”

Without hesitation he walked to the door, pressing his hand flat against the frame. Below his fingers, the wood glowed a sickly green and to Iruka’s horror, it bloomed through the home in an unbroken line, a barrier that pulsed with some unseen force.

“It took a while to learn, but this seal is a neat trick, is it not? It truly renders you trapped.” Mizuki looked over his shoulder one last time “As your friend, I suggest you do not attempt to leave Iruka. You will pay the price.”

And then Mizuki was gone, the door slamming behind him with a damning finality.

Iruka wept, collapsing to the floor as he tried to collect what was now mangled and shredded ribbons of fine silk. Strands slipping through his desperate fingers.

He looked around the room, heaving sobs ripped through his chest. Mizuki had taken one of the last things that remained that his mother had left for him, he ripped it from Iruka, everything that was ever his. Soured and tarnished every memory. The walls looming and great, fine stones now oppressive and cold.

The pain and suffering were overwhelming, only an illusion of the crumbling facade remained. This was no longer Iruka’s home, had it ever been? He was a trapped beast, locked away to amuse Mizuki as he pleased. The air was stiflingly heavy, Iruka gasped, each breath a force of will. He could not bear how the walls closed in around him, it was all too much.

On shaking legs, he rose, every nerve in his body telling him he must flee, without thought, his body lead the way, desperate to find some escape from the gilded cage.

Iruka gasped trembling as he stumbled through the back door, body colliding with the hard stone, fingers scrambling over cold slate for purchase. He had made it into the back garden. The cool breeze was his only relief, as he fell to his knees/ There he buried his face into his arms against the stone bench.

There he wept, laying bare his grief and sorrow.

“Iruka?” A small timid voice called. Naruto poked a small claw into Iruka’s arm, but Iruka's burden still lay heavy on his shoulders. Burden once bearable now revealed, awoken to the shackles Mizuki had slowly placed link by link until it was too late.

“Iru?” a weight at Iruka’s side settled close nudging between his arm and body. Naruto‘s voice was high and trembling “Iru, are you hurt?”

Iruka sniffled, drawing in one last ragged breath to settle himself before wiping his tears on the scraps of his sleeves and shaking his head.

Naruto whimpered.

“Hello, little fox.” Iruka choked out as he tried to lay a soothing hand on Naruto’s shoulder. ”I am alright, I have just lost something very special to me.” The tears burned as they threatened to spill forth once again.

“Can I help?” The kitsune pressed closer looking up at Iruka with hopeful eyes.

A small sob escaped the man’s lips as he realized that Naruto might be condemned to the same fate as he, “Naruto I am so sorry. I have trapped us both.” He pulled the boy close sitting for a moment unsure of what he could possibly do. Perhaps-

No, it was beyond ridiculous to assume that Mizuki would make such a blunder, but he had to be sure.

He squeezed Naruto once more before releasing the boy to rise. Iruka treaded carefully to the garden gate, Naruto confused yet never more than a step behind. With a deep breath, Iruka pushed on the iron gate, it was icy to the touch and budged not an inch. He once again tried, but this time he put all his weight into it. The cold now stinging as a green hue appeared.

“What are you doing? Are we still going to the festival?” Naruto eyed the gate with suspicion.

Iruka sighed in defeat, “ No I am sorry Naruto, we shall not be leaving tonight we are trapped. Even if we could…” Iruka gestured to the state of his outfit, torn and shredded “I have nothing to wear.”

Naruto’s features molded into one of determination as he approached the gate, fingers pressing into the door the same as always, but it crackled at his touch, the air now buzzing. Naruto's face scrunched before grinning back at Iruka.

“I can open it” Naruto spoke with confidence, tails swishing as he wandered back into the garden. Iruka followed with an overwhelming curiosity.

“It’s just a bigger hunter spell, I think. I’ve been practicing.” The boy puffed

Iruka’s heart lurched but he quickly composed himself, he did not want to put pressure on such a small, sweet kid. And whatever did he mean by practicing? His stomach turned how long had Mizuki been subtly imposing his force upon the house?

“Naruto, are you sure-”

The kitsune turned as he walked the perimeter of the hedge wall with a scowl, that to Iruka was absolutely adorable. ”Iru, I. Can. Do. It. The moon gives me extra strength!” the boy beamed pumping his fist. Naruto pressed his hand on the bush and the crackling returned. Naruto tested a few more spots to Iruka’s awe.

This was not the usually frivolous and fun interactions that Iruka had witnessed of Naruto’s magic. Iruka could feel it, though small and possessing only a few tails the tension was palpable.

The leaves ruffled as the breeze picked up, a chill running over Iruka’s exposed flesh, aware of just how human he was at this moment, and how little he could do.

Naruto's hands emanated a warm glow as he prodded the greenery wiggling a few digits before removing them once again.

He had moved through the barrier. Naruto had made it through the barrier.

Iruka steadied himself, Naruto may have partially slid through the barrier but there was no guarantee it would work for Iruka. Mizuki was meticulous, he was still not convinced the same would apply to Iruka himself.

Naruto quickly slashed a clawed hand down the hedge, creating a small tear through the glimmering magical wall. The jagged edges of the barrier were just barely caught in the moonlight.

There was an opening.

The pair tested and prodded the tear until Iruka was satisfied, but that was not their only problem. Iruka stood in the garden assessing the true damage of Mizuki’s rage, hopeful there was something of the kimono that could be salvaged.

"I can make you an outfit!" Naruto chirped face alight and wild as he circled Iruka, poking at the torn kimono" It can be orange, and you can have all sorts of gems everywhere, oh and yellow, lots of yellow and green like frogs, I like frogs, and, and-"

"Naruto, take a breath," Iruka laughed. "So many fun things but-"

Iruka slid two pins from his hair, cradling them gently in cupped palms "could you match these?"

Naruto quieted eyes wide as he looked over the pins, careful fingers delicately tracing the crashing waves, he nodded. "Can I still make fancy jewelry?"

Iruka smiled at the voice light "maybe not gems everywhere..."Iruka took a moment to restyle the disheveled braid before sliding the pins back into place as Naruto scrambled up the stone lantern, tails swishing in excitement.

"Like how about this?" One clawed finger tapped the swirls that adorned his sleeve.

The crest of the Uzumaki Clan, a line of powerful kitsune that was now wiped out.

"Yeah, I would like that very much." Iruka ruffled his blonde mop of hair affectionately.

“Ok, Ruka you stay there.”

“You are the boss.” Iruka could not help being amused at the excitement that carried in Naruto’s voice, despite the terrible losses of the day and the burden upon Iruka's shoulders, he still had his sweet and mischievous sunshine boy. And if Naruto was determined to make sure Iruka went to this festival then how could Iruka ever say no?

It took but a moment for his transformation to be complete, a miraculous change occurring right before his eyes. Iruka had been transformed, layered with a kitsune glamour. The Kimono silks fine and colors more vibrant than he had ever seen. The jewelry was breathtaking and incredibly intricate. The pointed ear cuffs made him smile, a beautiful detail but also a nod to their craftsman, Naruto. Iruka would wear it all with great pride.
But at last, it was time to go.

Iruka crouched as he passed through the tear, the moment his feet connected with the back path, it felt as if freedom coursed through his veins.

“Let’s go!’ Iruka looked to Naruto, his hand outstretched, an offer.

“It's ok Iruka! I am going to try and work on breaking this seal.” Naruto beamed.

“Naruto surely you-”

“Believe it!” Iruka watched Naruto as he continued to push on the barrier, foxfire whipping around him is a fantastic display of magic.

Iruka’s lips quirked downward, voice warning “Naruto…”

The boy flushed a bit “I don't have enough tails yet…but tonight…”

Iruka's brain clicked, as it remembered the strange storybook that Naruto had insisted, he read night after night. The drollest story. Iruka felt foolish; it had been some sort of encyclopedia of magic, talking about great historic events rare moons included.

“The moon. Are you stronger under this moon?”

Naruto chirped, “Yeah, Iruka, I am going rid of the barrier! Then you can do whatever you like, and the mean guy won't make you sad anymore!” brows knitted in concentration.

Oh Naruto.

Iruka wished it was that easy, “How about you-”

“No” Naruto huffed, crossing his arms, oh the boy was definitely picking up some of Iruka's bad habits. Iruka smiled with a sigh, there was no budging Naruto once his mind was made up.

“How about this, you work on the barrier, and when you get hungry you come find me? And we can have some festival food? Maybe play some games?”

Naruto’s eyes lit up and Iruka’s resolve began to crumble.

“Anddd,” Iruka tapped his chin dramatically, “I think we could maybe get some sweets as well?”

Naruto’s arms were still crossed but his tails betrayed his excitement.

Iruka just had to wait, one two three-

Naruto crashed into him, nearly knocking the wind out of him with the force. Bright blue eyes gleamed with excitement, “Okay Ruka, but promise you will have fun?”

Iruka’s face softened a bit as he ran his fingers through Naruto's hair and hugged him close, he was such a sweet boy.

“I promise.”

Chapter Text

Iruka explored what he could of the shops and stalls, but as he expected Naruto had joined him not long after, sheepish and with his stomach complaining loudly. Somehow through all the sorrow and pain the Iruka still found himself laughing. That was the miracle of Naruto, come what may he made it all sweeter and brighter, Iruka’s personal sunshine. Iruka was only a little biased.

They flitted around trying all there was to see. The village truly came to life. Naruto had tried nearly every food they had to offer, played one round at every game stall, and truly making the most of every moment. Iruka’s wallet may have suffered, but the sleepy grin and boisterous “Thank you” he had received made it all worthwhile.

As the night drew on, the rambunctious laughter of children began to dwindle. Iruka peeked down at his companion occasionally with a keen eye. Slowly the boy’s feet began to drag, his eyes began to droop, and most telling of all, two fluffy ears kept poking up out of his human disguise.

“Hey,” Iruka ruffled the boy's hair with a grin, “It is getting pretty late. How about we head back?”

Naruto immediately pulled from his grasp, foot-stomping and arms crossed. “No, Iruka you promised. You promised you would go have fun.”

“I did have fun, Naruto!”

“Not enough,” The boy whined. “You gotta stay until the festival is over!”

“Fine, ok I’ll stay!” Iruka sighed as he held up his hands in defeat. Naruto was clearly not going to budge on this. The boy seemed satisfied with this as they approached the festival gate.

Quickly the boy disappeared into the darkness of the night, assuring Iruka the barrier would be handled in no time!

Naruto now gone, Iruka felt the weight of the night's event press upon him. He would stay true to his word, but first, he needed a moment to himself, a moment outside of the hustle and bustle of grand celebration.

A light walk would do him good, walking until he fell upon something unknown to him: a hidden garden.

Once on the outskirts of the village, the air was fresh and light, the world less so stifling and abrasive. The small garden was beautiful in the moonlight. Iruka had never seen such lavish plants before. He wandered along the garden's fence, fingers trailing the light petals, and exotic blooms, some so strange and unrecognizable, others mundane. As he leaned to examine the strange glow that came from what appeared to be a jasmine bush, he heard a rustle. Iruka froze, still shaken from the night's events and wary of his disguise.

“Ah Iruka darling,” a soft, sultry whisper slid through the night. “Don’t you look absolutely ravishing?” Anko sauntered from around a hedge, snake familiars wound about her opulent gown, twisting in glimmering loops up her arms as if delicate adornments.

Iruka, though relieved, gaped at the beautiful witch before him, no longer hidden in the shadows but glimmering under the moonlight.

Her predatory gaze was replaced with a boisterous laugh, “Iruka you will catch flies in your mouth if you leave it hanging open like that.”
“I apologize, Miss Anko.” Iruka flushed.
Anko’s nose wrinkled in displeasure at the name with a hiss, “Iruka, lovely, how many times do I have to tell you, drop the formalities.” A sharp manicured nail traced his cheekbone, “We know each other too well.”
It had been Anko, the elusive apothecary, who had hinted at the truth of the supernatural long ago. Though unseen and scarce it was never far from reach. At the moment the visage of an exotic herbalist died, replaced with something intangible. The flirtatious woman was a shadow of an unseen world. A world that existed, yet only brushed into the minds of humans.
Iruka stepped back out of the reach of Anko’s wandering hands. “Where are we? Here…” Iruka paused as he glanced around a garden, for all intents and purposes a normal garden, but something was different, something pricked at Iruka’s skin and tugged at his senses. It was somehow different. "This place…”
“Oh!” Anko’s eyes lit in delight, lips quirking. “So, you do sense it! Why don't I show you instead of telling you?”

Anko intertwined their fingers yanking him through the night, the dew wet on his toes as they weaved through the rows of flowers and shrubs, ducking past the hedges into a new place. The air was buzzing and warm.

A new path now revealed in soft light, small orbs floating and bobbing just above the grass. Iruka could hear the voices growing louder and louder and when they reached the small forest that surrounded the castle the world exploded in wonder. Creatures and beings Iruka had only heard legends of, or seen in the pages of storybooks, now walked freely through the streets.

“Welcome, dear human, shall we begin?”
Chapter 5: Night 1 and day after
Kakashi had spent day after day sifting through the endless scrolls of paperwork to spend his meals with the guests of the council, who had come to simper and beg for a taste of approval. He was disgusted by how they groveled, desperate to viscously snap up a scrap of power. Kakashi would have much preferred to disappear into a dark corner than speak another word.

His father, however, glowed in the spotlight twisting and glamouring each of Kakashi’s suitors, a perfectly planned distraction for when Kakashi could no longer bear it.

Tonight was no different as Kakashi swirled his untouched goblet, rolling his eyes as another fool, lured here by the council, chatted his ear off. Quick to throw upon him adulation and praise for such foolish things.

How could they speak so highly of him when they did not even know him? So frivolously throwing around battle victories as if they had not come with the greatest of prices. The man before him had no shame.

Kakashi did however have pity for the delicate woman at the Lord’s side. Carefully disguising her own hesitance as she hid behind her fan, in an attempt to spare Kakashi’s feelings. The man-was it Hizashi?- beside her paying no mind as he continued on in painful detail about the great generational prosperity of the Hyuga Clan. Kakashi continued to nod as he was trained, maintaining the perfect diligent face as expected. It was all for niceties in truth, Kakashi did not wish to marry the young woman, and she did not deserve to marry a man who could not ever love her.

“Thank you, Lord Hyuga, Kakashi bowed to the elf, “and you Lady Natsu”, carefully the prince risked a glance to what was transpiring in the courtyard below, from such a vantage point he was graced with the sight of grand beauty. Creatures, beasts, and beings from around the kingdom wandered the moonlight paths, congregating, passing, and reunifying in the courtyard. It was an incredible sight.

He had to hand it to his father and Tenzou, it was a beautiful layout, but it did not soften the blow that under the guise of the moonlight celebration a spouse was to be forced upon him. Though his anger still bubbled at that prospect, he couldn't help but yawn, for schmoozing with the aristocrats was utterly dull.

The streets were lined with filtered lights and grand booths. Everything moved quickly. There was no silence, no stillness to be found. Anko’s tugging hand guided him through as she laughed, a sound full of mischief and trouble.

Yet, Iruka’s nerves still gripped at his chest, he was out of place and unsure how had they not been spotted when only moments ago they had nearly collided with a particularly furry man carrying two tankards of ale. The man merely laughed, his joy echoing through the lane.

“Now that is the spirit of the Lunarium!” The man bellowed after them.

The last string of fear and dread that bound him to caution snapped. As he leaned into the mirth, he felt his own joy bubble up from within laughter spilling forth as they ducked into an alley.

“See I told you I’d show you a good time!” Anko looked back from over her shoulder, eyes wild and wisping tendrils falling loose of the looping coils. Iruka could feel the air pop with energy. But this energy did not repulse Iruka, making him wish to curl inside himself, it drew him forward with fascination. Was this what magic was supposed to be like? Mirth and excitement condensed and purified, filled with life?

Iruka halted, pulling Anko back, she smiled leaving their fingers intertwined, “Something the matter Ru?”

“Your… is?... what?” The words fumbled from his mouth as he gestured to all that surrounded them.

“Oh, my magic?”

Iruka felt the crackling warmth shift and move; Iruka had never been able to actually grasp at the fleeting feeling. “It’s…” Anko's eyes watched him, patient and sharp. ”It’s not cold?”

“Cold?” Anko laughed, “well no..” She pulled him back into a walk, releasing her hand but linking their arms.

“But the only other magic I have-”

“Oh no, you really do know nothing?” She looked at Iruka as if searching for something but came up blank. “All magic is different; it takes on the essence of the holder.”

Iruka hesitantly nodded as she continued on about the intricacies of nature and species.

Anko paused as they rounded the corner entering an illustrious makeshift courtyard. “But magic theory isn’t what we are here for. What would you like to sample first?”

“Anything.” Iruka smiled at the woman, ready at last to embrace all that came his way, he would squeeze every last moment of the opportunity he had.

The witch’s eyes glimmered with mischief. “I know the perfect place to start.”

Iruka had found himself engaging in a ridiculous series of events, challenges, and pranks. The most entertaining included betting on an impromptu sake chugging contest, shadow mimicking a stranger until you were caught, and a ribbon collection competition. Their most recent feat was the erection of Tower Dango: a most glorious stick fortress to have ever existed, built with the remnants of their most recent snack break.

Iruka was just about to place his last stick when a looming figure appeared out of nowhere. Iruka watched in horror, frozen, as Anko’s delicate form was quickly engulfed. Trapped in a monster’s embrace. The brute’s face shoved carelessly close to the coiling snakes as he mumbled something into the now disheveled locks. Iruka perilously fumbled for words as the fiend clawed at the small woman pulling her impossibly closer, massive hands greedy and desperate.

Anko’s composure transformed, posture loose, melting into the looming beast’s form. Her head fell back into its broad chest, not a glimpse of fear as if slipping into a familiar rhythm. The witch’s venomous glare dissolved as the man shifted, pressing a chaste kiss upon her cheek.

“What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time, dear?” A gruff yet affectionate voice questioned.

“Oh, nothing much, just getting into a little trouble with my friend Iruka. Oh, and Iruka this mountain of a man is my partner Ibiki.”

“Nice to meet you Iruka.” The man inclined his head with a smirk.

Kakashi had once again narrowly escaped a new gaggle of suitors, but it did not come without a cost. Gai had challenged him to a test of stealth. It had not been ideal, but it would work for the time being. The rules were simple, pluck a strand of hair from as many vendors as possible without being caught in ten minutes' time.

Kakashi was sure to win against the boisterous werewolf, but why not give the man a chance? Gai was afterall running on extra strength and speed under the blood moon. And so, the challenge commenced.

Kakashi dodged through the streets, sticking to the shadows and sideroads, plucking hairs one after the other, guaranteeing, an early lead. It was nearing the nine-minute mark when things changed. The Dango shop drew his attention. There before him was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen: a kitsune dripping in fine silks, adorned in all manner of glittering objects, was a face that Kakashi could not draw himself away from. Their expression on full display, open and honest for all to see. Presence full of levity and joy as they were arm deep in all manner of Dango.

Kakashi could not drag himself away, feeling as if pulled by a force that was beyond himself. Kakashi could only watch from a distance, wary and nervous to approach someone so vibrant and alive. It was Gai’s forceful smack to the back that shook him from his stupor.

“I am afraid you have lost, my dear rival, for see I have fifteen hairs!” Gai pronounced, before noticing where Kakashi’s gaze had landed. “I see… my prince, I shall take my leave so that you may woo the young gentleman that has caught your eye.”

Kakashi spluttered, unable to formulate any type of reasonable response before the werewolf had disappeared.

When his eyes returned to the shop, he found that the beautiful kitsune now sat alone. All Kakashi knew was that he needed to meet this beauty, the lovely kitsune, whose face he could not bring himself to glance away from. This was his chance.

“Good evening.” Kakashi slid into the seat beside the brunette.

“That it is” The stranger returned, Kakashi mesmerized even by the sound of their voice.

Kakashi was lost for words, but the silence did not last long as the man asked the most fascinating of questions. Their conversations branched from one topic to the next leaping to things Kakashi never dared reveal his interest in. No matter where the questioning went, the conversation never drifted to the discussion of the royal line.

It was a relief. It was refreshing.

Hours had passed and yet Iruka had not minded sitting, chatting with this endearing vampire in a Dango shop of all places. In all honesty, the man, Kakashi, he believed, was charming and sweet and Iruka wished he had met him in another life.

He was about to ask Kakashi about his occupation when the lanterns that hung throughout the festival flickered brightly for a moment before the warm glow steadied once more.

“What was that?”

“Oh, that?” Kakashi gazed up at the lantern “A lantern?” His eyes danced playfully, deadly fangs gleaming in the moonlight.

Iruka swatted at Kakashi's arm, rolling his eyes with poorly contained amusement. “No, it was there a moment ago, a flicker, all the lamps flickered for a moment.”

“Ohh that?” Kakashi smiled cheekily, “That would be the lunar surge.”

Iruka looked at him with further confusion, head tilted brows furrowed “The moon…”

“We are at the peak of moonrise; the magic’s last hurrah comes with this surge before it begins to wane.”

“As in the magic begins to dim?”

“I guess you could say that...” Kakashi's brow furrowed “Why?”

“I am sorry, but I must go!” The kitsune stood abruptly, guilt tugging at his heart as he fled without another word of goodbye.

Iruka raced through the street, if Naruto was already straining his powers… He did not want to think about what would happen if the tear were to fail. What Mizuki had laid as a backup, or how it might hurt Naruto.

Iruka knew he could withstand Mizuki, the scolding, the hateful glares, the cutting words, but Naruto?

There was simply too much unknown and with Mizuki’s recent twist, he could not risk the chance.

As he came upon the wooden thicket at the back of the garden, he spotted the tear much smaller than it had been at his last departure and shrinking quickly! Naruto curled up under the hazel tree.

“Ruka, I don't feel so good, I'm sleepy.” Iruka watched as Naruto slumped. “It hurts.” He may not have been magical but even he could sense the lack of brightness in Naruto.

If he had but only one moment more. Dejected, Kakashi sat in his mother’s garden as the sky began to lighten. Beautiful hues that reminded him of dreaded reality. He wished for one more moment, fingers stroking the soft petals. He hadn’t even caught the kitsune’s name.

Shutting his eyes, he embedded the image of the mysterious beauty in his memory. How could he ever forget? Kakashi returned from his rumination in the garden just as the sun began to crest over the surrounding forest.

One step into the palace and he was cornered by his closest circle, poking and prodding about where he had gone off to and who was this unknown kitsune he had been spotted with.

Kakashi slumped into the chair, his hand covering his face, never had his day been so tedious before. The duties he could grin and bear, but now his heart yearned for what could not be.

Chapter Text

Kakashi’s eyes drifted through the crowd, the drag of monotony. The same words strung in a different order. Endlessly painful. It was the sharp catch of blue and white that grabbed his eye, appearing for only a moment before disappearing amongst the crowd

Had his mystery man returned? Kakashi tracked a head of dark hair, and tanned skin as it dipped in and out of the crowd, searching for any sign it was him. And there they were, the crashing waves and glittering water droplets.

It had not been a mistake; he had seen it. He stepped forward ignoring the protest of the duchesses and lords. The calls and claws slid off with no effect.

He had returned.

Kakashi tried to settle his own hope, the memories of last night flitted across his mind. The man had run away swiftly, fear in his eyes, the implications unknown. Kakashi stalked through the crowd searching for lingering magic, the mischievous and teasing nature of a kitsune. The flash of blue silk, a glimmer of golden jewelry, the thrumming of an excited heartbeat that Kakashi wished to commit to memory.

He needed to see him, if only once more.

Kakashi squared his shoulders. He felt tickling nervousness travel up his spine as he approached, fear or excitement he could not be certain, but there was that laugh, cutting through it all, ringing out.

The kitsune’s head was tilted back in merriment and stepped in unison with a small child. He had seen this child before, the boy in the hall. Quickly the boy dragged the brunet to the next booth, huffing as the haggard old tengu bested them once again. Did they know each other? A million questions peppered his mind. Clearly, his mysterious beauty was more than he seemed.

This only furthered Kakashi’s interest, intrigued he wanted to know more. Learn it all. He yearned to swoop him away and learn all there was to know, but he knew eagerness did not win wars. Patience would have to do.

He would wait for the perfect moment and so Kakashi found a spot amongst the branches of a nearby tree. Here he would be unseen and unbothered at last. A few moments of peace would be nice. Kakashi kicked his feet up, settling into the lower branches, before pulling out Master Jiraiya’s latest work. He flipped through the pages enraptured, hanging off of every word.

It wasn't long before he felt a shift in the surrounding magic. He snapped his book shut and watched as the brunet called out to a rapidly fleeing child, confusion, and shock clear on his face. “Naruto!”

The boy waved without a word, before ducking into the crowd.

It all clicked into place at that moment, no wonder Kakashi had not heard a word of any recent kitsune migration, the man was not a kitsune, just under the glamor of one.

The man was a human

Kakashi was now more intrigued than ever, desperate for the truth that laid underneath the glamor and jewels. Kakashi watched as they drew closer to his location. This was his chance, but what could he possibly say?

What would capture the heart of the man his own heart knew to be his husband the moment he had set eyes upon? Only falling into deeper desire from his clever tongue and witty remarks.

Kakashi flipped through every line Asuma had offered but none seemed quite right. He tried to recall a line from one of his books, but time had run out, the man a handful of feet away.

It was now or never, Kakashi hopped from the branch, but his entrance had the opposite of its intended effect. The human jumped back with an alarmed squawk.

“Oh, oh n-I am so incredibly sorry.” Kakashi fumbled for his words, embarrassment overtaking sensibility. “Are you alright?”

The other man stared at Kakashi for a moment before howling in laughter. “Your face! Oh, I am so sorry I should not laugh, but you got me! Amazing!”

Kakashi was too stunned to speak, he had thought this all an elaborate prank.

“Yes, I am ok! Thank you for that I haven’t been on the receiving end of a prank in ages, I forgot how fun they are!”

Kakashi nodded unsure. “No problem, I was hoping to run into you again.”

“And I the same…” the other man’s smile softened, pink tinge brightened his cheeks. “In fact, I hear there is to be a grand dance tonight, perhaps we could keep each other company?”

“Yes!” Kakashi called out immediately, “Um, I mean yes I would love to continue where we left off last night.”

“My rival, shall we battle in love tonight? For whoever can glide through the night in passionate dance the longest shall win!” Tenzou made a sour face hidden from Gai’s view. ”A test of true stamina and social grace.” Gai waited not a movement longer, deeply bowing to the pouting druid. “May I have this dance, Lord of the Noble Forest of Roots?”

Tenzou startled for a moment, eyes wide before his lips quivered and he ensnared Gai’s open palm with his own. “You may…”

Gai was up in an instant swinging the man into a tight embrace, dance already begun with the tune imbued in his feet. “My rival, you should not delay if you wish to win!”

Kakashi paid no mind to his friend, turning back to the lovely man who drew him in like a moth to the flame.

His dance partner quirked an eyebrow, “A youthful challenge, huh?”

Kakashi averted his eyes, tips of his ears twitching, “Gai has issued challenges through our youth; tests of grace, might, and endurance. A test of our weakness and chance to grow further and farther than ever before.” Kakashi waited for the stinging laughter, waited for this beautiful dream to be shattered. Braced for their parting after the beautiful man before him disparaged his closest friend.

But the laughter never came, and Kakashi's eyes were drawn back to soft features and curious eyes.

“Perhaps we should continue our dance through the night. I would not wish to be the reason that you were to lose now, would I?” The human tilted his head back ever so slightly, eyes glinting in the lantern light.

Kakashi readjusted his grip, no longer loose and airy as he pulled the man closer, entangling their fingers. He was near breathless…

All at once, they were too swinging across the square.

“So may I know the name of the man I will be twirling around all night?”

“Iruka.” The smaller man's face flushed; eyes trained on the light crest on Kakashi's collar.

“Iruka. “ Kakashi mouthed in awe of the beautiful dolphin.

He stared at the crest that hung across the lands, embossed upon the armor of every soldier. Iruka needed to clutch to something fast, fill the ever-widening silence. “So, you are the prince?”

“Yes.”

“And you are a vampire?”

Kakashi chuckled, “Yes.”

“But you and your father-”

Kakashi continued the lovely steps around the garden path illuminated by the blood moon. “I am a born vampire.”

Iruka looked at him with great puzzlement.

“It is not common but born vampires grow and age just as humans until a certain point. Being born a vampire is a trait of the old families and those born-” Kakashi paused, did he really wish to loft his power, share the true extent of what his bloodline meant. Iruka had come to him with knowledge of his power of his skill, did he wish to chance what this could change?

“It gives you greater strength!” Iruka chirped, Kakashi gaped like a fish, Iruka further blurting out ,“Naruto, my kid, he brought me this book and well I thought it was about fairytales, but now that I am here…” Iruka gestured to their surroundings “I am realizing I was reading him an encyclopedia of magic as his bedtime story.”

Kakashi couldn't help but snort, “So that is the book he snatched.” Kakashi smirked.

“He stole it from the palace?” Now it was Iruka's turn to gape.

“He took it some time ago, that and a batch of Taiyaki.”

“Of course, he did.” Iruka rolled his eyes in playful annoyance. There was a moment of silence before Iruka interjected once more, “So want to tell me more about the eye, is it a special vamp thing?”

Kakashi’s face crumpled a moment before regaining perfect composure. “It belonged to a friend; he made a great sacrifice to save the kingdom. He saved my life. I owe him debt I will never be able to repay.”

Iruka fell silent, squeezing Kakashi’s fingers tight between his own, “I am so sorry for your loss when receiving this gift.” Iruka placed a gentle caress upon his cheek, thumb tracing the bottom of his scar, concern laced his features. “I am sure your friend has no regrets.”

Kakashi smiled, clasping Iruka’s hand in his own, turning his face to kiss the calloused palm. “So, what all is there to know about Iruka?”

The amicable chatter continued, and their fondness grew by the second.

A soft breeze ruffled through the pavilion as soft music poured from the main festivities, the moon illuminating the secluded garden terrace.

As their conversations had grown more intimate, more personal they had moved here, but they simply swayed quietly together in the moonlight.

Iruka chanced a glance upwards at the odd prince. Kakashi was looking out into the distance, watching the forest, gaze lost, before quickly glancing back to the man who had enraptured his heart. Where had the night gone?

“I must go,” Iruka said, eyes full of remorse and sadness. He had caught himself staring at Kakashi's lips and mouth while they had spoken and swayed to the soft music. He could devote the rest of his life to the vampire given half the chance, imagining what it would like to be by Kakashi's side and kiss that cherished face every morning..

The prince does not respond, only leaning closer to trail kisses across Iruka's scar and cheek until at last, he captures Iuka’s lips. The kiss is sweet and passionate but short as Kakashi pulls away.

A look of adoration clouded his features as he began to pepper kisses along Iruka’s neck. The tips of his fangs dragging lightly over the tender flesh.

The lanterns below flickered and Iruka pulled himself from the blissful feeling. “Kakashi, I must go now.”

Both were mournful in their parting.

Iruka. Kakashi now had a name.

“Iruka.” Kakashi let it roll over his tongue like a beautiful melody, as he set pace for the castle. This time he would not stand idle. There was only one night of the festivals left before Iruka would be gone forever from him, disappearing once again into the mundane realm.

Kakashi scoured every map and pulled every census in the village, looking for Iruka. If the man were a villager, he would have to be here somewhere. Kakashi could hear the rhythm of Iruka’s heartbeat still, his soft rhythm, hanging onto how it leaped in his embrace. The heart told all.

His beating heart…

The library was grand beyond compare: shelves of tomes ancient to modern could be found here. He navigated the maze of shelves with great ease. This was a safe place for him. His father had long ago banned the outside world from these walls.

“I remember when you used to sneak in here for bedtime stories, or to evade your tutors. They could never find you.” Sakumo chuckled as slid a book out from a shelf to Kakashi’s right.

“How did you know I would be here?”

“I did not know you would be here. I simply hoped.”

Iruka fell to the floor, chest heaving, trembling, as his fingertips grazed over his lips. He could not stand it anymore, a terrible sob ripped through his chest.

It would all be coming to an end soon. Iruka had originally been entranced by the beautiful vampire and his strange ways, curious to learn the secrets that hid behind the stony fortress. Never did he imagine that he would be offered entrance Past the cold defences of Kakashi’s unbeating heart.

That the walls erected around that unbeating heart AROUND THAT UNBEATING HEART would shatter with the crack of Iruka’s smile and the deep looming darkness of Kakashi’s eyes would light with excitement and intrigue as Iruka spoke to him.

Iruka had not expected to actually feel something for this man, not this vampire.
Iruka was only further drawn into him, he had wanted to know more, learn more. And then… then he was so thoughtless, foolish enough to kiss him. Iruka gasped, sucking in gulps of air.

Who had he become? He, a simple human, had dared to kiss a prince.

But Kakashi had not recoiled, no, he had furthered it. The thrill Iruka had felt, the desire and need to remain in Kakashi’s embrace was reciprocated. How far could this go?

Chapter Text

This time Kakashi was waiting at the gate, face alight in joy as he bowed to Iruka.
“Iruka,” Kakashi let it slip through parted lips, almost reverent as their gazes met.

“Prince Kakashi.” Iruka bowed low and formal, voice crisp and stiff, his cheeks burning under Kakashi's soft expression.

Kakashi’s coy aloof demeanor was now gone, as he tripped over his words, and spoke with hesitance, “Do you have uh-” Kakashi cleared his throat, “would you care to explore the gardens?” Iruka's glance was drawn to his mouth as he finished his request open to respond, “with me?”

“Of course, Prince Kakashi!”

“Just Kakashi.” his face softened, “please?”

“Ok,” Iruka hesitated, “Just Kakashi.” His tone carried something playful as he began to follow the prince down the garden and orchard paths.

Kakashi’s nose wrinkled at the heavy-handed joke, yet a glimmer of fondness peeked through.

Iruka’s heart ached. It was so pedestrian, so genuine, yet it could not be his. Every moment with Kakashi was borrowed. Iruka had twisted fate, and interfered in a world that was not his own. Their time was slowly slipping away, and Iruka could not do a thing. Kakashi would have to marry another, after all, that was the point of these festivities. Rage and sorrow were desperately clawing for control of Iruka’s heart. It was all so unfair, he had been given a brief glimpse of freedom and happiness only for it to be taken away, for duty and responsibility to keep them all in line. His breath hitched at the thought of Kakashi falling into another's embrace.

“Is everything alright?” Kakashi’s concern was plain on his face.

“Yeah, just reflecting on the past few nights” Iruka smiled and rubbed at the back of his neck, as he internally scolded himself for spoiling the little time they had left. He should be cherishing every moment, memorizing, and basking in Kakashi’s grin.

And so, he would.

As they walked the winding paths of the castle's inner walls Kakashi’s fingertips brushed along Iruka’s wrist, an offering. Iruka flexed his trembling finger, eyes locked on the path ahead. Intentions set; he began to meet Kakashi’s passing grazes with a bit more purpose.

The rapid thudding of Iruka’s heartbeat, an echoing rhythm.

Iruka risked a sideways glance at Kakashi as their fingers slid once more past each other, catching only slightly, to his surprise Kakashi's gaze had also wandered. A look filled with expression and emotion, but as their eyes met, the vampire quickly looked away. As he averted his gaze, Kakashi’s cold fingers wound into Iruka’s own.

Iruka allowed himself this indulgence, this sweet movement as he watched Kakashi’s ears twitch, eyes trained on the path and gardens ahead, his fingers shifting as if unsure, nervous.

Iruka found it adorable, the ear twitches were the vampire equivalent of a blush. He squeezed Kakashi’s hand gently before returning his gaze to the beauty that surrounded him, a wonder of its own.

They paused just outside a small clearing, hidden from prying eyes but not so far from the path. The surrounding trees provided a light covering but allowed for a beautiful view of the stars above.

Iruka was so engrossed in the beauty of it all he had missed the strange rustling in the trees above. Until a single acorn fell on top of his head, curiosity piqued he lifted his head and gaze to the surrounding canopy. There above them were Naruto's feet precariously perched on a teetering branch, torn and dirty.

“Naruto! What are you doing up there? You are going to get hurt!” Iruka scolded with a wagging finger.

“Huh? What Ruka?” The boy turned to Iruka, with a mischievous grin.

Iruka’s annoyance turned to horror as one misstep left Naruto teetering on one foot, desperately trying to catch himself.

“Naruto please come down,” Iruka pleaded. His heart raced as he remembered all the cuts and bruises from the last time Naruto had been startled by a dog while hopping across property walls. “Naruto, you wouldn’t want me to have to return us both home right now, would you?”

Kakashi was amused by the small display in front of him. Iruka was the spitting image of a scolding parent.

“Ok fine!” Naruto’s pout had turned to suspicious excitement. Naruto dropped out of the tree and Iruka's breath caught in that split moment of Naruto hovering midair before his fingers snagged and gripped tight to a lower branch. The boy was not yet in reach, but close enough to the ground for Iruka to be slightly less worried about the child’s impending death.

He waited there only a moment, swinging in the breeze before flinging himself in Kakashi’s direction.

“Naruto!” Kakashi snatched the kid out of the air, sitting him gently on his feet in front of the tree, while the boy laughed.

Iruka looked absolutely mortified. “Naruto! You cannot just-! Why were you-?”

“I wanted the flowers that only blossom at the very top of the tree… I thought you might like one.” Two tails swished in nervous guilt. “But I couldn’t get high enough…”

Kakashi winked at the blonde, “I’ll get you one.”

“But how?” Both Naruto and Iruka were clearly skeptical.

“I have my ways,” Kakashi said no more as he disappeared into the surrounding forest; they would find out soon enough.

“Kakashi I-” Iruka fretted, “Oh dear let’s get you cleaned up. The dust and pollen are atrocious.”

Iruka stroked the soft downy fury of the little bat, so fragile this creature was compared to the solid, quiet man he had become accustomed to. The mysteries of the reclusive prince tugged at Iruka’s curiosity. “Thank you.”

He tucked the flower into his hair as he mourned all the small details Iruka wished to claim for himself if he only had more time. The slow unwinding of revelation as they would discover more of each other, but no that was not what fate had intended.

Iruka cupped his hand protectively, Kakashi was so delicate and vulnerable between his palm, this immortal vampire trusting him so implicitly. Iruka shifted the bat to one palm using his free hand to brush the dirt off the extended wings.

Reality suddenly slammed through his haze as Naruto popped over his shoulder, the light pressure of tiny claws pressed into his shoulder.

“He’s kinda ugly.”

“NARUTO!”

“What!? He’s funny looking!”

“He is not!’ Iruka stroked the soft fluff brushing his finger over the small head and down the shoulder. Kakashi squeaked, leaning further into Iruka’s touch. “I like him very much”

“Iru, are you sure?”

Kakashi’s indignant squeaks and the fluttering of wings interrupted the conversation.

“I am sorry, Kakashi, you are right. We should not talk as if you are not here.”

The bat settled once more, content to be in Iruka’s warm embrace. They remain this way until Naruto’s stomach begins to growl.

Their remaining hours were spent in indulgence.

That was until the hour grew late. The Blood Moon, and Lunarium were slowly coming to a close and with them, Naruto's extra energy began to fade. Iruka saw how maintaining the barrier tear pulled at Naruto's very life force, their time was up. The house demanded their return. But Iruka's thinly veiled excuses, of illness, fatigue, and homesickness were opposed by Kakashi at every turn.

“Iruka, we have some of the greatest healers within the castle, it would be wise to take him-”

“No!” Iruka blurted,pain a fleeting expression across his face. “It has been a busy few days, it would be best if I were to simply be on my way.”
“I- it is complicated.”

Kakashi clasped both hands pulling them close to his chest. “Iruka please, when can I see you again? I must-”

Tears welled in his eyes, pulling his hands from Kakashi's grip. “Oh Kakashi…”

He pulled Kakashi forward by his shirt one last time, Iruka’s body so close to his as he connected their lips. This kiss felt desperate and final and Kakashi tried to pull Iruka closer, but instead, the human tore away scooping Naruto under one arm before dashing into the crowd.

Kakashi followed close behind with confusion and hurt plain upon his face.

Iruka glanced behind him, biting his tongue as he heard Kakashi’s frantic pleas. Guilt stabbed his heart, the air stolen from his lungs when their eyes caught across the courtyard.

In his distraction Iruka took a subtle misstep, tumbling into a broad shoulders tengu and a petite red eyed vampire “Excuse me, excuse me please.” Unbeknownst to Iruka one of the pins slid from his hair, lost to the chaos.

Kakashi was drawing ever closer. If Iruka did not do something now, they would never escape.

“Drop the glamor Naruto”

“But Ruka? Why are-?”

“Drop it now.” Iruka bit, words harsher than he intended. Regret filled him almost immediately as Naruto curled in on himself. But Iruka felt the magic slip away from his form, feeling as if naked, all loveliness stripped away, and flawless facade now laid bare to be seen by anyone who dared cross their path.

Iruka had made the right choice, what type of fool had he been to think someone such as Kakashi’s stature could be satisfied with this? The act could not last forever, Kakashi was better off never knowing the burden of being tied to a man such as himself.

He ducked through the final gate, so close to the path that led to the human revelry. If he could only make it there….

The moment they had returned to the house, Naruto had collapsed, Iruka carrying him inside to the kitchen, fetching the salve Anko had pressed into his hand the first night. Without a thought smearing it on the kitsune’s wrist and ankles.

“Ruka,” Naruto sniffed. “I am sorry I was not able to break the barrier.”

“Oh Naruto, how could that ever be your fault.” Iruka crooned

Naruto slunk into his arms, “are you sure?''

“Yeah, I am sure.” Iruka ran his fingers through the mess of blonde hair, “It was lovely while it lasted.”

Chapter Text

Kakashi’s footsteps echoed in his chamber; maps of the village spread across the table. Scrolls of citizen censuses were tossed aside. No matter where Kakashi searched or the number of scrolls he pillaged, the name was lost. There was no record of the beauty. Each failure tore at Kakashi’s worn patience.

Frustrated and dejected he snatched the census log once more, slumping, hoping that one more read would somehow change the contents he now knew by heart. Kakashi was drawn from his endless turmoil by the approach of purposefully echoing footsteps. Kakashi knew them well. Preparing for the worst, he buried himself further within the document. He simply wished to be alone in his turmoil.

“Kakashi, you have not fed fully in days.” His father invaded the library, tray in hand. A dark liquid rippled in the crystal decanter as it was placed before him.

Kakashi made a noncommittal noise, not quite ready to drag his eyes from the page.

“At least a single cup,” Sakumo sighed as he pushed the goblet into his son’s hand. “It will tide you over.” Worry marred Sakumo's usually jovial features as he watched his son with careful eyes waiting for the first sip.

“I do not-” Kakashi halted at his father’s expression. Kakashi drank from his own cup. A slow sip, an appeasement, nothing more. Nothing tasted the same as it once had, nothing ever would be quite as lovely as what he had nearly experienced with Iruka. He craved nothing else. The world dulled without him. He glanced down into the ornate goblet, fingers tightening, as he swirled the dark liquid, forcing himself to once again bring the cup to his lips one final time. The other goblets wobbled as Kakashi replaced his now drained cup upon the tray with unneeded force. His father was right as much as it pained him he would be of no use if he were half starved.

“Tell me about this Iruka you are so desperate to find.”

Kakashi snapped up baffled, “How do you-”

Sakumo did not miss a beat, “As King, I simply know.”

“Gai told you,” Kakashi gazed with suspicion, “Oh that traitorous…”

“Oh hush, Gai is not the enemy. Stop torturing your poor father.” Sakumo laughed heartily.

Kakashi rolled his eyes at his father’s over dramatic complaints. “I think…” Kakashi sighed, resigned and desperate, “It seems ridiculous”

“I assure you it is not.” Sakumo’s voice was firm, certain.

Kakashi collapsed into the chair, refilling his goblet, he stalled the inevitable, once more drawing a long swig from the goblet with a grimace. One large breath as he braced to spill what he had been so desperately trying to contain. “I think I may love him, Dad.”

Kakashi watched as his father’s eyes sparkled, “Well, what are you waiting for?”

“He’s a human, father. The council will never approve.”

Sakumo scoffed, “Since when have you cared what the council thinks? You have slighted their wishes at every offered chance since you were able to talk.”

“But, what if they do something… there is a child.” Kakashi grimaced, “It is not above them and you know this.”

Sakumo froze for a moment, face unreadable. Kakashi felt fear pool in him but also bitter protectiveness, yes Naruto was not bound to them by blood but he was just a scared and small kit, and he was not up for negotiation. Kakashi would not waver on this. But as quickly as the stunned expression had appeared on Sakumo’s face, it was replaced with that of pure joyous wonder.

“There is a child? I will have a grandchild?” Realization dawned upon his face, the king’s voice full of unrestrained glee. “I will have a grandchild!”

“Well Dad, no, not exactly we cannot know for certain, nothing is official…”

“Does your heart not ache for them?”

“Well, yes but-”

“Then it is settled.” Sakumo squared his shoulders, certain and unwavering, a display of true power, a descendant of generations of deep-rooted vampiric blood. “The council will dare not deny the king… or I will have to remind them of their place.” Sakumo flashed deadly fangs, he was not king by lineage alone.

Kakashi was exhausted and frustrated, his search a maze of endless dead ends with still no hope of escape. The last rays of daylight slid across the path as Kakashi fell below the large oak, noticing the small claw marks that marred the bark.

They had been here, right here only a night ago, everything so perfect, before it slipped between his fingers. He had run the memories of that night over and over searching for the misstep, what turn he could have taken to have ensured that their boisterous laugh still rang in his ears. His eyes slid shut as his head fell back onto the rough bark of the ancient tree.

He had only one thing left of them, of him.

The prince hesitated before pulling the carefully wrapped item from within the breast of his yukata. His fingers hesitated before he slowly began to unfold the silken wrap, discarding it at his side. Kakashi cradled the small pin in his hand, so beautiful and intricate. There was a slight twitch to it, however, as if it were reaching out to something unseen, calling. Surely it couldn't be….He felt it pulse once more.

It seemed there was a magic still lingering in it, a subtle more subdued magic that had been masked by Naruto’s glamor. Such magics were possibly inherent to the stone or to the creator, but either way wisp of magic still lingering after all these years. The pin’s magic calling out, longing to be with its pair.

“I know how you feel,” Kakashi muttered under his breath. Quickly the pin was returned to the yukata, Kakashi rising to seek out Master Jiraiya.

The rest of his evening was spent at Jiraiya’s side amongst piles of endless literature, pouring through every known scroll or tome of tracking magic. His and Jiraiya’s scouring of the archives once again renewed with new purpose. It was all laid before him, all there was to be known of the properties of residual magic.

Kakashi’s wings beat tirelessly, the silver pin humming, vibrating, beckoning to its other half. It took great restraint but he resisted the urge to hasten the process by any means. This included not throwing himself at every house window in the village, or beating down every door.

Kakashi was close. The pin’s magical pull increased by the moment.

But not yet close enough to hear the steady thump of a heartbeat he had committed to memory, soft breaths that Kakashi could pick out in a crowd, he would not settle for anyone else. Kakashi wished to disrupt their gentle lulls, their steady rhythm, to know that what he felt was not only his alone.

The song warbled, losing key before beginning to fade away. Kakashi had never seen the spell react in such a way, swooping once more to back over the street. The magic sputtered as if disturbed. The disturbance covered too broad a range, so on foot he continued.

Door to door he would go, until he found what he sought.

Iruka looked to the moon longingly, returned to its normal form. One more reminder that it had all been a fleeting dream. Reality had once more taken hold of the waking world, but here under the moonlight Iruka would remember his sweet koumori. Their meeting but a brief fleeting moment, but the happiest Iruka had ever been. A glimpse of what could have been in any other lifetime.

As he went to turn from the window a glimmer of silver caught his eye, his breath caught in his chest for but a moment as he searched the skies for the familiar silver bat. But, alas it seemed to only be a mere trick of the light or wish of a hopeful heart.

Iruka’s eyes returned to the final reminder of what had transpired under the blood moon. He cradled the lonely pin fingers brushing the soft swirling pattern of the waves, woeful of the loss of its match, beautiful alone but useless.

His thoughts were interrupted by three crisp knocks upon the front door. He rose to answer the door, to send away the midnight intruder. As he approached the stairs he heard the muffled sounds of conversation. Surely Naruto wouldn’t have-

“I cannot cross the threshold without permission,” a familiar voice echoed through the halls. “You really shouldn’t be open-”

“Come in already! You sound just like Iruka” Naruto snapped.

“Wait the wards!” Iruka was now full sprinting down the steps, he could not sentence Kakashi to his doomed fate.

But it was too late, there in the center entryway stood his koumori. His heart thudded as terrified as he was, he could also not deny his relief, a stifled hope resparked.

“Iruka, what do you mean?” Kakashi’s eyebrows knit in confusion and worry, eyes soft. “Are you in danger?” His eyes searched the room, voice now tense.

“Kashi found us! He found us!” Naruto chirped, “Ruka he can get rid of your binding! We never have to come back. No more Mizuki!”

He hadn’t meant to but he moved toward Kakashi, he was now within reach and he could not help but step closer
“You came.”

“But of course.” Kakashi’s smile as sweet as he remembered.

As Iruka moved to step into his embrace, Kakashi crumpled.

As Kakashi fell he met the malicious grin he knew all too well. The attention was not long directed at him but over his shoulder.

“Hello, little kitsune…”

“Naruto, run!”

Kakashi was drawn from the darkness of unconsciousness of oblivion by the horrors of screaming and screeching filling the halls. He had only just finished speaking with Naruto. There were no playful growls or fierce anger, it was pure panic. Slamming further into Kakashi’s chest how small the kit was, unable to do much of anything on his own, all bravado and snipping lost in fear. The child had suffered and put up a brave face for so long to survive; Kakashi could not bear the thought of his kit ever alone and in fear ever again.

And then he was gone, out of the range of his senses, panic and rage gripped Kakashi’s heart.

Kakashi tore and bit through his bindings, enduring the shocking pain keeping him trapped.

Why did he need Naruto? He could have made a clean escape and never had to come face to face with an enraged vampire.

The pieces fell into place, the wards, the strange trips, Mizuki was no human toying with magic, he was a hunter in search of a prize. A prize great enough to garner him prestige amongst the filth. A kitsune claw would earn him acceptance and riches beyond comparison. But a live adolescent Kitsune was something else entirely.

Kakashi bared his fangs. Countries would fear Mizuki, hunters far and wide would gather to claim and tear at each other for a scrap of the magic. Nothing of the kit would remain. Kakashi let forth a call that was feral and guttural and deadly. That would not be happening. Not as long as Kakashi would still fight.

His mind now slid to the human, what had become of Iruka? He would have never willingly allowed Naruto to be torn from him.

Panic surged, but he had no more time to ponder with every moment Naruto’s fate was being sealed. Racing up the damp flight of stairs he found the door unlocked. Kakashi bit his lip in frustration as he tried to catch Naruto’s rapidly fading scent.

Something strange tugged at Kakashi’s senses, something new amongst the dizzying jumble of magic, curses, hexes, counterspells, seals, and sigils. He was quick to assess his surroundings for any further danger, cautious of what lay underneath.

The door to his right trembled, and then again, as if something was trying to beat against it, trying to escape.

One crimson eye now locked upon the hidden sigil. Silence

He felt something unravel as his claws marred the dark cherry wood.

Screams poured forth, desperate and feral. They stopped only to be replaced with gasping breaths, before the assault began again meshing with the pounding thuds of a body against wood.

Kakashi snapped the door open desperate to reach Iruka and snatching Iruka’s hands before the fist could make contact.

Iruka’s face relaxed for a moment, quickly calling out for Naruto, but received no response.

“A Hunter! White haired!” Kakashi bellowed, waiting not a moment more to follow the quickly fading trail. He wished he could offer Iruka more explanation, but there was not enough time.

“Mizuki!” Iruka raged as his footsteps pounded the dirt as he caught up to Kakashi. “Follow me, I know where he is.”

Chapter Text

The door caved with ease beneath Kakashi’s strength, Iruka ducking into the darkness before Kakashi could say a word.

The building groaned with every whip of the wind. This was not the beautiful and magical crumbling fort he recalled from his childhood. All that was once magical now menacing.

Iruka hears nothing but pure silence as he searches uselessly in the pitch. Breaths coming ragged and rushed from the run over, fighting the panic back at every moment lost. He went to speak, but Kakashi held up a hand.

Iruka paused, watching the poised silhouette in the moonlight.

“They are upstairs” Kakashi moved quickly and silently despite his weakened state.

“How can you tell?” Iruka, was desperate and clumsy as he mimicked each step nearly falling more than once in the darkness.

Kakashi paused panting right below the entrance to the second floor, snatching Iruka back before he barreled onward. “It is their heartbeats, I can hear them but more importantly their breathing, I can tell it is the little fox”.

Livid Iruka clutched at Kakashi’s shirt, forcing the man to meet his eyes. “Then why have we stopped?” Iruka snapped.

“Hunter's traps” Kakashi growled through his teeth. “They are just beyond that door, I’ll-”

Iruka was already moving to crash through the hallway, he felt the pinpricks of magic tear at his skin, small wounds set to deter more than completely halt a grown man.

Kakashi yanked him back once again frustration lacing his features. “What are you doing? I was saying we need to break the seals. It is the only way we can bring Naruto back through safely.” The vampire paused, clearly in pain,” It has a stronger effect on magical beings. ”

Iruka released a breath, mortified he had nearly risked fatally injuring both Naruto and Kakashi in his haste. “Okay. Can I do anything?”

“Yes.” Kakashi smiled at him “You see that pillar; I am going to need you to search for any irregularities.”

“And when I find them?”

“Take this.” Kakashi pressed cold steel into his palm. “Break a line in the seal with this blade and it will undo any curse, trap, hex, or otherwise.”

Iruka had just made it to the pillar when the silence was shattered. The sobs of a child and the screams of a man echoed through the halls. Iruka had not felt such rage in his life, slashing the seal with no mercy. The moment the spell dispersed Kakashi was gone, and Iruka followed right on his heels.

Iruka’s fingers trembled as he ran them over Naruto’s face, cataloging every bump, scrape, and bruise. “It’s ok, it’s ok”.

Iruka's voice trembled, desperate assurances spilled from his lips as he brushed away the child's tears with his own shaky smile, Naruto, in turn, leaning into the touch with a whimper. Iruka wrapped a secure arm around the kitsune as he stumbled to his feet. Naruto’s breath hitched as he buried his tears amongst Iruka’s collar. Desperately, Iruka dragged them further from the darkness, his leg trembling under the added weight, eyes frantically searching in the gloom, ever on edge, until he caught sight of a flash of silver in the moonlight.

In the corner of his vision, Kakashi's form appeared hunched over Mizuki. Their eyes met across the pitch, drawn together, entranced. There was something feral and unrecognizable there, in the burning heat of the lone crimson eye, something driven by rage and desperation.

Mizuki was still cursing, his howls echoing into the darkness.

“Quiet” Kakashi forced out, voice gravelly and strained as he held Mizuki’s wrists.

“As if I would let you order me around. A beast walking about as if it were a man, how pathetic.” he spat at Kakashi “you are weak, you are barely holding yourself up now I can see the tremble.”

Even now Mizuki’s arrogance permeated every edge of his being, refusing to accept his reality, trapped, and restrained by the prince of their village, a war hero, a vampire.

Iruka trembled, how did he still fret over Mizuki? The man had kept him locked away for years, suffering, dangling everything he could ever want in front of his face never allowed to touch.

He looked down at the whimpering boy in his arms, all love or remembrance of Mizuki, any fondness that had ever graced his heart was ripped out from the root, replaced by cold bitter hate.

He had hurt Naruto. Iruka’s sweet sunshine, the warmth that had filtered through the cracks of his locked cage, just as he had begun to lose his grip on hope. Iruka could never let go of that, the terror on Naruto’s face as he had been shoved into the bag or trembling fear as he collapsed into Iruka’s arms.

He could not let Mizuki live, he would spread the word and more hunters would come. Naruto would never be safe. Kakashi’s nails bit at the palm of his flesh, desperate to remain bound to clarity, but he was tired, Naruto was missing, and Iruka was distressed, and every part of him screamed. He was failing them, he was a prince, he was a vampire, and he could not protect them from one lousy hunter.

His bloodlust was begging to be satisfied. He wanted to see the man suffer, life leaves his eyes. He resisted no longer.

Kakashi buried his fangs deep into the soft flesh of the man's neck. His thirst had grown unbearable, unending suffering as his body betrayed him, the binding magic had stolen all that he had.

With a sputtering gurgle, Mizuki flailed limp lifeless as he fed. Weak, and filled with endless rage Kakashi was unable to stop. He would drink until the monster had run dry; only then would he be satisfied.

Iruka clutched Naruto tight to his chest holding his head close, ensuring the boy could see the gore, but Iruka could not drag his eyes away. The pristine shirt he had once ironed left now streaked with flesh and blood.

“Iruka do you-?” Kakashi rose but then hesitated, waiting for Iruka to cower, turn away from him in fear and shield his child from the monster that was Kakashi.

Iruka pulled himself on shaking legs to his feet, Naruto clutched tight but never cowering or sliding away from Kakashi, eyes only trained on the broken man on the floor.

Iruka toeing the man at first, then kicking the limp figure, “Good.”

As they passed the threshold Naruto made a soft sound that tore at Kakashi's heart, how he longed to follow them, how he needed to follow them. How he knew he shouldn’t.

Iruka paused turning his head back, face set in certainty

“What are you waiting for? We want to go home.”

Chapter Text

It was a quiet return home, Kakashi on guard while Iruka carried the all too quiet Naruto on his back. The boy's face was buried in the tangled strands at the base of Iruka’s neck. Uneven breaths were a clear sign the boy was awake, but not yet ready to talk.

The entire time Kakashi was never further than an arm’s length away, guiding them as Iruka struggled to stay focused.

They had saved Naruto; Mizuki was dispatched and as far as it seemed Iruka could now live a life of peace. On paper it was perfect, but all was not right. Iruka’s world had changed entirely.

He let his body move of its own accord as he came to terms with what came next, marking the myriad of things to be done, considering all the possibilities. There were so many avenues now opened, it was a bit dizzying. As if he had not known the crushing weight he had been under, slowly adjusting as the burden grew over time. Now with a sweeping rush, it had all been removed leaving Iruka gasping for air he did not know he had ever missed. Each step, a defiance of Mizuki’s gilded cage.

When they, at last, reached the village Kakashi's fingers brushed Iruka’s side, directing them toward the forest and the large walls of the palace.

Kakashi spoke not a word, something wild in his eyes, as he ran a soothing hand through Naruto's hair with a gentle pat on the back, he guided Iruka along, as he blocked the path to the winding streets below. His shoulders tense body rigidly different from the relaxed aloof man Iruka had come to know. Iruka softened his voice reaching for Kakashi's free hand.

Iruka jerked away, “Kakashi, no'' he stepped towards the village path.

The electric tension that had been holding them tight snapped. Iruka softened his voice reaching for Kakashi's free hand.

“Kakashi, Mizuki is gone. Can we please return to my home?”

Kakashi snapped back to attention, “No.” His eyes wide and desperate, ”the palace, it will be-”

“Kakashi.,” Iruka snapped, exhausted and tired. He was carrying a terrified child who did not need the stress of a scary new place added to the lump of other fears. “Naruto needs his home” Iruka blinked back tears, who was Iruka joking he wanted to be home, amongst familiar walls that were no longer tainted and bound by Mizuki, with his soaps, and his blankets, his clothes, and his shoes.

Naruto whimpered, and Iruka shifted. “Please, you can stay.”

Kakashi's protective, sweeping gaze now locked on Iruka before flicking to Naruto for a moment. His face softened, soothing the boy with a gentle brush of his hand down Naruto’s back, before quickly tucking a strand of hair behind Iruka’s eat hesitating before letting the words pass his lips,

“Okay, as you desire.” His voice was barely a whisper as he bent close, pressing a soft kiss to Iruka’s temple.

The trip was short, Iruka quick to lead Kakashi through all the hidden shortcuts that were near second nature. They moved through the village with ease, not drawing the attention of a single soul.

The following days passed quickly. Naruto, quiet and hidden, often spending long hours wandering the village before his nightly return. It unsettled Iruka that the boy was gone from his sight so often, but what say did he have? He cared so deeply for Naruto his chest ached, but he could not withhold the outside world.

He would be no better than Mizuki.

So, he would let Naruto scamper away, returning later to blankets ruffled, bed empty, no longer allowing Iruka to brush out his tails, never cuddling into Iruka’s embrace.

Kakashi's presence was always nearby, comforting in those first few days, where memories of Mizuki still lingered. Naruto seemingly settled some in his presence as well, accepting the gifted sweets, leaning into affectionate ruffles of the hair.

Kakashi moved slowly, never pushing or prodding for more, letting Iruka and Naruto set the pace. It was a strange feeling to be fully in control of all that went on in his home, to know that he never had to live in fear or worry of Naruto being discovered again.

The house shook with each thunderous clap. Iruka’s hurried footsteps echoed through the kitchen as they beat a familiar path.

Naruto was nowhere in sight. Iruka was stricken with fear, he began to bite his lip once again. The buzzing nagging fears shoving away rational thought. Iruka’s feet returned him to the kitchen window, hoping for a different outcome than his own sad reflection. Another flash of lightning revealed no sign of hope. No flash of orange.

What if the boy was trying to enter through a different window and Iruka had left it locked? Iruka wrung his hands trying to consider every possibility. He hurried to each window unlatching them one by one, still, there was nothing, Iruka was no longer willing to restrain himself; he needed to be out there searching.

“Ruka,” Kakashi crooned, reaching for his distressed love, but Iruka did not allow Kakashi’s comforting embrace. Naruto was out amongst the whipping winds, what comfort did he deserve?

“I have to go out and find him” Iruka fixed Kakashi with a firm glare. “I don't care what you say, it will happen, I will not leave him out there alone.”

Kakashi sighed, “There will be no convincing you, will there….”

“No.”

“Then let me go, you will catch your death out there.” Kakashi reached out to cradle Iruka’s face.

“Fine.” Iruka did not like it, but he fell to logic. How could he care for a sick or injured kitsune if he was ill himself?

Iruka’s eyes began to disobey him, the windows blurring before blackness completely overtook him.

The sharp noise of claws scraping glass brought Iruka back from the pitch. His body jumped into action as the next flash of light outlined a small figure, two typically fluffy tails drenched and sagging.

The side table overturned in Iruka’s dash to the window. His fingers fumbled with the lock; the loud click brought only slight relief. Naruto did not have a second to react as Iruka scooped his trembling frame close, caring not of the cold wetness that now speed into his own clothes. His own shiver was ignored as the boy trembled and whimpered in his arms.

Iruka was quick to move to Mizuki's no, his bathroom. He needed steaming hot water now. With a bit of coaxing and a few tears to his shirt, Iruka was able to detach the still frantic child.
Naruto was swiftly settled into the rapidly filling tub, clothes, and all, Iruka couldn’t care less about proper etiquette at this point.

Kakashi returned to the house not long after, and the truth was revealed about Naruto’s disappearances. The poor boy had taken all the blame and guilt upon his own shoulders, wishing to spare Iruka and Kakashi any further pain. The following hours were spent with the pair comforting, reassuring, and insisting they wanted Naruto in their lives no matter the circumstance, and that only one person was at fault for all that had transpired, Mizuki.

Iruka rested his head as it continued to throb in protest of the late hour and racing fear, secure and comforted only by the fact that there was a decent size lump clinging to his night clothes. Iruka stroked the fluffy now dry ears with the utmost care.

Naruto sleepily nuzzled closer, “Ruka”

Kakashi sat next to them, face soft, as he pulled the blanket up higher, tucking it under Naruto’s chin.

“Kashi?” Naruto sniffled, eyes blearily

“I’m here,” Kakashi whispered, as his face turned to Iruka.

Iruka wanted to say something, anything but Kakashi was quickly turning into a blurry blob of silver.

A cool palm cradled his face. “Rest my beating heart, I will keep watch.” Kakashi began to rise.

Iruka blinked rapidly, trying to clear his mind of encroaching sleep. “Koumori” he croaked, clinging to the man who had seen Iruka as he was and asked nothing more.

Kakashi paused still as moonlight poured over him. He looked like true regal beauty, in Iruka’s old clothes, hair disheveled, amongst the mundane his true elegance shone brightest.

“Please.”

“Iruka,” he whispered as he paused, “What do you mean?”

“Stay here with me, with us” Iruka could feel sleep tugging him down, his body insisting he succumb to gaping darkness. “You can watch from here.” Iruka untangled his fingers, splaying them across the downy blankets, voice firm in his last grasp at the waking world, staring Kakashi in the eye. “Stay.”

A looming sadness is relieved by a deep chuckle “Of course, my beating heart if you so insist. I could never deny you.”

Kakashi smiled to himself, book in hand as Iruka's warmth seeped into his side, head tucked in close. Kakashi would be glad to take his guard from here any day.

Naruto squirms in Iruka's grip until he has pulled himself from where he once was, quickly tumbling over scattered limbs and making a space for himself in between the two adults.

Kakashi cannot help but be amused as he watched Naruto overtake Iruka’s form. Kakashi adjusts slightly and the little kit makes quick work burrowing himself into the kit sized hollow.

It was a house finally at peace.

Chapter Text

“Dad I would like you to meet-"

“Oh I have heard all about you!” A boisterous call rang through the palace. “Kakashi, why have you made me wait so very long.” Sakumo was across the room in an instant.

Kakashi quickly stepped in front of Iruka and pushed Naruto between them voice firm, “Dad they don’t know you, and they are fragile. ” The older man looked like a dejected puppy but pulled his arms back.

“I am not fragile.” Iruka retorted arms instinctively crossing.

"Yeah!" Naruto chirped.

Sakumo laughed. “You most certainly are not! Kakashi should know better. Welcome to the family Iruka and Naruto!”