How Kakashi learned to become so affectionate was something Iruka credited to the ninken. Still, it was effective; he relaxed, enjoying the warmth of Kakashi's body against his back, of his arms around him. Kakashi's hold was strong and tight, and Iruka turned slightly towards him. "I'm not sure what she's more upset over," he admitted, rubbing Kakashi's forearm idly. "The fact that I broke things off so soon, or that I broke things off and then involved myself with a man. I /did/ say sorry."
"--She liked you, you weren't able to return her feelings. She feels jilted," It seemed simple enough; however, his train of thought trailed off somewhat as he felt Iruka turn in his grasp, the chill noticeably diminished as the chuunin began to rub at his arms idly. Not that she'd really any right to be, two platonic dates hardly enough to warrant such a bitter reaction from anyone. Young women were troublesome in that regard, Kakashi noted distantly, another reason the Jounin never dabbled in relationships as a younger man.
"Perhaps you should approach Lady Hokage about this problem, Iruka. It's counter productive to have two shinobi unable to communicate properly." He mused softly, easing into Iruka's familiar stature with a sigh. Silence, thick silence followed and that silence blanketed both men like a heavy quilt until Kakashi finally spoke once more.
Breaching the air with question that left a strange, acrid taste in its wake:
