Chapter 3

General Pov

Kakashi stood to his feet when he heard a knock on his door. "I bet it's (Y/N)."

He reached for the knob, pulling the door open. "Did you finally decide to just tell hi..." his words trailed off when he watched your devastated state. Your eyes were red and puffy. It looked like you'd be crying for hours. When the door opened, you looked up with a forced smile.

"H-Hey Kakashi. I-I was right. H-He really doesn't see me as anything more than something to protect. I...I was rejected..." you mumbled brokenly. You felt pathetic, crying for such a simple thing. Kakashi didn't utter a word, just pulled you into his arms. You stood at the door unmoving as he held you. You couldn't even cry anymore, you were too exhausted. Your eyelids lowered as you slumped against Kakashi. He picked you up gently, as he carried you inside. Kicking the door closed behind him.

"That idiot."

~~~

"You'll always be someone I have to look after."

You jolted awake, eyes looking around wildly. Your hands clenched the sheets below you as you took even breaths. When your body had started to calm down, you looked around confused.

"Where am I?"

"So you're finally awake. " your head turned. "K-Kakashi..When did I get to your place?" He looked at you sadden. "You came to me yesterday, you were crying."

A slow recognition crossed your face. "That's right...Iruka rejected me.." you pushed the sheet off your body, slowly standing. "Hah, guess I overreacted a little. That was pretty stupid of me. Sorry you had to deal with that." You made sure and kept your eyes low. You already felt stupid for running to Kakashi with your problem. You didn't want to humiliate yourself anymore.

Kakashi's eyes watched you keenly. His mind trailed back to your earlier state. When you came, you were a wreck. It took a few hours for him to finally calm you down. Shortly after, you had fallen asleep. The emotional strain of it all must have caught up to you. Kakashi took the opportunity to go and confront Iruka. He had watched the both of you dance around each other for years. There was no denying that Iruka had feelings for you. That's why it baffled him.

It didn't take long for him to find the brown haired teacher. Iruka was at the training grounds, sitting down at the stump of a tree. His head was in his hands, body trembling.

"Why did you reject her." Iruka flinched, looking up. His eyes were sharp as he looked to the side. 

"This doesn't concern you Kakashi. Just leave it alone."

Kakashi didn't back down. "You were all she had after she lost her entire clan. She looked up to you, strived to be someone you could be proud of. All she wanted was recognition. An acknowledgement, that you saw her as more than just the broken little kid you always looked after. Why turn her down if she has the same feelings you hold for her?"

"You don't know what you're talking about. She doesn't see me that way."

"She doesn't? Then why did she run to me crying." Iruka stood quickly.

"What!"

Kakashi noticed the look in Iruka's eyes. "He does feel the same..."

"Why did you reject her?" Kakashi asked again. Iruka's eyes shifted.

"You wouldn't understand." Iruka muttered.

"I think I understand perfectly. You're a coward. You weren't sure of her feelings, so you rejected her to protect yourself. "

"SHUT UP!!" Iruka yelled out clenching his fists.

"That's it..maybe if I push him a little I can help the both of them." Kakashi knew what he had to do. Iruka wasn't going to step up unless he was forced to. And he needed to be the one to, you're heart was already trampled on, you wouldn't take another chance unless Iruka was the one to initiate it.

"It's up to me." Kakashi thought.

"It's over with you too. Now that you've blown it, I'm going to have my fun." Iruka's eyes raised at the dark tone Kakashi spoke with.

"W-What do you mean.."

Kakashi smirked. "She's hurt and vulnerable. It's going to be so easy. She would jump at the chance of accepting me. It won't be hard. I just need to act like I care and who knows what'll happen. Maybe I'll get myself a taste."

Iruka's eyes widened in disbelief at what Kakashi insinuated. "N-No...you wouldn't.."

Kakashi turned his back. "I guess I should be thanking you. Well, see ya later. I have to go and take care of my prize."

"K-Kakashi wait!!" the grey haired ninja ignored his call, running off in a blink.

"I-I can't let him take advantage of her...I need to tell her!!" Iruka knew what he had to do. You probably didn't want to see you anymore, but he'd be damned if he let something happen to you.