He sighed and kicked a small stone out of his path. He had shoved both of his hands into the pockets of his chuunin vest and now he was fiddling a small piece of paper with his right hand’s fingers in frustration.

It was his birthday, yet no one in the entire village had remembered it. He wasn’t a braggart, so he hadn’t reminded any one – in advance or even today. He had assumed that at least Naruto, the young enthusiastic blond who was so close to him, would have remembered the date of his beloved sensei’s birth. But no, within the first ten minutes of their random meeting Naruto had made him treat him to ramen at Ichiraku’s, like was usual. Soon after finishing his second bowl of ramen, the youngster had excused himself and dashed off even before he had had the time to say ‘bye’.

Shaking his bowed head he glared at the dusty road and told himself to stop thinking about it. It was already early evening, the clock was something around 6.30 pm. This was just one day of his life, he wouldn’t die if no one remembered his birthday.

But still… Still he felt lonely. There would be no one waiting for him at home to at least keep him company as his lover had been sent on a long mission just a few days ago. He missed him immensely already, but he couldn’t complain about any of it – being gay wasn’t actually one of those things he would have a lecture about at the Ninja Academy. Nor was it something that many others would approve of.

He startled when he placed his left foot on the first step of the stairs that led to his front door. How could he be home already? He had left the Academy just a little while ago… Shaking his head he mused it could only be because of his moody thoughts that he hadn’t really noticed his surroundings. A small gust played with some free strands of his brown hair when he made his way up the stairs, making the hair dance around his face.

He fished his keys out of his pocket but hesitated before turning the key in the lock. He had a strange feeling that made his hair stand on the back of his neck, but he ignored it. It was probably just something his mind was making up. After all, this was his first birthday that wouldn’t be celebrated in any way, a day that he’d spend all alone.

Sighing again he finally made the last turn with the key and opened the door. In an instant he felt like he would be deaf AND blind for the rest of his remaining lifetime. He quickly lifted his arms up to cover his face and to shadow his eyes, and that was when the lights were pointed somewhere else than his face.

“Happy birthday Iruka-sensei!!” Sakura and Ino squealed in unison with every one else when they stepped forward and grabbed their confused teacher by both of his arms, dragging him inside and closing the door.

He blinked once, twice, ten times and it didn’t seem to be enough. It seemed like every one he had ever taught or been colleagues with was there, in his small apartment that now seemed even more cramped with all the people inside. He couldn’t really move a lot, but he could turn his head to take a look around.

There were streamers and balloons all over the place, and on the furthest wall there was a massive white blanket, screaming HAPPY BIRTHDAY IRUKA! with every colour one could just imagine.

“Iruka-sensei! Happy birthday!” A blond head appeared just in front of him and he couldn’t help but grin back at Naruto. He lifted his hand to ruffle the other’s hair.

“Did you arrange all of this?”

Naruto shook his head. “Na-ah, we all agreed to this. Every one has done something to make this party happen.”

He looked around a little shocked. “Everybody… Thank you! I really thought no one would remember…” He had to blink a bit more. He didn’t want to show his students or colleagues how moved he was by all of this.

“Iruka-san, don’t be so stupid! You are the one who is supposed be a teacher here!” Izumo said from the corner where he was seated next to Kotetsu, making every one in the apartment laugh.

*****

After enjoying the party with every single bit there was to him, Iruka now stood over by the window of his bedroom. His apartment was already dark from any other light than what the moon would give out, hiding all the mess and trashes all over the floors and seats in shadows. He’d clean up tomorrow, now he was too tired or lazy to do that.

He had had a great time with every one and he was really grateful for them for making this party happen, but it wouldn’t change the fact that he felt like there had been something missing. Or rather, some one had been missing. He sighed once again during that day and wondered when his lover would be home, when a voice just behind him almost gave him a heart attack.

“Why are you not sleeping already?” Two strong arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him backwards against the other man’s body while he could feel the other’s lips kissing his neck softly.

“How could I sleep properly without you? Sheesh, you could at least NOT hide your chakra at home, you idiot!” He turned 180 degrees in the other’s arms and glared at those mismatching eyes, though he felt like he wasn’t doing a very good job at it. A strong embrace that brought them even closer to each other was a good sign that he was right.

“Sorry.” Iruka couldn’t help but accept the apology when the jounin kissed him on the lips. Too soon, though, curiosity made him pull away.

“Why are you home already?” There was a teasing glint in the other’s eyes that told him that he should know the answer.

“It’s your birthday, isn’t it?” Iruka hated to be answered with another question, but he nodded, wrapping his arms loosely around Kakashi’s neck.

“Then I’ll say ‘really happy birthday, Iruka’.”

No more words were exchanged. They weren’t needed anymore as the two of them locked their lips together with passion, gentle touches speaking their own language. This had been the missing piece of the puzzle that now was complete. When they fell on the bed Iruka felt like he couldn’t possibly have a better birthday in the future – this one was perfect.