Disclaimer: Naruto isn't mine...

Notes: My second attempt on a Kaka/Iru. Though this is a IruKaka, I'm afraid there isn't much interaction between them because this is more of an introspective piece. And this is my first time writing a 2nd person POV so I hope it's ok (smiles). Further notes at the end.

. : . : .Visibility . : . : .

You woke up to another beautiful morning Konoha has been blessed with. The air was cool and smelling of grass when you stood by the window doing your light stretches. Traces of the night were fading away and the sun was slowly rising to take its place after the moon. In the distant, crows penetrated the sleepy silence with their lively cries, and the birds were just beginning to test their vocals.

Now you are in the kitchen, fresh from the shower, a towel wrapped around your head and waist. As per usual, you need your caffeine fix which doubles as a pleasure you never fail to indulge in. As you pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug, you fix an assessing gaze at the steaming brown-black liquid that settles to fit the contours of the mug. You have never really notice how glazed the liquid seems to be, subtly reflecting the morning rays that lights up the little kitchen from the small window up at a high corner.

You let the coffee cools down first as you make yourself a cheese and ham sandwich. A simple breakfast as always, because you are just lazy despite having been told countless times how diligent you are at work. Take away your job and you are just a regular bachelor who cannot be bothered with extravagance, especially not in the mornings.

You hold the mug in your hands then, feeling the warmth seeps through your skin. You rather like this because it comforts you somehow. And it is just foolish thinking but it is as if your chakra is reenergized by this warmth. As you bring the mug closer to your lips, the sweet aroma teases you then. It is such a heavenly scent, and you breathe in more deeply. Simply invigorating. You blow at it a couple of times before taking a sip. And a wave of satisfaction hit you then with that first taste, the liquid faintly singeing a trail down your tongue and into the esophagus. You hear yourself sighing in contentment thereafter.

You come to a sudden realization then. You cannot see warmth, aroma, taste or that sigh you just released, yet you still manage to appreciate them. But it is strange that prior to a few minutes ago, you have never really notice the coffee itself. All this while, it seems you have been appreciating the invisible. And you muse thoughtfully to yourself, how the sense of sight is often been taken for granted.

: - :

You are always early. And because of that, you can afford to take your time by walking on foot rather than leaping from one roof to the next. Besides, you like getting the cheerful greetings from the elderly who are always among the early-risers.

Good morning, Iruka-kun, they say. Fine weather we are having today. Do your best in educating the future of Konoha.

Good morning, you reply. I promise to do my best. Thank you for your trust.

When you pass the morning stalls, the vendors are always so friendly and sometimes you will get a free bun or two, some pastries and a drink, among other things. Even though you say it is unnecessary since you already had breakfast, they insist and you thank them profusely while blushing slightly.

Today, one of the vendors gives you a single stalk of rose, its thorns removed. The obasan says that a little fragrance can help to soothe one's problems away. You politely thank her, but at the same time you wonder what she really means by that. Nonetheless you take a sniff. It smells really nice.

You reach the mission room and greet your comrades genially. A light chat ensues then, while you hunt for that makeshift vase you had gotten on your last birthday from one of your students. You often use it when you get flowers from the obasan. You manage to locate it, stuffed behind a stack of files in the third drawer. The white ceramic vase with colorful swirly motives is meant to be slender, you guess, but it is slightly dented and bulging at some places. But at least, the base is sturdy enough and the vase can stand upright.

You hang around for a while, sharing the free food with everyone there, before making a move to the academy.

: - :

There have been more missions lately. And that means there are more reports. But you are not complaining; instead, you diligently look through the stacks of papers and filing them appropriately. Responsible, systematic and efficient… those are the values you hold to when working behind the desk.

There is a sudden change in the air pressure. Someone with a strong chakra is approaching, and you inadvertently tense at its familiarity. You tell yourself to keep calm, forcing your fingers to move the pen that stopped in its tracks moments ago. You keep your eyes glued to the report you are working on, mentally chiding your heart for being erratic still.

Yo, a known voice greets you. Sorry I'm late.

You look up, casual being the intention. But you know you are blushing, and you haphazardly slap a smile to your face as a cover-up. Ah, Kakashi-sensei, you feign composure but somehow your voice still sounds too cheerful. It's alright. I am just starting on the reports myself.

The cloth mask shifts along with the expression – a smile – that Kakashi-san is making. Is that so, he chuckles. He hands in his report, skimpy and slightly crumpled, unlike the other reports you have been looking through.

Sorry it's skimpy, he speaks as if he knows your thoughts perfectly. But I'm never good with writing anyway.

You scratch the tip of your nose as you smile widely, assuring him that it is fine. Kakashi-san nods, grateful for the understanding, and the both of you fall silent then. The passing seconds seem to echo loudly in the room currently devoid of other human beings. A stroke of luck but unfortunately you cannot get it to light– try as you may, you cannot think of anything else to say.

Well, I better be making a move now, Kakashi-san finally says and disappointment wounds you. It has been hard on you, Iruka-sensei. Continue to work hard, Kakashi-san continues. The cloth mask rustles again but this time you are unsure if underneath it is a genuine smile or a mocking grin.

You manage a smile but he has already turned around. You watch his retreating back till he disappears from sight, unaware that you have grip the pen tightly. You feel the presence of others then and quickly resume work. A couple of female chuunin enter, talking in hushed voices. You calmly look up again and address them with a polite smile. Your gaze then lingers to the door and you are reminded of the enlightenment you had earlier.

You are visible, but he does not really see you.

- owari -

Glossary:
obasan - elderly lady

Further Notes: This fic is written in 2nd person POV precisely because I think most of us can identify with the issue in here:having a crush on someone you know and do talk to, but unfortunately the person just seem to treat you as a friend. Heh, I realize my KakaIru fics have real life issues as the central theme. Does this mean they seem more 'human' to me? (hehe). Anyhow, thanks for reading.