Hope this works for something a little more light-hearted than the previous chapters! Hope you enjoy ^.^
|| [Hatake] : Fascination : [Kakashi] || [Part IX] || [Sequel] ||
Oriko awoke the next morning feeling far worse than she'd hoped – but expected – to feel having gotten carried away drinking with Anko the afternoon and evening before. Oriko really should have learned by now that not only can she not drink Anko under the table, but that Anko will never, ever wastes an opportunity to reaffirm that fact to the recently promoted Kuniochi. Sighing heavily, she rolled out of bed, only just managing to land on her feet as she staggered towards the bathroom for a long brushing of her teeth and probably a shower.
As Oriko left the bathroom, feeling considerably better than when she wandered in, founder her way into her kitchen for some much needed tea (but not before a large glass of water). The small cup of jasmine tea cooled and Oriko considered what to do with her day, as all her plans (whatever they were) for the day before had been overridden by Anko (although it was by no means unwelcome). The young-ish Kuniochi eventually decided that she may as well head off to see Tsunade first and check if there is anything specifically she had to do or if she had any missions lined up; Oriko sincerely hoped that she wouldn't have one to do today – or her client or target may well find themselves thrown up on.
Dressing in her typical shinobi gear with completely clean clothes (Oriko was eternally grateful that she'd remembered to do her washing as some last minute procrastination as a distraction the evening before her exam); as she pulled on all her pouches, haitai-ate and zori, quickly checking that it was stocked to her satisfaction as she headed out of the building and into the brilliant sunshine.
Her mood was immediately up lifted by the sun as she padded down the busy streets in the general (although still quite random) direction of the Hokage's office - Oriko at the last minute deciding to combine her daily walk with visiting Tsunade. As she made a few strategic turns down the quieter streets, her journey took her to the Hokage's office a touch quicker than she really would have liked, but nonetheless decided there wasn't much more procrastinating she could realistically get away with.
"Hokage-sama," Oriko spoke as she opened the door to meet Tsunade sat with her feet up on her desk, reading some documents – it always silently amused Oriko to see Tsunade looking so relaxed and at ease in such a prestigious position.
"Aah, Oriko, come in," The Hokage removed her feet from her desk as the younger walked further into her office and closed the door behind her, "Firstly, congratulations on passing, Oriko, Ibiki told me that you did very well and he didn't have to agonize for too long over whether to pass you or not,"
"Heh, I can't really imagine Ibiki agonizing over anything,"
"No, I suppose not... although he wasn't too impressed with you taijutsu, you did just about well enough for him to be satisfied," Oriko nodded carefully in understanding,
"Yes, it had occurred to me when it came to that part of the test, that I should have found a bit of extra time for training with Gai... but I am glad that my skills seemed up to scratch," Oriko forcibly resisted a sudden wave of nausea as she kept her balance, Tsunade narrowed her eyes slightly,
"Are you alright, Oriko?"
"H-Hai, Tsunade-sama," One, blonde eyebrow rose on the Godaime's face, showing her disbelief as she leaned forward to rest her elbows on the table and her chin on her clasped hands,
"You look a little queasy..."
"Ah... well... uh, I foolishly thought I could out-drink Anko..." A small grin of amusement and understanding flashed on her deceptively young-looking face,
"Ah ha, yes, for such a diminutive woman, Anko really can hold her liquor..." Oriko nodded again and made the fatal mistake of acknowledging that her conversation with Tsunade was helping to distract from her queasiness, but in doing so seemed to give her stomach cart-blanche to begin its trapeze act between her lungs again.
"Well, I was here originally to ask about missions, but..." Tsunade nodded and leaned back in her chair,
"So da, there isn't really anything I think is suitable for you at the moment, so I'll give you the next week or so off... unless of course, you feel like doing some D ranked missions?" Tsunade averted her eyes from the scroll she was holding, up to Oriko – who was genuinely considering her request, but soon shook her head,
"Uh, no... Thank you," Tsunade nodded once more and allowed the scroll to flop over as let go of it with one hand, using said hand to pick up a small cup of tea and take swig;
"Well, enjoy the week off, and I'll call you as soon as I have something for you,"
"Hai, Arigatou, Hokage-sama," Oriko bowed low and turned to leave, just as her fingers reached the handle, she heard the blonde's voice once more, "And work on your taijutsu!" Unable to prevent the mad grin which invaded her face, Oriko turned back and nodded before wandering out and closing the door behind her.
Her stomach now felt a little closer to normal and she decided to risk a meal and a visit to Saitou's little stall, the route was pleasingly winding to Oriko but not far from the Hokage's office and it didn't take her long to reach the little stall,
"Ohayo, Saitou-san,"
"Oh! Ohayo Oriko-san... how are you?" His warm smile was quickly found and placed on his face,
"Well, a little hung-over, unfortunately Saitou-san, and I'm hoping that some your rolled omelette and fried rice will do the trick," Saitou's grin quickly spilled over into laughter,
"Oh ho, well, I'll do my best... Would you like some tea as well?"
"Please, jasmine, if you don't mind," The young-ish man turned away to begin preparing Oriko's meal as she considered her insides for a moment: yes, they definitely felt better... a small meal would do me the world of good!
"Oh, Saitou-san, could you make the portion sizes small please?"
"Hai, hai, of course," He responded without turning around; Oriko sat in silence for a few minutes her mind not focussing much on anything, she wondered if Kiyoshi would be around for her to hang out with or maybe she'd go and find the most secluded spot possible and relax, allow her jumbled insides to recover and her mind to clear. After all with the next week – possibly longer – off she'd have to start thinking about a way to occupy her time... although, when she stopped feeling sick she would no doubt have a much better means of spending her time.
Oriko was left with one mouthful of rice left as Lee appeared beside her, nearly shocking the unsuspecting Kuniochi (although secretly pleased that she managed to hide it well);
"Oriko-san, Tsunade-sama requested me to tell you that Kakashi-sensei, who is in the hospital, has awoken,"
"W-what?"
"He is not seriously injured, and he would like to see you," Eh? I didn't even know Kakashi was in the village, let alone in the hospital, shit! Oriko swiftly found her feet and placed a few Ryous on the counter,
"Thank you Saitou-san,"
"My apologies, Oriko-san, but I am on my way to training, see you later," Oriko paused for a moment, Lee didn't look concerned or upset and although he very rarely had even any vague connection to Kakashi, had definitely inherited, along with other things, Gai's sense of honour and if Kakashi was really in that much trouble, then Lee would definitely show respect or at least acknowledgment of it.
"W-wait, Lee-kun," She rushed a few paces after him, suddenly regretting jolting herself around, but suppressed it, "When did you and Team Kakashi get back?"
"Oh, on Monday afternoon,"
"So da... Thank you, Lee-kun," The young man nodded and sprinted off, as Oriko felt mild irritation at Kakashi being back in the village and herself being completely unaware (something Tsunade neglected to tell her earlier), but then again, it probably didn't matter quite so much if he was unconscious up till now, after all. Oriko, thinking carefully decided that Kakashi most likely wouldn't have any clothes or Icha Icha and that fetching those few articles for him wouldn't take long or be a bother (it would also give her body time to calm after the sudden jolt).
Oriko really did forget sometimes; at just how much over-drinking incapacitated her, although it never seemed too occur to her at the time, more often than not, the unfortunate day after.
Kakashi was still lying in bed, flat on his back, feeling progressively more irritated and concerned at not only the amount of time it was taking Oriko to make her appearance but also at the fact he couldn't sit up properly as he had nothing to cover his face and the cynical part of him could almost guarantee that someone, anyone other than Oriko would walk in, before he was able to find a substitute for, or better yet, his actual mask. Sighing loudly he was forced to wait still – almost deadly still and in silence – there being nothing he deemed necessary to say out loud to himself.
As such, the generally indecipherable Copy Nin, although to all others observing he looked to be gently resting, was having a hard time not thinking up ways he could subtly pay back the Godaime for her little trick... The more logical side, thankfully as yet unaffected by being trapped nearly immovably to a hospital bed, warning him that it wasn't possible for him to get away with returning the 'favour' to the Godaime – especially if she knew what she'd done, then she'd be all more careful to watch out for it.
Cursing the situation to hell, his attention snapped almost painfully to the familiar charka signature he could sense on the far side of the door; as it slid opened, he was careful to take in what he could glean from her facial expression, which really did look a little worse for wear.
"Kakashi..." She offered him a weak smile as she held up a small bag, "I brought you some clothes and a volume or two of Icha Icha," Kakashi had to forcibly beat down his desire to exclaim 'Oh, thank God!' And sigh heartily enough for the nursing staff to hear what a bad job they were doing by forcing their patient to remain so uncomfortable, but he responded instead with a meek;
"Thank you," Oriko shifted around to his bedside, and tugged out the books to place them on his bedside table,
"Uh... I'll leave the clothes here for a minute..."
"Ah, could you hand me a mask at least?" Oriko rummaged for a moment, to bring out his tank-top and mask combo and held it out to him, as she struggled to sit himself up, Oriko was quick to slide a hand under his upper arm and a provide him with a little extra support. She wandered away and sat on the edge of the window sill with her arms folded over her chest as he tugged the top over his head and adjusted it to his satisfaction as he sent a hand down under the covers and Oriko could see it twitching.
It looked a touch... unsavoury and Oriko had to stifle a laugh when he brought his hand back up with the hospital gown, he'd apparently been wearing, clenched in his fist. He must have merely ignored her laugh, as he leaned, somewhat awkwardly down to stick a hand into the bag she left at his bedside and pulling out a pair of boxers, which too went under the covers. He'd bother with trousers when he was capable of walking again.
When Kakashi was dressed, now to his own satisfaction, he turned his attention back to Oriko, determined to sort out what had been nagging him for the past few hours, his fixed upon her vaguely more sombre expression than he was used to; he found it surprisingly unnerving,
"Oriko... Tsunade told me..." Her eyes widened, holding her considerable interest although gave away little else, much to his momentary bolt of chagrin, "She told me... about your Jounin exam," Kakashi averted his eyes before he could catch her change in expression as he thought over his next words,
"Yea, pretty cool, huh?"
"What?" His eyes shot back to hers seeing her smile fade to confusion, "Tsunade implied that you'd... you passed?"
"Yea," She grinned with a small salute to her temple, Kakashi's previous ambiguous express fell to one completely unimpressed as well as a sweat drop, as he silently swore revenge on Tsunade; didn't she know recovering patients tended to be of a sensitive disposition? Kakashi frowned for a moment,
"Then why did you look a little glum when you wandered in?"
"Huh? Oh, because I'm hung-over," She responded cheerily; Kakashi chose not to acknowledge her explanation as he merely and somewhat shakily, held out a hand to her, beckoning her over to him,
"Come 'ere," She leaned up off the window sill and padded over to him, taking a light seat on the edge of the bed as she was immediately dragged to him and under his arm, squeezing her as tightly as he could manage in his weakened state, which was still quite a lot. "Do you think that maybe next time you could just come out and tell me? I was worried!" Oriko couldn't suppress a smile as she twisted her own arm around his waist, smoothing a hand up and down his side;
"Haha, sorry, I didn't even know that you'd returned from your mission or were in the hospital until Lee-kun told me about twenty minutes ago... and I well, I was just thinking about what state you'd be in when I got here,"
"So much so that you dropped everything and came rushing as fast as you could?" Although his tone was quite flat, Oriko couldn't mistake Kakashi's unique brand of sarcasm,
"Ehehe, something like that!" Kakashi rolled his eye as his free hand came up to pull down his mask and his other moved from Oriko to twist her around a little, before it found the back of her head; he crushed his lips to hers in a heated kiss, as he touched his tongue to her lower lip she immediately granted him access, which he wasted no time in taking advantage of.
Kakashi had forgotten, with his extended absence from her as his free hand found her waist and he angled her a bit better to him, just how revealing a kiss can be. How difficult it is to hide anything in anything in a kiss and he didn't bother even to try and hide how she'd been missed and how glad he was to be back whilst his tongue and lips set about memorizing how she tasted and felt against him. He savoured, as well, her minuscule moans of pleasure – which he occasionally returned with his own.
As his tongue smoothed over hers, he couldn't resist how instantly more relaxed he felt, as all his earlier tension drained and he loosened up against her.
As they broke apart with a few gasps for air, Kakashi leaned to lie back down again; even the extremely minor physical exertion sapped more from him that he would have otherwise expected. Oriko shifted right back to give him plenty of space but remained on the edge of the bed as one of his hands sluggishly moved to pull his mask back over his face.
He eyed her now slightly swollen lips, glad to have been the one to make the mark and as much as he would have liked to have her lie down next to him, it would be next to impossible for him to keep his hands to himself completely. Considering how much energy it stole just claiming a kiss from her, he'd probably keel over right back into a coma if he let it go too far... and there was a serious chance that it would – at least it would be a little easier to be patient now that he had the books and another taste of her. His hand moved to rest on her thigh where her leg was bent and resting on the side of the bed, close to him, not really wanting to relinquish all physical contact with her so soon;
"Do you know when Tsunade's planning on sending you on another mission?"
"She said there's nothing really suitable for me at the moment, whatever that may mean, and so I have the next week or so off," Kakashi's interest and eyebrow quirked, Oriko immediately noticed and set him straight; "Don't think that I'll be running errands for you! And besides, if I spend too much time here, the nurses will get suspicious," She lowered her voice for the last of her sentence, unable to keep the minor regret from entering her voice,
"Hai... I know..."
"Besides I need to work on my taijutsu apparently... so that'll sap most of my time," Oriko felt the sudden presence by the door and leapt off the bed back to leaning on the window sill before the door had even been slid out of the frame; a nurse peeked her head around the door, immediately spotting a relaxed, nonchalant Oriko,
"O-Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you had a visitor, Hatake-san... I was just here for your massage and physiotherapy session," Oriko couldn't contain a smirk,
"Ah... uh, that's alright," Kakashi, although didn't usually mind it so much, paled at the thought of hands all over him and with the kiss still fresh in his mind he was certain that his self-control would face an excruciating test; Oriko could barely keep her voice straight at she stood up straight, unable to resist a small dig at him,
"Well, I'll be off, I'm glad that you're alright, sensei," She shot him a perfectly innocent smile, but Kakashi could read between the lines,
"I-I'm not your sensei anymore," He tried to argue without making his lack of comfort obvious to either woman,
"Hai, hai... Get well soon!" She returned along with a backwards wave over her shoulder, making it seem as though she wasn't listening as Oriko smiled at the nurse and left.
The young-ish nurse stepped up to the bed, smiling broadly,
"How kind of your student to come and check on you... Well, shall we get started? How about the massage first?" She was speaking perfectly innocently, of course, nor could she have known what had just gone on between Oriko and himself – Kakashi knew this, but he couldn't help but curse at whoever or whatever for thrusting this situation upon him – where he was sure to loose control in his still weakened state.
He looked at the nurse who spotted Icha Icha Paradise and Tactics on his bedside table, Kakashi did his very best to mentally get a grip so that he could put all inappropriate images out of his head and that nurse wouldn't end up assuming that he was just a nasty... well, pervert.
