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Wolf's Winter – Chapter 10

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Kakashi groaned and rolled over, then he groaned and rolled over again. Nowhere was very comfortable, and he desperately needed to take a leak. How come when everything seemed to be working out, his bladder started to protest and complicate things? He tried to connect his brain with his body, but only felt a massive wave of pain, so he had to decide against going to the bathroom on his own.

That only left one option. Calling for Iruka. But how could he do that? How romantic wasn't it to have to escort your want-to-be suitor to the bathroom? Well, Iruka had done it before. Kakashi supposed he could do it again. "Iruka?" He called, shifting slightly.

Iruka opened his eyes, wondering why he was suddenly awake. It was early, but he hadn't gone to bed until very late, so he felt a little groggy. He sat up, pushing aside his blanket. Had he heard something? He slid open the door to the bedroom, peering into the dark room.

Only belatedly, Kakashi realised he hadn't put his mask back on. He hurriedly tugged it up, and, keeping his Sharingan eye closed, turned his face toward Iruka. "Uhm... I need to take a leak."

"Oh. Okay." Iruka kept the smile off of his face. Kakashi sounded so... sheepish about it. But he was asking for help. No matter how difficult yesterday had been, Iruka would gladly have gone through it again if it meant Kakashi would allow him to do his job here.

He stood up and walked across the room, sliding open the door to the porch before he returned to the bed. "Here, lean on me."

Kakashi shifted and reached up, wrapping his long, thin arm around Iruka's shoulders, more than a little grateful Iruka was wearing a shirt. He didn't think he could take more skin-to-skin contact at the moment. He then more or less stumbled out of bed and had to steady himself on the shorter, but broader man's chest. This brought their faces uncomfortable close, and Kakashi had to swallow to keep his head clear. He shifted back and leaned heavily on Iruka, letting him lead the way.

They made it the few steps to the door of the toilet without incident. "Call me when you're done. I'll go start the bath heating," Iruka said, shutting the door behind him.

Kakashi sighed, doing his business. At least Iruka wasn't physically there when he pissed. That would've been too embarrassing for words. He tucked himself back in when he was done, and called out for Iruka. They made their way back into the house, albeit a little slowly. Kakashi was aching. "Hurts." He said, his voice slightly choked from the force of the muscle-cramps in his legs, arms and back.

"Did Otome-san come yesterday?" Iruka asked, holding his breath because this could go either way.

Nodding because he was unable to speak, Kakashi twitched. He didn't want her to come again, though, so he had to think of something.

"Can't you... do it...?" He ground out between clenched teeth, flopping down onto the bed. "That... would be... much... better."

Iruka shook his head. "Sorry, no, I'm not a medic." He didn't dare mention the chakra exchange - it had taken a lot out of him, and he didn't want to get Kakashi's hopes up. "Please just bear with it a little longer. If you can do that, perhaps we can get someone else to come next week?"

"For...get it. I'll... deal... with the... Nnngh! Pain." Kakashi was panting. He hurt so badly he just wanted to curl up into a fetal position and die right then and there. Death, however, seemed like a better option than to deal with Otome-bitch again.

"That's not an option," Iruka said, his tone commanding and decisive. "What is it you don't like? Is she too rough?"

"Her... personality." Kakashi could feel his tongue curling. He couldn't speak, and was suddenly struck with panic. On top of that, he had no control over his body whatsoever, and the pains were unreal - of another dimension entirely.

"Perhaps she is merely responding to your own attitude. You haven't been a particularly desirable patient in the past." Iruka leaned forward, rubbing his hands along Kakashi's calves through the thin fabric of the pajama pants. He wasn't a medic, but he could tell Kakashi was in pain. He would do what he could. Hopefully the bath would help, but it wasn't ready yet.

He gave Iruka the best glare he could muster, then had to bite his tongue not to scream because of the strong cramps tugging at his leg muscles. The way Iruka was rubbing at his calves relaxed them, but his thighs were still aching. Kakashi could feel tears rising in his eyes - this was worse than torture.

Iruka continued to massage Kakashi's legs, moving to grip the man's bony knees, then thighs. "The bath is almost ready. Why don't we go ahead and go in there? But not too long."

Kakashi gave a weak nod and a whimper in response. He was trembling all over and couldn't really move, but he couldn't speak, either, so it was useless to try to tell Iruka that. "Nnghh..." It was difficult, but he tried to get words out. "Can't... uhhn... move."

He groaned again when he felt arms sliding underneath his body. "Just lay still," Iruka murmured, hoisting Kakashi into his arms. "I think those crutches were a little too much for you. And you need to keep drinking that tea Godaime sent home with you. It might help."

Kakashi made a face. That tea was vile. But he didn't protest as Iruka carried him into the bathroom. He wasn't even worried about Iruka seeing him without his mask and pants, he just wanted relief. It hurt so much, and he could feel tears running down his cheeks. Big, fat tears. He wondered what Iruka thought of him now.

"Please try to bear with this a little longer," Iruka murmured, absently pressing Kakashi's head 

to his shoulder in a near-hug. He stripped off Kakashi's pants and set him on the stool right next to the tub. He would need to wash Kakashi as quickly as possible, but he also needed to start the stove for the tea. "I'll be right back," he said, draping a towel over Kakashi's lap.

Kakashi almost fell off the chair. He didn't want to be alone, but the solitude made him want to clear his head. Trying hard, he focused on making the pain stop, make it go away. It was difficult, but by the time Iruka was back he didn't tremble as badly - he just didn't look all too well.

This would have been so much easier if they had a spray-nozzle, Iruka groused as he worked, scrubbing Kakashi lightly with the soap. He took the time to run his fingers across Kakashi's legs again, using the soap to help his hands slide up and down. He could feel the muscles quiver whenever he switched direction.

Kakashi clenched his eyes shut and groaned. It hurt. But he could already feel the muscles in his jaw loosening slightly, the pressure had subsided a little due to the warm water. "Remove... my mask." Kakashi could barely breathe with the soggy garment on, and Iruka had already seen his face - it wouldn't matter so much if he saw it again. At least, that's what his foggy brain told him.

Iruka didn't answer, but crouched behind Kakashi. He understood Kakashi was in pain, and that pain might make him more prone to rash behavior. He slipped the mask and hitai-ate off, setting them on a table. He poured water over Kakashi's head, spending extra time rubbing his fingers across tight shoulders, finally pulling Kakashi against his torso. "Lean back on me. I've got you."

Kakashi nodded, relishing Iruka's warmth. He already felt a little better, and had noted that the chuunin was exceptionally talented at giving massages. Putting his full trust in Iruka, he leaned back against him and put his head on the pretty chuunin's shoulder. It lolled back to reveal his pale, rather pretty face. Not at all what one would have expected.

"Close your eyes, Kakashi-sensei. I'm going to wash your hair, then I'll make your tea."

Nodding again, Kakashi closed his eyes. This prompted more tears to spill, even though he'd been fighting them back with all of his will.

"It's okay," Iruka whispered, working one hand through soft, white hair while the other held Kakashi against his chest. "If it helps to cry, go ahead. I only wish I could take some of this from you, but I can't." It hurt, physically hurt, watching Kakashi like this. If this was Kakashi getting better, Iruka didn't want to see the man truly injured.

Kakashi could feel a sob tearing out of his throat, and it didn't sound like him at all. It was hollow and reflected his pain. Rather accurately, in fact. More tears fell from behind closed lids and he shuddered, cowering against Iruka. Iruka, sweet, gentle Iruka. He was like a steady rock in a violent ocean storm, and he soothed Kakashi.

At last, Iruka was done, and he lowered Kakashi into the steaming water. He dashed into the kitchen to set the kettle to boil, then he was back. He'd considered getting in the tub with Kakashi, but the tea was important. Especially if Kakashi would actually drink it this time. Iruka suspected he'd dumped the last batch off the side of the porch. Iruka stayed crouched on 

one side of the tub, arm still supporting Kakashi's body. The bath didn't feel hot to him, but he knew it was the hottest Kakashi could stand right now.

Letting out a deep sigh, Kakashi leaned his forehead against the side of Iruka's neck. Being in the water was soothing, it relaxed his sore muscles. Being close to Iruka was soothing to his mind. "Thank you..." He murmured, voice still raw and hoarse from crying.

"It's nothing," Iruka murmured back, his hand idly stroking Kakashi's hand. "If it's not better after your second cup of tea, I'll carry you to the hospital on my back." He was worried - Tsunade never mentioned it might get this bad.

"No... Don't need the hospital... Just stay here with me, please..." Kakashi gently nudged Iruka's jaw with his nose, and his voice was almost pleading. He curled up a little further, trying to get a little closer.

"Of course I'll stay with you!" Iruka shook his head, shocked. Leave Kakashi here to suffer by himself? He heard the kettle boiling and set Kakashi's hand on the side of the tub. "Hang on for five seconds," he promised. Iruka made another dash for the kitchen, pouring an entire pot of the tea. The instructions said it was better fresh, but could be reheated or drunk cold.

Kakashi sunk low into the tub and tried to relax some more. Take it easy, Iruka is coming back soon, he hasn't abandoned you. He gasped for breath, suddenly feeling a sting of panic and hurt. He hasn't left you, not like Minato-sensei or Obito... Rin.

"Come on, it's time to get out." Iruka lifted Kakashi up and wrapped a towel around his hips. "Do you think you could sit in a chair? Your hair will dry faster in the kitchen."

Resembling a soggy, not entirely happy kitten, Kakashi merely slung his arms around Iruka's neck and clung to him, afraid that he'd leave. He was probably going to feel ashamed of his behavior later, but the strong sense of dread coursing through his body made him act rashly. "Just... Don't leave me. I'd go anywhere, just... Just don't leave me."

It wasn't a particularly unusual reaction to pain, but it was unexpected coming from someone like Kakashi. Iruka lifted Kakashi into his arms again, snagging another towel before he set the man down on a kitchen chair, positioning it closer to the stove. The tea was nearly ready, so Iruka poured a cup and handed it to Kakashi. "Drink this. I will be right back. I need to get you something to wear." He spoke slowly, deliberately, like he would to a very young child.

Kakashi obediently drank the tea he was handed as he waited for Iruka to return. He was calming down little by little, and the feelings of abandonment grew dim, less urgent. Sighing, he looked out of the window. "Sensei... Why did you have to die?"

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"Hokage-sama." The tall, slender, incredibly beautiful and lethal man smiled down at Tsunade, then dipped his head in a polite bow. "Thank you for letting me return home for New Year's."

Riku turned to look out of the window in his room at the institution. "I am afraid that Ryu would have quite the predicament had I not been released."



"What do you mean, Riku?" Tsunade stepped a little closer, but held her distance. She couldn't deny that this man was deeply unsettling to her. He may look fragile and easily broken, but in fact he was a force of nature – unpredictable and dangerous, but soothing and kind most of the time.

"Did you know I'm not returning to the ward, Hokage-sama?" He smiled sadly, turning to look at her face. His grey eyes were gentle and looked sane, so he must be speaking of something other than running away, and if he had wanted to run away- "I could have done it ages ago. No... It is not running away I speak of."

He turned away from Tsunade again, humming to himself. One graceful, slender hand raised to draw patterns on the glass window. "No... Not running away. If I am wrong in my assumptions, you can take me back here." He swayed lightly from side to side and sang a soft lullaby. Riku had told Tsunade earlier that this song was one he was fond of – his dead mother used to sing it to him and his brothers all the time.

The beautiful and haunting melody halted, and Riku joined her in the real world again. "Something is going to happen, Tsunade-sama. Something bad. Kakashi is wounded, but he will need to be healed before then, for he is needed."

She could feel every nerve in her body tingle with the extreme power radiating off of this porcelain doll of a man. Her nose widened as she smelled it. Power. He was using his kekkei genkai.

"What do you suggest I do?" Tsunade frowned, scared for the first time in a very long time.

Riku stopped his humming and looked at her. "I suggest you research. Tell Iruka to help – Otome-san is just making things worse for Kakashi-san."

Tsunade bowed respectfully – what else was there to do in the presence of such power? Then she turned and bolted from the room, going straight for the library across the street.

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The building itself wasn't much to look at, but Tsunade barely noticed the worn floors and cracked walls. She always came here when she needed to think, to get away from everything. Nodding to the two chuunin on duty, she pushed open a door and climbed up the stairs to the archives. Reaching behind a series of sturdy medical tomes, she pulled a bottle out. She had hidden it here a month ago but hadn't had time to retrieve it. It wasn't exactly where she'd left it, which meant one of the librarians had found it and wisely let it be. Too bad Shizune wasn't so understanding.

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, sighing as the slightly bitter liquid hit the back of her throat. She could still see the stacks of requests on her desk, all the paper work waiting for her. There wasn't any way around it - even without Riku's dire warning, she needed Kakashi back. They were falling behind again, and these weren't missions she could reassign easily. Every jounin she could spare was already working nearly non-stop, and without Kakashi it was only going to get worse. Damn him for being so competent! She'd grown used to it, in such a short time. But Iruka had been right as well - Kakashi needed time to heal.

Draining another cup, she began to browse the books and scrolls there. She pulled a few out at 

random, paging through them. No, it was as she remembered. Iruka wasn't a medical ninja, and trying to train him as one was silly. Besides, she already had a student. Sakura would be looking for her in a few hours.

A worn folder caught her eye, leaning on its side between two larger books, and half-hidden by a scroll. Probably just some student's notes, she thought with irritation. She pulled it out, meaning to set it on a cart for the librarian to deal with, when a seal caught her eye. Niidaime? This was old. She sat down, paging through the neatly handwritten pages.

When Shizune entered the room an hour later, closely followed by one of the librarians, she was surprised to find Tsunade surrounded by stacks of books. Even more surprising was the open sake bottle, open yet forgotten off to the side. It seemed her mentor had found something interesting. "What can I do?" she asked, her voice serious.

"Find this book," Tsunade snapped back, her eyes still scanning the book in front of her. She handed Shizune a scroll with a notation on the top. The man beside her looked at it.

"That, um, it's housed in the T&I Department."

"Under whose orders?" Tsunade stared the man down, her eyes narrowed. "Since when does T&I order medical textbooks?"

"M-M-Morinio Ibiki, Hokage-sama. I, uh, didn't ask why he wanted it."

Tsunade chuckled, shaking her head. "No, I suppose you wouldn't." It bothered her, after their battle with Kabuto, to find that perhaps he wasn't the only shinobi using medical techniques to harm instead of heal. "Put these away, I'm done. I'll go talk to Morino myself. And archive this properly."

"Yes, Hokage-sama! At once!"

"Shizune, go to the hospital and tell Otome-san she doesn't need to visit the brat anymore."

"So you found something?"

Tsunade grinned and nodded. "Iruka's not going to like it, and it will be interesting to see if he can get Kakashi to agree, but yes, I think I have." She left the room with a blush on her face, but it had nothing to do with the sake.

Shizune followed Tsunade out of the door with a polite bow to the librarian. "Toss it," she mouthed, pointing at the sake bottle, while scooping her mentor's cup up into her pocket. Tsunade seemed to have forgotten all about it.

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Bit shorter this one. I'm trying to divide them at sensible places. Yup. Trying to be sensible. So yeah. I hope you enjoyed reading!

Until next time.