Chapter 14
"Transitions"
Iruka wondered if he was doing the right thing. He stood in the kitchen long after dinner was finished simply thinking.
He remembered his first time with Kakashi – there was no way he could forget that. His usual clients were old and fat, but Kakashi had come in like some sex god descending to Earth. He'd been so mysterious and reserved. Iruka smiled as he remembered the way Kakashi had told him not to fake anything. The sex had been great. Even then, Kakashi had been concerned with Iruka's pleasure as well as his own.
Then they had moved and Kakashi came back into his life to save it, and then to help them get settled in Konoha. He'd used his influence to get Naruto into school, and then trained the boy personally. Mizuki, the one that got away for Iruka, had come back into his life like a tornado, but Kakashi had stayed. He gave him flowers. He defended him. He pulled out his chair for him.
He said he loved him.
Iruka's eyes became troubled. There was a great deal that he regretted when it came to Kakashi. He had tried not to lead him on, but he had still flirted and teased him, because he knew that he could not have the one he wanted and that he could have Kakashi. He chose Mizuki over Kakashi every time, but still came running to Kakashi when he wasn't strong enough to live with the consequences. But Kakashi wasn't perfect, either.
He knew that Kakashi's actions spoke louder than his words, but sometimes the man said things that ripped his confidence apart faster than a knife through tissue paper. Iruka was already hurt, and Kakashi wasn't always very sensitive. He tried, but sometimes he just hurt him more without even realizing it. Kakashi was always promising to give him time and space, while pressuring him into being closer at the same time. Kakashi wanted to possess him, and he didn't think things through when it came to accomplishing that aim. Kakashi had attacked Mizuki just for comforting him. He destroyed part of his old apartment just because he was jealous and pissed off, and probably would have killed Mizuki with the smallest provocation, even though he'd promised he'd stay out of it. He used Naruto when it suited him, and sometimes acted more childishly than Naruto did. Iruka may have been younger physically, but he felt like he was much older than Kakashi, and that their experience levels were too far apart. Iruka was not sixteen anymore, and he didn't like being in a relationship that made him feel that way.
It was time to be sensible and re-gain control of his life. That meant he had to get away from Mizuki and finally get over him, and end things between Kakashi and himself before things got even messier.
Naruto and Sasuke came home. Iruka put on a happy face and served the boys their dinner. They said thanks and when the meal was done, the boys worked on their homework while Iruka cleaned up the kitchen. Kakashi didn't come home, and Iruka began to worry. He put the boys to bed and sat in the living room waiting. He was tired of thinking, so he just blanked out while minutes became hours and the hours brought daylight.
Kakashi was still not back. Iruka yawned hugely and realized he couldn't skip work to continue waiting. He wrote Kakashi a note that seemed insufficient to express his worry, and then got dressed for work. He made breakfast and took the boys to school on autopilot. Mizuki didn't show up for work, and Iruka worried about that, too. It was a long day.
Kakashi spent the night hunting with his dogs, and was eventually successful. Bear found the rogue first, but Kakashi was hot on his trail. By the time Kakashi reached the battling ninjas, the hostage was dead and Bear had taken serious injuries. Kakashi saved his life by taking a blow aimed at Bear that would have been critical. At the last moment, Cat deflected the weapon slightly, and Kakashi merely took a kunai to the arm instead of the heart. It was a long night.
Cat helped him carry Bear through the forest, complaining loudly the whole way.
"You should have called for help first, you dumbass!"
"Shut up, Anko. I'm dying, in case you didn't notice. Your voice bitching isn't the last thing I want to hear before I go into the light," Bear hissed at her.
"You're not dying, Bear. You'll be fine," Kakashi said blandly.
"Only because you took that blow for me. Why do you do that?" Bear asked in irritation. Kakashi knew the young man hated being rescued. He was independent minded, and he resented that Kakashi often had to step in to save his hide. Bear did not work well on a team. It was one of his biggest weaknesses.
"I protect the people on my team," Kakashi replied dully. Anko grunted.
"God, Tenzo, you weigh a ton! Ever think about going on a diet?"
"I am not fat!" Tenzo replied.
"Use your codenames when you're in uniform," Kakashi reminded uselessly. As he suspected they would, they ignored him. It didn't really matter. No one was around anyway.
"Ugh! Can't you walk a little, Tenzo?" Anko whined. Kakashi sighed in irritation.
"Set him down. I'll carry him myself," Kakashi ordered. Anko, long accustomed to his clipped orders, dropped Tenzo without much consideration. Tenzo cussed at her.
Kakashi scooped him up as if he were carrying a bride. Anko snickered at Tenzo's disgusted face.
"This is humiliating," Tenzo said, letting his head fall back on Kakashi's arm.
"Should I hum the bridal march?" Anko teased.
"If it's humiliating, next time you should call for backup instead of taking on more than you can handle," Kakashi spat angrily. Anko and Tenzo gave him worried looks.
"Captain…you okay? You seem a little on edge," Anko was brave enough to comment. Kakashi glared at her through his mask in answer. She held up her hands defensively. "Alright! Alright! No personal questions on missions. I know!"
Kakashi didn't get to enjoy the silence long. Soon, Tenzo and Anko were bickering again. Kakashi was grateful to see Konoha come into view.
"Damn! It's practically lunchtime. Let me walk. I don't want anyone seeing me being carried like this," Tenzo gritted out. His wounds were really beginning to hurt. Kakashi hadn't said anything about the deep gash in his arm, which had only worsened due to carrying Tenzo all the way to Konoha. A bit gratefully, he set Tenzo down on the ground.
"I'm just going to transport you to the hospital," Kakashi said as he leaned over the man to adjust his bear mask. Anko checked hers as well. Fully disguised, Kakashi wrapped his arms around Tenzo from behind. He readied himself to make the jutsu seals. Very few people could transport more than one person, but Kakashi was no ordinary ninja. "Cat, report to the Hokage. Tell him I'll be there shortly."
"On it, Captain!" Anko replied before running through the village gates swiftly, taking to the rooftops almost instantly. Kakashi completed the seals and opened his eye to see the hospital materialize around them.
Immediately, nurses separated them and whisked them in different directions. He was taken to a wing of the hospital reserved for A.N.B.U. ninja. They were always given special and immediate attention. The wound in his arm was healed, and he was asked if he had any other injuries. He told them he was fine, just tired, and they dismissed him. He made his way to the Hokage tower. He was dreading having to accept the scroll he knew was waiting there for him to deliver. When he finally reached the tower, it was late afternoon. Where had the day gone?
He made his way to the Hokage's office and was instantly called in. He made his report and Sarutobi passed him the scroll solemnly. He apologized again, and Kakashi had the insane urge to rip the scroll and just leave.
"How is Bear?" Sarutobi asked. Kakashi sighed.
"He'll be fine."
"Because you saved his life?" Sarutobi asked. Kakashi nodded.
"And Cat saved my life by deflecting the weapon."
"I'll need to speak with Bear about putting himself in such risky positions."
"Good luck with that," Kakashi replied dryly. Sarutobi smiled.
"You're dismissed, Hound. Go home and get some rest."
Just as Kakashi was about to leave, a messenger burst in.
"Hokage, sir, a forbidden scroll was stolen!" Sarutobi stood, his eyes going to Kakashi.
"Hound!" he ordered. He didn't have to say anything more. Kakashi disappeared in a puff of jutsu smoke.
Kakashi ran through the forest, sensing all the other ninja fanning out behind him. They flew through the forest, and Kakashi summoned his dogs for a second time.
"A scroll was stolen. Find it!" Kakashi barked.
"We're on it, boss!" Pakkun assented before the dogs began sniffing like crazy. Kakashi sprinted past them, trying to hone in on the location of the strange chakra disturbances he was feeling. It felt like they were everywhere at once. He went deeper and deeper into the forest, but it was hard to pin down the location of the flickering spikes of chakra. A half hour passed. A few other A.N.B.U. ninja joined up with him to relay information and then split off again. An hour passed.
Cat appeared running below him.
"Captain, did you sense that?" Anko called out.
"I sensed it, but it stopped. There are miles and miles of forest. We could be searching all night. Any information on the ninja who stole it?"
"It was a boy. That's all they know."
"A boy?" Kakashi repeated in surprise. Anko nodded, then fell back and went off to his right, searching a different path. Kakashi veered to the left. After another hour of travel with no luck, he was nearing the border of Fire Country. He slammed to a halt.
Below him, sitting in a clearing, was Naruto.
He had the scroll. Instantly, Kakashi dropped to the ground, tearing his Hound mask away from his face.
"Kakashi! Hey! You found me!" Naruto complimented obliviously. Kakashi grit his teeth beneath his cloth mask.
"Naruto, what the hell do you think you're doing?" he questioned harshly, practically stomping up to the boy. Naruto scrambled to his feet and was about to reply when Mizuki appeared from behind a nearby tree. Kakashi was about to question him, but he pulled Iruka out from behind the tree as well. He was bound and gagged, and Mizuki held him by his hair. He pressed a kunai against his throat.
"Well fuck. This has gotten messy, hasn't it? Kakashi, you weren't supposed to get here so fast!"
"Let him go," Kakashi said calmly. He slowly slid his mask into place, and the significance of it was not lost on Mizuki. He snorted.
"Figures that such a violent prude would be in A.N.B.U.! But you make a single move and he's dead."
Kakashi stayed still. He thought of the hostage that had been killed the previous night. Iruka looked up at him with wide eyes. He shook his head, but Kakashi didn't understand what he was trying to warn him about.
"What's going on here?" Kakashi asked with a calm that he didn't feel. Mizuki laughed, a bit maniacally.
"It's a long story, and I'm short on time. Naruto, bring me the scroll."
Iruka began to shake his head furiously, and Mizuki shook him hard by his hair.
"Naruto, don't listen to him. Bring me the scroll," Kakashi ordered. Naruto hesitated, unsure of what to do. Mizuki grinned.
"If you take it to him, I'm going to kill your daddy," Mizuki threatened. "If you bring it to me, I'll trade you your dad for the scroll."
"Naruto, I said don't move!" Kakashi barked when Naruto began to drag the large scroll towards Mizuki. Then Kakashi saw it. It was an elaborate trap, set so that whoever passed a certain point would be immediately decapitated. Someone with as little training as Naruto wouldn't be able to dodge in time. Kakashi could trip the wire to save Naruto, but in the time that took, Mizuki would kill Iruka. He would just have to go straight for Iruka and not activate the trap.
"Thinking about coming after your boyfriend?" Mizuki taunted. Kakashi hesitated. "Yeah, that's smart not to move. I didn't expect you so soon, but I did prepare for you. See, this is it. Once I kill the fox demon, I don't care what happens to me. I thought I might be able to use the scroll to buy my way into an enemy village if things went smoothly, but if not, I have this backup plan to just blow us all up."
"That's crazy," Kakashi said flatly. Mizuki grinned.
"What demon?" Naruto asked. Iruka began to cry. Mizuki laughed.
"Daddy didn't tell you? I guess he wouldn't. See, I told your daddy once that you had said something interesting to me. It made your daddy so scared…I began to get suspicious about what he was hiding from me. Then you had your little spar with Sasuke during class that got so heated, and I got a glimpse of the seal on your stomach. It was easy to figure out that you had the Fox Demon inside of you."
"I don't!" Naruto protested, but Kakashi could tell the boy believed what he was hearing.
"The same monster that killed my parents – that killed Iruka's parents – is inside of YOU. That's why I brought along Iruka. I know that deep inside he wants to see you die. He hates you for killing his parents. Isn't that right, Iruka?" Mizuki jerked Iruka's head up sharply, and the kunai bit into his skin. Iruka's face was covered in tears, but there was little he could do. If he shook his head no, he'd be slitting his own throat. Kakashi knew he had to act, but now he wasn't sure of what the situation was. The tiniest mistake could cost Iruka or Naruto their lives.
"Killing you is the only thing left in this world that I want, and I always get what I want," Mizuki laughed and said mockingly, "That's my way of the ninja! You're going to die here, Naruto, so the question is this: do you want to kill your daddy, too? If not, bring me the scroll."
Naruto bowed his head, and Kakashi felt panic well up in him. If he so much as moved, Mizuki would kill Iruka. He'd rushed into the clearing without making clones, and now he was paying for his lack of foresight. He sent a mental message to Pakkun, but the dogs were tracking far away. Help might not arrive in time.
"I won't let you hurt my dad," Naruto said in a hard voice. Then Kakashi saw it. From behind Mizuki, a clone of Naruto was steadily creeping closer. Kakashi glanced upwards, and there was another one up in a tree. They were hiding everywhere – and there must have been hundreds of them. Was the Naruto in front of him a clone, too? He couldn't tell.
Naruto must have learned the forbidden multiplication technique that created real clones. It was unbelievable, and it was a miracle. Naruto charged forward suddenly, and Kakashi couldn't risk hoping he was just a clone. He darted forward and pushed Naruto to the ground. In the process, the enormous shuriken that had been hidden in the trees sliced through the air and embedded itself deeply in his back. Mizuki laughed maniacally.
His laughter was cut short when the Naruto underneath Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke, and another one came hurdling towards Mizuki with a kunai. Startled, Mizuki dropped Iruka in order to defend himself. They came out of the trees like insects, one after another after another. Mizuki sliced through as many as he could, but he was eventually overwhelmed. One clone got in a lucky shot and Mizuki fell to the ground, bleeding heavily from numerous wounds. The clones began to pop away, and soon only the real Naruto was standing beside his dad. Keeping an eye on Mizuki, he cut the ropes binding Iruka and removed the gag. Iruka turned and hugged his son fiercely, and then rushed to Kakashi's side.
"Kakashi, are you okay?" Kakashi grunted and pulled himself to his knees. Preparing himself for the pain, Kakashi roughly pulled the weapon from his back. Iruka winced in sympathy. Kakashi took a big, shuddering breath and got to his feet, Iruka aiding him to stand. Mizuki was dying, but his fingers were slowly pulling a kunai from his pouch. Naruto didn't notice, but Kakashi staggered over to him and stepped on his bloody hand. He heard the crunch of bone.
"You won't be activating anymore traps. It's over, so just die," Kakashi said coldly. Iruka wiped at his tears and then grabbed Kakashi's hand. He pulled on him until Kakashi was forced to step back. Carefully, Iruka guided him to sit on the ground. He pulled off his long sleeve shirt and tied the arms around Kakashi's torso, trying to stop some of the bleeding.
"Naruto, give me your jacket," he ordered. The blonde boy pulled off his jacket and passed it to his father wordlessly. Iruka balled it up and held it against the deep wound, ignoring Kakashi's wince of pain. "Come here, Naruto, and hold your jacket just like this." Naruto quickly obeyed. When Naruto was in place, Iruka shot him a look that begged forgiveness.
He carefully crawled to Mizuki's side.
"Mizuki?" he asked gently. The man's eyes rolled upwards to see Iruka. With tears spilling down his cheeks, Iruka gently thread his fingers through Mizuki's hair. "I'm right here. I'll stay with you until…until you go. Don't be afraid."
"Baby…cheeks…" Mizuki forced out. Blood spilled down his chin. Iruka pressed a finger to his lips, smearing the blood.
"Shh…don't try to speak, baby. Just close your eyes and listen. Remember…remember that night we gave you a surprise birthday party? Everyone was there. We all had so much fun. You said…you said that if you could, you would make the night last forever. None of us would die. We'd all stay there as friends, young and enjoying life, because that's all you ever wanted. You wanted so badly for that to last, so picture it now. You're going to a better place now, baby, where life won't be so hard on you."
"Remember me, 'Ruka," Mizuki slurred. Kakashi winced. He wanted to look away, but he couldn't. His heart burned with jealousy, but he couldn't stop watching.
"I'll remember you, always," Iruka promised, leaning over to gently kiss Mizuki's forehead.
"I'm sorry…'Ruka…" Mizuki coughed out. Iruka wiped at his tears that just kept coming and coming.
"I know you are. I forgive you. I love you. I'll always love you. I promised to, remember?"
"I don't…deserve it," Mizuki said, his own tears making little rivulets down his face and onto Iruka's hands. Iruka was crying too hard to reply. "Tell…Tsubaki…sorry," Mizuki managed to slur. Iruka nodded. Mizuki smiled up gently at Iruka, and then the life faded away from his eyes.
Kakashi sensed Anko enter the clearing, still in uniform. One of his dogs was with her, and Kurenai came running into the clearing moments later. Cat immediately rushed to his side.
"A med-nin is coming, Captain. Hang on," she said. Kurenai started towards Iruka and Mizuki, but Iruka stood.
"He'd dead. Worry about Kakashi," Iruka said. She nodded, moving to pick up the scroll that had been left in the middle of the clearing. More ninjas arrived. One was dressed in solid white, and he immediately went to Kakashi's side. He pulled away the makeshift bandages and began to heal Kakashi in a way Iruka had never seen before. Naruto clung to his father's leg tightly, watching with big eyes as Kakashi's wound slowly began to seal.
"He's going to be fine. How do you feel, Hound?" the med-nin asked. Kakashi nodded and waved him off. Kurenai, who had passed the scroll off to Asuma, was inspecting the area.
"This whole place is rigged with exploding tags!" she said. Immediately, the ninjas that had been lingering at the scene fanned out to destroy the tags. Weakly, Kakashi stood. There was a moment that he and Iruka simply stared at each other, but then Kurenai came and looped her arm around Kakashi. "Let's get you back to Konoha." She shot a challenging glare at Iruka when Kakashi couldn't see. Feeling like he'd just been warned to stay out of it, Iruka squatted down to look Naruto in the eye. His son was crying quietly. Iruka cleaned his hands on his pants and then gently wiped Naruto's tears away. He kissed his son's forehead. The med-nin hovered near by, so Iruka turned to tell him they were fine.
"Dad, is it true?" Naruto asked. Iruka nodded.
"But Mizuki was sick, Naruto. He didn't know what he was saying. I love you. You're my precious, precious son. I would never want to see you hurt. You know that, right?"
"I know," Naruto said. He threw his arms around Iruka's neck and hugged him tightly. Iruka fell back, Naruto still clinging to him. "I was so scared!" Naruto confessed.
"You were brave, Naruto. I don't know what you did, or how you did it, but you saved my life. I'm very proud of you," Iruka soothed.
"Aren't you mad at me, for killing your friend?" Naruto asked, his eyes getting watery again.
"No, little cat, I'm not mad at you. You did the right thing. One day I'll explain this to you, but right now just know that I love you, and everything's going to be okay."
Naruto let go of him and offered to help him up. The medical ninja looked them over, as if doubting that they were really unharmed.
"Let me escort you to the Hokage tower," the med-nin said. Iruka nodded. "It's a bit of a walk," the man warned. Naruto grabbed his father's hand and held it tightly. Despite what Iruka had said to Naruto, he knew that nothing might be okay. The battle had just begun.
Iruka was exhausted. Someone had been kind enough to bring him a shirt, and he'd been sitting with his son in the Hokage's office for the past three hours. Ninjas kept coming in and going out, and the Hokage had to step out constantly to tend to things. At one point someone brought him and Naruto a sandwich.
"Let me get this straight," Sarutobi said wearily. "During lunch, you noticed Mizuki-san waving to you from outside the Academy gates. You left the others on the playground and went to see what he wanted. What did he tell you?"
Naruto put down his sandwich and swallowed the bite he'd just taken.
"He told me that there was a way I could become a Chuunin like him, but that I had to get a scroll for him and learn what was on it."
"And then what did he tell you?" Sarutobi asked sternly. Naruto scratched idly at his head.
"He told me how to get to the clearing in the woods, and that I should bring it there."
"Alright, so then you came here and took the scroll."
"Nobody was watching it, but Mizuki-sensei told me to be sneaky. If I got caught, I wouldn't get to be a Chuunin."
"So you took the scroll to the woods?" Sarutobi asked. Naruto nodded.
"But I kinda forgot where I was supposed to be going. So I stopped at this old shack I found and started to read the scroll. There was a lot of writing on it, and I only could learn the first technique."
"You learned the multiplication technique?" Sarutobi asked doubtfully. Naruto nodded.
"Yeah, and then I remembered where I was supposed to go. I couldn't figure out how to get rid of the clones, so they just came with me." Sarutobi shook his head as if he couldn't believe it.
"How many clones did you make, Naruto? Two? Three?" he asked. Naruto shook his head.
"There were about a hundred or so at first, but some of them disappeared as I got closer. I got tired running so far." Sarutobi sat in silence. Then he puffed on his pipe a bit and leaned forward.
"Then what?" he asked, almost as if he was listening to a story. Iruka could tell he didn't believe what Naruto was saying, but Iruka could see his son wasn't lying. He knew how Naruto acted when he lied, and all signs told him Naruto was telling the truth.
"Well, one of my clones that was running ahead found the clearing. He was talking to Mizuki-sensei. The rest of us thought it would be fun to surprise Mizuki-sensei, so we crept up and hid."
"What did Mizuki-san say to your clone?" Sarutobi asked. Naruto scowled as he tried to remember.
"He just said that he was impressed that I got the scroll. Then he said he sensed someone else coming, and he hid again. I didn't know what was going on. Then Kakashi came. He was alone, and he was mad. Then Mizuki-sensei pulled my dad from behind the tree! I hadn't seen him earlier. He was hurting my dad. Mizuki-sensei didn't know about my clones, so I surprised him. But he set a trap for me, and Kakashi saw it when I didn't. I set the trap off with my clone, but Kakashi protected me, 'cause he didn't know it was just a clone. Then my clones and me beat up Mizuki-sensei. I didn't mean to kill him, I promise! It was an accident! I just didn't want him hurting my dad or Kakashi."
"Okay, okay," Sarutobi said, his voice soothing but patronizing at the same time. Iruka scowled at him.
"He's telling the truth," Iruka interrupted sharply. "Mizuki told me what his plan was as he dragged me through the woods." Sarutobi looked at him intensely, and his expression turned very serious.
"If this is in fact true, I'm all the more convinced that my choice was the correct one. Kakashi-san informed me about Naruto's…condition." Iruka clenched his fists tightly in his lap. "Here is the decision I have reached. An old student of mine is talented with seals and attacks that require lots of chakra, which Naruto seems to have. I want the two of you to find him and give him a letter from me instructing him to train Naruto. I don't know how long this training will take. This will also serve to remove you from the village," Sarutobi said as he gave Iruka a meaningful look. The brunette man felt a stab of pain in his chest. People didn't want him in the village because of something as stupid as who he slept with. "Your traveling expenses will, of course, be paid for by the village."
Iruka sighed. Maybe it was actually a blessing. Naruto would still get to be a ninja, and it would allow them to leave Konoha. He wouldn't have to worry about money anymore, and Naruto would see a bit of the world. It was perfect, really.
An image of Kakashi flashed in Iruka's mind, but he stubbornly ignored it.
"That sounds fine," Iruka agreed.
"Really, dad? You're going to let us go?" Naruto asked excitedly. Iruka gave him a tired smile and nodded.
"Excellent. It would be best if you left as soon as possible, before people start getting curious. Can you set out tomorrow?"
Iruka nodded.
Sasuke was waiting for them at Kakashi's house. He'd been worried about the reports he'd been hearing around the village. Naruto immediately launched into telling him the story. Iruka rested on the couch, listening to them talk in the dining room. He knew he should have been packing, but he couldn't find the energy to do anything.
Finally, Naruto got to the part where he explained that he'd be leaving for special training.
"You can't leave!" Sasuke interrupted. Naruto suddenly realized it would mean parting with Sasuke. Iruka glanced over the back of the couch just in time to catch Naruto's frown.
"But…the Hokage told us we had to leave," Naruto replied sadly. Iruka stood. He walked into the dining room and placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. The little boy was scowling fiercely.
"Sasuke-kun, I know you're upset, but we don't really have a choice. We'll be back one day, though, and you and Naruto can write each other letters. I've asked Kakashi to take care of you while we're gone. He's still going to train you, so that you'll be really strong. Maybe when Naruto and I come back, you and Naruto will be on a team together."
The little boy seemed slightly pacified.
"You promise you'll write me letters?" Sasuke asked Naruto. The blonde boy nodded enthusiastically. "When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow," Naruto said. Sasuke's scowl returned.
"Why so soon?" he asked. Iruka gently ruffled his hair.
"The Hokage thinks that will be best. Speaking of leaving tomorrow, Naruto, you need to get into bed and get some sleep." Sasuke and Naruto stood up from the table and went to the bathroom without protest. Both of them were very quiet and sad. Iruka sighed and moved to clean up the kitchen.
Kakashi still wasn't back. Iruka was once again torn where Kakashi was concerned. On one hand, he'd taken a serious blow to protect his son. On the other hand, he'd told Naruto's secret when Iruka had begged him not to. The man was simply frustrating.
While the boys disappeared into the bedroom, Iruka began to collect their things. They would have to travel light. It was a good thing they'd already gotten rid of their furniture.
Iruka had a backpack tucked away somewhere. He'd found it while he'd been unpacking. He went to search for it wearily, not really feeling up to the task but doing it just to keep his mind off Mizuki.
He packed his picture of his parents, and the clothes he thought were most suitable into his backpack. He bundled the rest of his things into the big bag he'd used for the first move. It was mostly clothes, but a few things he couldn't bear to throw away. He packed those things into a smaller bag and left a note on top, asking Kakashi if he'd hold onto them for him until they came back. He would pack up Naruto's things in the morning.
He didn't want to be in the bed in case Kakashi came back, so he slept on the couch. He was so exhausted that he passed out easily. When he awoke, it was because someone was shaking him. He shot up, bumping foreheads with Kakashi.
"Ow!" he whispered, massaging his head. Kakashi didn't reply. He simply stared down at him. "Kakashi…are you okay?" Iruka asked gently. The silver haired ninja turned and headed for the bedroom.
"You were having a nightmare," was all he said. Then he disappeared into his bedroom.
Iruka sighed and flopped back down on the couch. It was best that he let Kakashi shut him out and heal in his own way. He fell back asleep, but it was fitful and he didn't feel well rested when morning came. Kakashi was already gone.
Iruka cooked breakfast for the boys and saw Sasuke off to school. He promised him they wouldn't leave until after he was out and they could say goodbye. Then he helped Naruto pack his things, and wrote a longer note to Kakashi that he put with the first one he'd written about the bag.
With a deep breath and quite a few regrets, Iruka left Kakashi's apartment around mid-afternoon.
"What else do we have to go do?" Naruto asked. Iruka took his hand and the two of them headed through town. He doubted Tsubaki would go to the market today.
"We're going to find out where Tsubaki lives and go tell her goodbye."
"Okay," Naruto happily agreed. Iruka could tell he was excited about meeting his new sensei. At the market they asked around near Tsubaki's stand and were given her address by a kindly old woman. They made their way to her house, not really talking. Naruto could sense that his father wanted some quiet.
Tsubaki invited them inside and quickly hugged Iruka. Feeling her pain, Iruka returned the embrace. Iruka didn't ask if she was okay, because he knew she wasn't. He wasn't either.
"The Hokage wants us to leave. Naruto is going to get special training," Iruka said once they had pulled apart.
"So you came to say goodbye?" Tsubaki asked sadly. Iruka nodded.
"Unfortunately, yes. I'm sorry. I know it's going to be hard on you."
"They've asked me to clean out his apartment," Tsubaki said with tears in her eyes. Iruka winced sympathetically.
"I wish I could help you. At least I can at least write you letters. You can write to me, too, and I'll read them all when we get back," Iruka promised. Tsubaki nodded.
"That might help," Tsubaki said quietly. Naruto tugged on her apron.
"When we come back, will your baby be out of your belly?" Naruto asked. Tsubaki gave him a small smile.
"I don't know. I hope you make it back before then," she said. "Are you hungry Naruto? I can cook you some lunch if you'd like."
"That'd be great!" Naruto said happily.
"Let me help you in the kitchen," Iruka suggested. "Naruto, why don't you play outside until lunch is ready?"
"Okay!" Naruto ran outside without protest, eager to be out in the sunshine on such a pretty day.
In the kitchen, Iruka and Tsubaki watched him play through the window.
"Any reservations I had about you vanished when I met Naruto. You're a good father, and you've raised him well. I've heard the rumors that some people wanted to run you out of town. I'm sorry," Tsubaki said quietly. Iruka shrugged.
"It's alright. I want to go. It's been hard here. If I could go back in time, I would never have come," Iruka confessed, thinking bitterly about Mizuki's death. Tsubaki began to cook while they talked.
"What about Kakashi-san?" she asked. Iruka began to chop the vegetables she passed to him.
"He and I aren't working out. We're too different, we fight too much, and I'm still getting over Mizuki. It's better if he finds someone that can love him like he deserves to be loved."
"At least you're honest with him," Tsubaki said. Iruka nodded.
"I know he doesn't understand, but it took so much out of me to be with him. I feel tired and used. I just want to get away from everything. I know it's selfish, but I can't help it."
"You're doing the right thing, Iruka. I'll keep an eye on Kakashi, and make sure he moves on."
"Thank you. You're a good friend, Tsubaki," Iruka said with a small smile.
"Did…did he suffer much?" Tsubaki asked, almost in a whisper. Iruka sighed.
"Kakashi was angry with him. He was cruel to him, but I pulled him away. What point is there in being cruel to a man who's dying? I talked to him gently until it was his time. I think…in the end…he realized the mistakes he'd made. He apologized. He wanted me to tell you he was sorry. It was like he was washed clean. He gave me the same smile he used to give me when we were boys, back before he changed so much."
Tsubaki began to cry, and Iruka took her into his arms. After a little while, Tsubaki pulled herself together.
"I'm glad. Thank you for putting aside your anger to be kind to him in his last moments. I know you hide it, but I can see how much he hurt you. It made you furious when you saw the ring."
"Yes, it did. I guess I'd never really gotten over it the first time he left. When it happened again, I finally began to see things clearly. There were moments when I hated him for how me made me think. I hated how he always twisted everything I said. I hated how naturally that came to him."
"I know," Tsubaki said gently, touching his arm in a comforting way. Iruka nodded and swallowed thickly.
"But he's gone now, and I forgave him in the end. I just have to let my anger go. It won't do me any good."
"That's a good attitude. You're very strong, Iruka, stronger than you realize, I think."
"You and I have to be strong. We have little ones to think about."
"Thank goodness for that, too. Iruka…I've been thinking about this ever since we talked. If I have a son – and I'm almost certain I will – when he's older and needs a man to look up to, will you help him if he needs it?" Iruka felt very touched.
"It would be an honor. Do you think you can talk to Naruto, if he ever needs advice from a great mom?" Iruka asked with a smile. Tsubaki returned it.
"As long as you're the one that tells him where babies come from," Tsubaki said. She and Iruka shared smiles and sat down to wait for lunch to finish cooking. Naruto came in to show them a huge frog he'd captured. Tsubaki smiled when the frog escaped and began hopping about in her kitchen. Iruka and Naruto scrambled to catch it, looking quite ridiculous in the process. Finally Naruto got it back outside, but not before Tsubaki giggled until she was almost breathless. Iruka had to laugh, too.
"That boy is going to wear me out one of these days," Iruka remarked, trying to catch his breath. Tsubaki patted her stomach.
"I can't wait for mine to bring me frogs and get into mischief." Iruka snorted.
"Just you wait. You'll eat those words," Iruka teased. Tsubaki served lunch then, and Iruka went to go call in Naruto. He bounded in sweaty and smiling, his stomach grumbling. Thankfully, after watching him eat at the ramen stand, Tsubaki had known to make a lot.
When the meal was finished, Iruka and Naruto thanked her again and said their goodbyes. Iruka gave her one last hug, and Naruto waved at her happily until they reached the road.
"Where to next, dad?" Naruto asked.
"I want to take you to see where your grandparents are buried. I'd like to take them some flowers." Naruto nodded, and the two of them found the flower shop. The woman who had delivered flowers to him was very cold to him. No doubt she'd heard rumors. Iruka purchased a small bouquet of his mother's favorite flowers, white lilies, and Naruto picked some daisies to give to his grandfather.
As they walked through town, people whispered and a few even pointed. Iruka picked up the pace, worried that the threats might become a reality. They made it to the edge of town before some ninjas and one or two civilian men approached them.
"Hold on a second, Umino," one of the men spat nastily. Iruka braced his shoulders and turned. He passed his flowers to Naruto.
"Go on to the graveyard, Naruto."
"Dad, they don't look friendly…" Naruto protested. Iruka gave him a fatherly glare.
"I said to go, Naruto. I can handle this myself," Iruka said sternly. When his son was out of hearing range, and had disappeared into the small wood up ahead, Iruka looked at the men expectantly.
"People are saying that you're leaving, but we wanted to confirm that personally. You aren't welcome here."
"My son and I are leaving, but not because I'm frightened of you or because I care about what your opinion of me is," Iruka said calmly. One of the ninjas pulled out a knife and spun it threateningly in his palm. Iruka didn't flinch.
"You should be afraid, faggot," he hissed. Iruka stared at him distastefully.
"We aren't children, so quit acting like it. If you want to call people names, maybe you should go back to grade school. I'm sure you had someone in your life teach you not to be rude to people you don't even know."
"You have more guts than I thought you would, but you're still a pervert. Leave Konoha, and don't come back," one of the fiercest looking men spat. Iruka rolled his eyes at him.
"You don't have the power to say who can live here, and I refuse to treat you like you do. Quit harassing me and go do something useful."
"I don't like your attitude," another man complained. He went so far as to step towards Iruka and push him.
It was not the day to fuck with Umino Iruka.
Before the man even realized it, he was on the ground with a busted lip. Iruka rubbed his hand and stared hard at the other men who were sizing him up. No one else moved to attack him. Iruka snorted at their cowardice and turned to walk away. The men watched him go, staring at him hatefully.
He hadn't made it very far into the woods when Naruto appeared, clutching the flowers.
"Are you okay, Dad?" Naruto asked. Iruka nodded and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Why were those guys mad at us?" Naruto asked. Iruka stared at the road ahead of them, his eyes thoughtful.
"Sometimes, Naruto, other people won't approve of the choices you make in life. But if you know you're doing the right thing, don't let other people push you around. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means that you have to get hurt. People will respect you for that."
Naruto stared up at him for a few long moments, and then nodded. Iruka could tell he was really listening. The trees thinned and then the graveyard appeared after a bend in the road. Respectfully, Iruka walked the rows of stones with Naruto behind him until he found the Umino markers. Surprising his son, Iruka began to speak.
"Mom, Dad, I'm really sorry I haven't come to visit you before. I think about you all the time, and I hope you're happy, wherever you are. I've brought your grandson to meet you. I know you would be just as proud of him as I am. He's a great kid. We brought you your favorite flowers, Mom," Iruka swallowed thickly and forced the words out. "I still have your picture, and I tell Naruto stories about you both all the time. Naruto and I have to leave for a little while, but when we come back, I'm going to do things right. I'm going to make you proud of me, okay? I love you both," Iruka whispered as he gently touched his father's stone. Naruto watched with wide eyes. He looked at the flowers in his hands and untangled the two bouquets. He placed one in front of each stone.
"Grandma?" Naruto asked hesitantly. Iruka encouraged him with a smile. The blonde crouched down as his father was doing and touched his grandmother's stone. "Sometimes, when I'm really good, dad makes your cookies for me. They're the best cookies in the world! I wish you could have made them for me, too. It's sad I can't meet you, but my dad looks a lot like your picture. You were really pretty. We're leaving so that I can train to be a ninja, just like you! Someday I'm going to be the Hokage. Watch over me, okay Grandma?"
Iruka nodded at him with a loving smile and stood, slowly dusting off his pants.
"Hopefully, they'll watch over both of us. Are you ready to go to the Hokage tower now?" Naruto nodded.
"Dad, when Sasuke was crying, was he talking to someone here, too?" Naruto asked.
"He was talking to his parents, Naruto," Iruka said. Naruto looked thoughtful for a few moments.
"Can I talk to them, too?" Iruka nodded, and Naruto found the Uchiha stones. He kneeled and touched Sasuke's mother's stone. "Hi, Sasuke's mom! I have to leave Konoha, and I know you're an angel like my grandma, so will you take extra good care of Sasuke until I can get back? He's mean sometimes, but he's nice on the inside. Thanks!"
Naruto ran to re-join him. Iruka gave him a proud smile.
"That was a nice thing to do, Naruto," Iruka praised. His son just smiled. Hand in hand, the two of them left the graveyard and walked towards the Hokage tower.
Their visit with Sarutobi was the longest. They were given detailed instructions, money, and a scroll to deliver to Jiraiya-san when they found him. Sarutobi suggested they begin their search in a little town to the north where there were some hot springs. When Naruto was occupied looking out the window, Sarutobi told Iruka to search for Jiraiya near the female bathhouse in a low voice.
Iruka began to feel concerned. Just what kind of man were they seeking?
"There's one other thing, Iruka-san. Since Naruto is so intent to become Hokage one day, I'd like to show him around the tower. While I do that, why don't you pay a visit to Kakashi-san before you set out? Last I saw him, he was sitting by the bridge writing a mission report."
Iruka had mixed emotions about visiting Kakashi, but he recognized an order when he heard one. Respectfully, Iruka bowed.
"Thank you for offering to keep an eye on Naruto. I'll go find Kakashi." Iruka turned to address his son, who was half hanging out the window, trying to catch a dragonfly. "Naruto? Be good for the Hokage."
"Huh? Alright," Naruto replied, making another desperate grab for the unlucky bug. Iruka nodded at the Hokage and left.
He'd often seen the bridge from Kakashi's kitchen window. As he approached, he saw Kakashi's shoulders tense. The man sat with his legs dangling off the side of the bridge, scribbling messily on a piece of paper. He slowly stopped writing and set the supplies down beside him. He stood, but he didn't turn towards him. Iruka nervously approached. When he was standing next to him, Iruka dared to peek at his expression. It was stormy.
"How's your back?" Iruka asked quietly. Kakashi didn't answer. The ninja had shut him out, and Iruka didn't blame him. "I know you're probably mad at me, but I don't know what I can do other than apologize. I am sorry. I hope you can forgive me someday," Iruka said. Still, Kakashi didn't reply. Iruka nodded and pushed softly away from the handrail of the bridge. "Thank you for taking that blow for Naruto. If things had been different…well, I guess there's no use talking like that now. We're leaving soon. I don't know when we'll be back. I'd like to write you letters, but I understand if you don't want me to do that," Iruka said, biting his lip nervously. When he still received no response, Iruka sighed and began to walk away. When he was nearly off the bridge, Kakashi half turned.
"Write them," he said blandly. Iruka glanced over his shoulder, and gave him a small nod. Then he walked away, and to his credit, he didn't look back. To Kakashi's credit, he didn't beg him to.
The last goodbye was to Sasuke, who stood waiting for them at the village gates. Iruka gave the boy a big hug and reminded him to spend time with Kakashi until they could get back.
"Kakashi is sad, too, right now. Will you keep an eye on him for me?" Iruka asked the boy. Sasuke nodded solemnly. Iruka wondered how much Sasuke would grow and change in their absence. Would he be a teenager when Iruka saw him again? He pushed aside his worries and kissed Sasuke's forehead, ignoring the way it made the boy blush. "I'm going to have faith that you'll grow up to be strong and kind, Sasuke-kun. Make me proud, okay?" Iruka asked. Sasuke nodded, a small smile on his face. Iruka left then, giving the two boys some privacy.
Naruto looked at his best friend and idly dragged his foot through the dirt. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, and gripped what he had put in one of them tightly.
"I'll write lots of letters so you know how strong I'm getting. You better train hard while I'm not here!" Naruto said, finally looking into his friend's dark eyes. Sasuke smirked.
"I'll still be tougher than you, so don't get your hopes up," he replied. Naruto grinned a bit.
"Will we still be best friends when I come back?" Naruto asked hopefully. Sasuke glanced around to make sure no one was listening.
"You'll always be my best friend, you idiot. That's a dumb question." Naruto smiled. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and thrust something at Sasuke that glittered in the sun. Questioningly, Sasuke took it and held it in the palm of his hand. "What's this for?" Sasuke asked with a sneer.
"Just hold onto it, okay? It's magic."
"Magic?" Sasuke asked disbelieving. Naruto blushed and looked away.
"The lady that gave it to me said that whoever I give it to will always remember me when they look at it. I thought it wasn't very good magic at the time, but now I'm kind of glad that it does that. Will you keep it?" Naruto asked. He was trying to look tough, like he didn't care what Sasuke did with the ring, but his blue eyes told a different story. Sasuke met Naruto's gaze and smirked. He closed his hand around the ring and slipped it into his pocket.
"Yeah, I'll keep it."
"I gotta go," Naruto said, once again cheery and bright. Sasuke nodded.
"I'll see you later," Sasuke said. Naruto nodded and extended his fist. Sasuke lightly punched it with his own pale one.
"Yeah," Naruto said with a small smile, "See you later, Sasuke."
With that, Naruto turned and left, waving over his shoulder as he walked through the gates. From the branches of a nearby tree, Kakashi wished him luck.
"I'll be waiting for those letters, Iruka, so don't disappoint me," he whispered, imagining that the cold breeze would carry the words to Iruka's ears. Perhaps they did. Just before they left, Kakashi swore that Iruka turned and looked straight at him. It was not over yet. One day, Iruka would come back. Kakashi would use the time to figure out what had gone wrong, and he'd be better prepared next time. It was the only thing he could do.
Already, he felt like he'd learned one of love's lessons. Goodbyes were never easy.
A/N: Yes, there is a sequel. It's not over yet. In fact, you still have more reading to do right now! Go to my author page and click on the link to my livejournal. There you'll find a mini-arc set between the arc you just read and the sequel, 'New Promises.' The mini-arc is called 'Letters,' and it's in four installments. Start with 'Letters of Fall' – you'll have to scroll down the page a bit to find it. You can only read it at my livejournal, because it's in a format that this site doesn't support. Once I've posted the last chapter of 'Letters,' I'll begin posting 'New Promises' on my LJ. When it's complete, I'll post it here just like I've done with 'Fighting Dreamers.' You can either read it on my livejournal as it's written, or wait for it to be posted here a chapter a day. Thanks everyone, and I hope you enjoyed reading the first arc! I loved hearing your reviews, and a bit thank you to everyone who commented.
Responses to Reviews:
1. Will there be a time skip soon, where Sasuke and Naruto are thirteen or twelve? - Liz
Yes, there will be several time skips. The first is between 'Fighting Dreamers' and 'New Promises.' Naruto is eight at the end of 'Fighting Dreamers,' and turns nine the month after he leaves. When he returns to Konoha in 'New Promises,' it will almost be time for his eleventh birthday. Sasuke is one year older than Naruto, so he'll be turning twelve at the beginning of 'New Promises.' Beyond 'New Promises,' there has been a request for an arc featuring Sasuke and Naruto when they're adults. I'm still considering this.
2. Michiru's Mirror mentioned in her review about the behavior of real men like Mizuki – manipulators and abusers. The truth is that people that survive relationships like that don't heal immediately, and they can't rush right into a healthy relationship. I wanted to show just how influential such people can be – even if it's been years, like in Iruka's case. Tsubaki will have a hard time of it still, though. Thanks especially for this review. It made me really glad that I conveyed what I was trying to with Mizuki and Iruka's relationship.
3. Awyr expressed concern about Kakashi giving in to Iruka's sexual demands. She believes it made him weak-willed. I agree. If Kakashi hadn't given in, and refused to let Iruka use him as a rebound, things might have ended very differently, and that's one of the things Kakashi will come to regret. Unfortunately, Kakashi doesn't know much about love or relationships, and it's all very new to him. I wanted to show that while his heart is in the right place, he's lacking maturity and the wisdom that only comes from experience.
4. Oro-sama felt Iruka lacked empathy where Kakashi was concerned, and that he was too sensitive. This is also true. Iruka and Kakashi have very different mentalities towards relationships, and Iruka can't understand Kakashi's point of view, just like Kakashi struggles to understand his. Kakashi is experiencing love for the first time, and Iruka is jaded about a love that's dying. Iruka is sensitive, but I think that realistically, we'd all be hurt if someone said the things to us that Kakashi says to Iruka. Factor in all the other things in Iruka's life that are upsetting emotionally, and it is no surprise that the slightest insult really tears him down.
5. Necrophile wants to know how it's all going to end. Some may consider this a spoiler, but this story will end happily. It might take another 200 something pages to get there, but it WILL end happily.
6. Nine-Tailed-Vixen was curious about the future of Sasuke and Naruto. Since these two aren't the main characters, I don't think I'm going to give you any guarantees! You'll just have to read to find out how their relationship develops.
7. Kirallie asked a LONG time ago why Iruka was shipped up north to an orphanage. Since I don't really answer this question specifically, I wanted to do so now. Iruka wasn't trained to be a ninja. His parents wanted him to be something less dangerous. Mizuki did have ninja training, but he didn't graduate before the fox demon killed everyone. Because Mizuki's parents weren't anything special, and he didn't have any bloodline limits or special attacks, it was cheaper for the village to send him to an orphanage. The same goes for Iruka. Sasuke's situation is different. He inherited a great deal of wealth when his parents died, and it's in Konoha's best interests to continue his ninja training because of the greatness of his clan.