Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this innocuous interlude. Oodles of respect for Masashi Kishimoto, the creative force behind Naruto. Please do have patience with me and with the ninja who looks out for his favorite people.
EIGHT: HABIT FORMING
Iruka focused on his breathing, then went a step further and made sure that his chakra was completely under wraps. His control had always been excellent, in part because his reserves were modest. It was all about making the most of what you had.
"Are you calm?" Itachi asked.
"Near enough." He had to ask, "How much of a problem will it be if you're discovered?"
His brows arched. "By whom?"
Iruka hesitated. "I don't want to attract Orochimaru's attention. That's my worst-case scenario. But for you … aren't you worried your brother will spot you?"
"He won't." Itachi studied him dispassionately. "What did you do to draw Orochimaru's attention last time?"
"I was with Sasuke."
A flat look.
"He approached me."
With a soft huff, Itachi said, "Perhaps you are the one who should be worried about Sasuke. My brother is … tenacious."
Iruka sighed. "But why would he be following Sukea?"
Another flat look.
"Was Sukea following me?"
"Perhaps he does not trust you with me. Or me with you."
"I don't think that's it." Iruka cast about for something reasonable. Reluctantly, he admitted, "Sasuke might be concerned for me. I told him I'm here on a mission, and I don't think he puts much faith in my abilities."
Itachi lightly inquired, "Teacher's pet?"
"I suppose I was someone he wanted to impress, back when he was a little boy." His gaze slipped out of focus. "I wish I'd done more. For him and Naruto."
"You made an impression."
Iruka held his peace. This was hardly the time to quibble. They both had regrets with regards to the younger Uchiha. Changing the subject, he asked, "When will you embed your message?"
"When I'm ready."
"Wouldn't it be best to do it sooner than later?"
Itachi's gaze narrowed. "So the ANBU assigned to you can facilitate your extraction?"
"That won't happen. My disappearing would make Kisame suspicious. And that would end my usefulness as your contact." Curious, Iruka asked, "Have you seen any ANBU? Or sensed them, or something?" He certainly hadn't.
"No."
"If I embed my report, would you find an excuse to cut your vacation short?"
"Hardly," Iruka scoffed. "We just arrived. I want more time."
"With Sukea."
"And you. Heavens above, I'm even enjoying Kisame's company."
"Why?"
Iruka wasn't sure how to explain it. "He's really in his element here. Relaxed. Happy."
"Hmm."
"So … is it safe?"
Itachi inclined his head and drifted out of their hideaway.
Falling in step, Iruka asked, "Food?"
"If we must."
He chose a tearoom that served dango, but Itachi surprised him by ordering a savory steamed custard that arrived in a lidded bowl. "Chawanmushi?"
"Am I to be limited to sweets?"
"No, no." In the grand scheme of things, Iruka didn't really know Itachi all that well. But their ongoing mission would change that. Little by little, they'd be learning each other's tastes and habits. He preferred to focus on that, rather than the dangers involved.
At Itachi's insistence, they returned to their inn and its therapeutic tide pools. Itachi dozed in the hot water, his head supported by Iruka's hand. Maybe he was blowing the situation out of proportion, but Iruka thought he could count it as a show of trust. Itachi looked so peaceful, and Iruka felt needed.
Until Kisame sloshed up over the seawall at their back, bringing with him a gush of cold sea water.
Itachi's eyes remained shut, but his brows drew together. "Was that necessary, Kisame?"
"My bad." His partner threw a leg over and slid into the water at Iruka's side. "Didn't expect to catch you napping. Dangerous thing to do in a bath."
Although he didn't sound particularly concerned, Iruka assured, "We take turns."
Kisame snorted.
"Where's Sukea?"
"Chasing a lead, or so he says." Kisame settled back and yawned hugely. "He'll turn up eventually. Since you're here."
Iruka pushed up enough to peer over the wall. "Were you swimming?"
"Yep."
"Aren't there supposed to be sharks out there?"
"Yep." With a sidelong look in Itachi's direction, Kisame added, "Seems we're both living dangerously."
Itachi murmured, "Leave it, Kisame."
"Hey, I'm only here to warm up." But after a few moments, Kisame gruffly said, "Let me do that so you can rest, too."
He meant holding up Itachi.
Iruka waited to see if that would fly.
With an aggrieved sigh, Itachi said, "Fine."
Kisame beamed. "Go on. Lie back. I'll keep watch."
"Thanks." As Iruka resettled, he asked, "Is there any reason to be keeping watch?"
"Nothing worth mentioning."
"My brother," interjected Itachi. "Iruka may as well know to be cautious."
"Up to you," Kisame replied.
Itachi spoke with eyes still shut, face serene. "I have a younger brother. I would rather not meet him at this juncture."
"Is he dangerous?" ventured Iruka.
"He's a brat," muttered Kisame. "But he's more than you can handle."
Not exactly news, but Iruka nodded. "Could you take him on?"
Kisame snorted. "He's not my problem."
Something in his inflection made Iruka curious. "Do you have family?"
The Mist nin missed a beat before asking, "What do you care?"
"I'm sorry." Iruka floundered, since this line of conversation would surely lead into dangerous territory. "It just seemed natural to ask. I meant no offense."
"None taken." Kisame adjusted his grip, scratching lightly at Iruka's scalp, then tangling in his hair.
"No pulling," he mumbled.
"No promises."
The tone was teasing, the hold steady. Iruka let himself go limp. "Hey … Kisame?"
"Hmm?"
"Thanks."
He grunted. But he also gave another friendly little scratch.
Iruka's heart clenched because it solidified something terrifying. He would always be loyal to Konoha. Do his part. Thrive there. But on some level, he would also always be loyal to these two friends. Count them dear. Help them.
Did his affection betray his devotion?
He couldn't decide. Both felt right.
End Note: originally posted on January 5, 2022. 980 words.
