I do not own Naruto. Never will.
Written in the honor of Kakashi's birthday. I didn't intend to post up the first chapter without having the second chapter done, but I'm late as it is.
Happy Birthday, Kakashi!
LIMITS
It peeked his curiosity one day, whilst returning from a mission - tired, groggy and Jounin uniform worse for wear - that he felt a presence of a civilian, gallivanting about the vicinity of Valley of the End. It wasn't the fact that there was a civilian present; it was what the civilian was doing that made him blink as he passed down the valley, catching a glimpse of a figure swinging back and forth between the two guarding statues.
Normally, he wouldn't have paid much attention, seeing as how it was five in the morning and his bed was sounding more inviting than some civilian doing acrobatics between two make-shift trapezes on either stone hands of the statues.
It was only when the young man swung too high and released his hold on one of the trapeze beam, soaring too high, with absolute no safety-line to catch his fall did Kakashi do a double take. The chakra patterns of the young man were too frayed, jumbled and unstable to be a shinobi's or to even be compatible enough to be channeled. Even a shinobi wouldn't be stupid enough to let go at such a high point without securing a wire or something to minimize their dropping speed. Yet the man soared high, arms outstretched to his sides, back slightly arched and legs together. Once the man started to drop, he didn't break his stance, and twisted his body at an angle to reach the other side where the other opposite swinging trapeze was waiting for him.
Kakashi had to blink when the man didn't slip from the small bar, seeing as the waterfall was roaring just a few yards away. The moisture collected from the waterfall should have been enough to ensure slippery landing, but instead, he merely landed one leg before swinging again and flipping to the other side.
Kakashi could not help but marvel at the civilian's rather perfect balance and lack of fear. The more he watched, the more mesmerized he became. How long he stood there within the grove of the trees, watching the young man soar gracefully in the air and land just as gracefully on the trapeze-beam, he didn't know. It was only when the sun finally started rising did the young man stop his performance and opted to sit on top of the statue's finger, probably to catch his breath.
Kakashi shook his head and headed back for the village. Since the young man didn't seem to be in any sort of danger, he didn't see any point in staying more than he should. His bed was still more inviting.
XXX
Afternoon came too fast for Kakashi as he remembered that he had to do two things that day. One is to submit his report at the mission's desk and tell the Hokage that the delivery was a success and two, was to secure a new Jounin shirt uniform. Pulling the last decent looking but wash worn pair he had on after swallowing some coffee, he was not entirely surprised that the medium-sized shirts have become a tad bit uncomfortable.
Ever since team seven split, he's been training dutifully, trying to put on a little bit more of muscle weight because he was a bit thin for his own liking. For a Jounin of his stature, back then, he was rather thin, hence his bones were more prone to breaking fast for the lack of muscle 'padding' (as how his deceased instructor used to say over and over again). After a year of getting back on his feet with his last two remaining charges with different instructors, he was physically stronger. His muscles, while remaining lean and rather lithe - compared to say Ibiki, who was as wide as a doorway - were more pronounced. When he moved, it flexed visibly. Not completely pronounced to the point that muscles bulged in lumps, but enough to say that the muscles were packed with strength.
He liked the change.
Although the medium shirt fit him rather fine, he was not happy with having the fabric in the clinging state. He preferred a loose fitting so as to feel a bit airy when moving. He will have to request for a larger size.
Checking himself in the mirror once more, he went about completing his tasks for the day.
XXX
It took merely few minutes with the Hokage and another twenty at mission desk before he finally made his way to the fourth floor of the administration building where most shinobis fondly dubbed it the 'uniform joint'. It wasn't really a hangout joint or a shop, but more like a large room, with a dressing room corner and several shelves behind a large counter. Upon the shelves were stacks and stacks of shinobi uniform apparel, all in sequence from ranks to sizes.
It was fairly quiet in the room, save for the two attendees at the counter and a shirtless shinobi arguing good naturedly with the old man running the place. Kakashi recognized the voice anywhere. He just didn't think that the rather skinny man leaning against the counter, flak jacket folded on one side and arguing and pointing at one of the stacked shirts in the shelves would be who he thought it was.
Wasn't he a bit rounder?
"I'm telling you Iruka-kun. Wearing a shirt that's twice your size is not going to change the fact that you're thin! How many times have I told you to eat properly? I also told you countless times to settle down! Have a nice woman make you decent meals, warm you up at night -"
"But I just wanted a large-sized shirt, Tatsu-san!" Iruka said, pointing yet again to what seemed to Kakashi was the Large-sized shirts, ignoring the fact that an old man was trying to convince him to have a decent love life." And I do eat, Tatsu-san! I can't help but -"
"But nothing! What do you eat, frozen instant foods? Those horrible things they manufacture that you just toss in the oven? That is not food, Iruka-kun. That is garbage in a plate. You come here more than twice a month for a new uniform, and if you are eating Iruka-kun, which I just know you're not, then you would have a bit flesh than what I'm seeing right now." Tatsu shook his head before lifting his gaze to Kakashi who looked absolutely amused at the exchange.
"Tatsu-san, I can't help it I'm skinny! I eat like a cow!" Iruka sighed. The other attendant was snickering behind the counter, while he arranged the new stacks of uniform in place.
"Rather underfed for a cow, don't you think?" Tatsu waved a hand at Iruka, clearly enjoying in having the young man around, and turned his complete attention to Kakashi. "Long time, Kakashi-kun. What can I do for you?"
Iruka, at that point, turned to look at Kakashi and greeted him politely.
Kakashi couldn't help but smile at both of them. The man had tailored uniforms for him ever since he graduated and made Chuunin years ago. When they didn't have his sizes, Tatsu would measure him up and produce one that fits him just fine. Because back then, even the smallest shirt (and that was the Kunoichi's shirt) was too loose for him.
And Iruka just gave him good morning entertainment, hence deserved a bit of a smile too.
"Just need a new one." Kakashi said, as Tatsu gave his shirt a look over and shook his head.
"How many?"
"Ah, I think five." Kakashi said, hands in his pockets. Tatsu reached out for the medium-sized ones but Kakashi stopped him. "I'd rather it was large, Tatsu-san. This is one I'm wearing is a medium."
"Now that is what I like!" Tatsu said, laughing and taking out a stack of large-sized shirts. "I can see that shirt is not really something you look comfortable in. A bit clingy to the sides eh?" Kakashi could only nod as five shirts in their respective plastic was stacked in front of him.
Kakashi took the time to glance at Iruka, who was not busy trying to convince the other attendant to just hand him one of the large-sized shirts while Tatsu was busy with Kakashi. The young man snickered some more before giving in and handed Iruka one of the large-sized shirts he was taking out from the new stock-box.
"Oh bless you!" Iruka took the shirt, much to Tatsu's annoyance and started pulling it on.
"I'm telling you Iruka-kun! That is a pointless trick! You are a small size, not large!" Tatsu said, checking Kakashi's shirts to make sure they're all the right sizes.
"Pointless as it may be, Tatsu-san," Kakashi blinked as Iruka pulled the shirt on, seeing some of his ribs protrude when he raised his hand. He was indeed too thin. "I am still comfortable in big clothes."
Kakashi watched as Iruka tucked the shirt in and pulled his flak jacket on. He looked rounder now, Kakashi noted, not like what he really was when he was shirtless. He looked bulkier, broader; Kakashi noted stupidly that he's been deceived.
"Ah boy. You never change." Tatsu laughed. "Pay later. You're still waiting for your paycheck. And these," Tatsu pulled out a bundle of wash-worn, and slashed cloth that used to be a shirt from under the counter. "Are just not acceptable. You need a shirt. Can't go around shirtless now, can we?"
Iruka shook his head. "I'll drop by as soon as I get my paycheck. Thank you very much." He dipped his head in a polite parting greeting before turning to Kakashi himself and offering him a polite bow.
Kakashi watched him leave the room before turning his attention back to the shirts. "Pretty messed up, that one." Kakashi gestured to the mass of shredded clothes on the counter that Tatsu threw away immediately.
"It's normal. The street he lives in is notorious. That poor boy." Tatsu shook his head. "He said a cat was playing on his clothesline that morning. When he returned from training, all his clean shirts were, well." Tatsu gestured at the torn clothes he threw away.
"Cat eh?" Kakashi couldn't help but snicker.
"Oh don't you laugh, young man!" Tatsu scolded. "Even so, that poor boy."
Kakashi just had to wonder.
XXX
The next time Kakashi saw Iruka, he saw him as a moving cupboard down an empty street a few days later.
He was rounding off the corner, returning from a mission reporting (a new one, since he's been very active without his charges) since he had nothing else to do and was just about grab some groceries from the store down the street when he spotted, quite literally, a moving cupboard with a pair of nin-sandals on the ground. Staring, he couldn't help but try not to laugh because it looked hilariously stupid. The poor shinobi must be small because the cupboard was merely a few inches from the ground but still moving.
Shaking his head, he approached the person. While he wanted to laugh at the persons obvious silliness in hauling a heavy object around alone, he couldn't help but pity person. So, he was rather surprised to find it was Iruka hauling the cupboard.
"You better take a breather. Or you might pop a few organs." Kakashi said, hands in his pocket, feeling awkwardly sorry for what looked like a perfectly fine and round-ish man but was indeed all thin and lean underneath.
Delicate.
Iruka dropped the cupboard on the ground, stretching and sighing. "It's all right. I've been down eight blocks. Another five won't cost me more than few sores later. Nothing a hot bath can't remedy."
"You know, help can be called for." Kakashi suggested, pulling out his little book from his back pouch and flipping open to the page he left off.
"It is merely a cupboard. Nothing more." Iruka didn't even glance at him as he spoke. He sucked in a large breath before lifting the cupboard again and continuing on his way.
Kakashi followed for the lack of anything else to do. "Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look from behind?"
"Yes, I do. Do you think I care?" Iruka said, not being sarcastic but merely stating facts.
"Point taken." Kakashi said and continued to watch him hobble down the street with the cupboard on his back.
"As much as I know how degrading I must look right now, I would appreciate it if you weren't rude enough to stare for too long, Kakashi-sensei."
"Why are you carrying this again?"
Iruka sighed but continued walking. "Because I am going to sell it."
Kakashi eyed the cupboard. It looked too good to be sold. It was in top condition, with expensive and sturdy looking wood. "And why is that?"
"I have no use for it anymore."
Ah. A lie if I ever saw one.
"I see. Maa, then it can't be helped." Kakashi said, and tucked his book away. "Take a breather Iruka-sensei. Your head looks like it's going to pop." Iruka sighed but kept walking. When he was done with one block, he stopped to breathe again. "I'll take this side."
Iruka blinked at him but said nothing. He merely lifted one side just as Kakashi lifted the other. Kakashi didn't think he had to brace his footing in lifting the extremely heavy cupboard.
And he said how many blocks?
By the time they reached the merchant, Iruka's shirt was soaked through since he's been carrying the cupboard for so many blocks that Kakashi found it hard to believe he was still standing straight. The only person he knew who would even dare lift something so heavy on a continuous basis would be Gai. Then again Gai broke muscle-laws long time ago.
But Iruka?
The guy is practically bones with a layer or two of flesh! Whatever muscles he has on his body is the minimal requirement to be even considered a shinobi.
Kakashi, so to speak, was amazed. He watched Iruka chatter with the merchant, pat the cupboard a few times and explain its quality, sturdiness and whatnot in order to sell it for a good price.
If Kakashi were to think as to who was the thinnest male shinobi, he would have to think of Izumo. Izumo was petite, narrow shouldered and extremely lean. While he packed strength, his body didn't show it. But Iruka's body was smaller than Izumo's, despite him being just a bit taller.
Staring at the white soaked-in shirt, Kakashi could see Iruka's curves. From behind, with his drooping and loose ponytail, he could pass as a woman. Too thin and slender to be a man, yet just a bit too broad to be a woman but nevertheless, he can still be mistaken as one. His waist was narrow, and with the soaked shirt he could see the slight curving of the hipbone and rather deep dip of his spinal chord. He could see his shoulder blades shift and protrude as he smoothed the cupboard door, still speaking with the merchant and his rib cage shift and move.
He can see the muscles work under the white shirt. Small, delicate and curvy little muscles; Kakashi had to blink.
"Sold then!" Iruka smiled, just as the merchant handed him a wad of thick paper bills. "Thank you very much!"
Kakashi watched as Iruka approached him, eyeing the smooth chest underneath the already transparent shirt before lifting his gaze to Iruka's face who was giving the cupboard one last longing look before turning to smile at Kakashi and tuck the money in to his pocket.
"I have troubled you today. I am in your debt." Iruka said, respectfully dipping his head a bit.
Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head a bit. Ever since that incident with team seven's nomination, Iruka has always been ridiculously extra polite to him. "No need to be so polite to me, Iruka-sensei. You really did look like you were going to pop your inner organs."
Iruka merely smiled; politely yet again. "Still though. I appreciate your time."
Kakashi could do nothing but just stare at him like he does with everyone else. He watched as Iruka turned his head up skyward, and couldn't help but recognize the posture; the grace that laced such a simple act of raising one's head.
"Anything else you want to haul? A sofa maybe? A fridge?" Kakashi asked.
Iruka shook his head. "None. I am going to head home first. Weekends are the only time I will get to have things done and train."
"Oh? You will train today then?"
"Perhaps if I have time to spare." Iruka approached the pipe line of the building, intent on taking the roof instead of the road home. "Maybe one day, when we're both free, I can take you to lunch. As a thank you for your help today."
"Mmm. Maybe." Kakashi merely smiled up, eye crinkling.
Iruka nodded and climbed the pipeline easily, without using his chakra to get on the roof. "Have a good day, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi nodded and stared as Iruka used his hand to propel his weight upwards with incredible force that made Kakashi's eye widen in surprise. To reach such a height without the use of even a drop of chakra like all shinobis do out of habit and normalcy boggled him. He watched as Iruka jumped over the roof towards the next, feeling like he's seen such a movement before. It was when he hopped down a particularly low one from a distance did Kakashi realize the posture; the grace within the jumping pose, despite it merely looking like any normal jump.
It's him. The civilian back then..
TBC
I am, as you can see, heavily inspired by acrobatic performances. Things will be explained later as the story progresses. Most of my inspirations came from watching Save the Last Dance, Step Up and mostly Kaleido Star.
What you think? I am a feedback slut.
