A/N: Thank you to the people who reviewed I am glad you enjoy this story. Actually I'm enjoying it as well. I guess that's a good sign ha ha ha.

And now to answer a question: I was aksed if there would be angst. Oh I'm sure there will be. There's three people who seem to care a lot about each other and one will have to face the music..he's not going to get the gril. Both men are very sensitive people and I'm sure something will happen. The only difference is one has his heart on his slieve and the other has is locked away. Etiher way I'm sure some of the characters will be showing some angst and a lot of other emotions.

I made all the characters very complex on purpose. The reason is if they aren't then we wouldn't really be interested in them. They'd get predicatbale and the story would eventually fall apart. Akane is a little strange yes theres a good reason. Actually this chapter you get to see a different side of her.

Well anyways please review. And as I've said if you come up with a question or a suggestion please voice it...I love feedback and the more the better.

Chapter 13: Fever Breaks Tensions Rise

Akane sat next to the sleeping jounin. It had been three days and his fever kept coming back and it worried her. She couldn't leave him alone over night there was no way. He could get worse, or hurt himself, or the worst scenario; he could die.

He wasn't one to complain she noticed that. Not once did he mutter or complain about it. Instead he cooperated and did what he could to make it easier.

You're so used to taking care you yourself…I think you want to get better so we don't have to do the work of living for you. I can't blame you.

Gently she brushed strands of his silver hair away from his forehead. The fever was reaching its peak and it was easy to see in his face. Every few minutes he would furrow his brows as though in pain. She wanted the pain to end for him. It wasn't going to happen. She could see he had gone through a lot of pain, the left eye was one indicator, the dreams another.

I still wonder what you were dreaming. It was horrible that I could tell. If you were able to talk I would be you would have been screaming.

She took a small cloth and wiped it over his brow. She would have soaked his whole face but she knew better then to get into things she shouldn't. He wore that mask for a reason.

Get better soon. carefully she patted his shoulder, just to make herself feel better.

She slowly got up and walked to get frsh water.

"How is he?" Iruka's quiet voice announced behind her, he was worried as well. The concern he showed was hard to miss.

"Not good. It keeps coming back." She muttered. She watched the water as it sloshed in the bowl, before pouring it into the sink. Everything she did seemed to have no effect. She was running out of ideas to keep the man alive.

"He'll make it. I may not know him well but I do know he's a survivor."

Akane looked up and sighed.

"Yes a survivor, but at what price, what price did he pay to be one?" She looked at Iruka as a single tear went down her face. "You didn't see him thrashing. It was as if he was fighting something…or trying to get to something…I can't see that anymore. It hurts me to see him like that. He's a strong person. To be taken down to this level…it's degrading for him."

Iruka smiled and wiped the single tear away from her face. "Yes I know all about that…we've all been through a lot of pain. Don't you think for a second I haven't seen you doing that in your sleep."

"Yes but that's different." She sighed yet again.

"No not really. I don't know his past, few do. He spends a lot of his time alone and he barely has any free time. He's always working." Iruka was shaking his head.

He seems so sure about that. Does Kakashi-san seriously work all the time?

"Like me…" She looked down.

"Yeah I guess so."

"He looks so sad." Akane felt tired but she had a job to do. There was no way she was going to leave Kakashi alone with the illness still trying to overtake him. She could feel Iruka's arms wrap around her in a comforting hug…he was trying so hard to help. Again he felt so warm. She tried hard not to let herself totally relax into the embrace.

"Yes he does. Eventually he'll change…he has already, even if it's a little bit." Pulling away he grasped her shoulders and smiled.

Iruka was always the optimistic one. Akane knew that the day she met him. She on the other hand only pretended to be optimistic. Deep down she wanted to be like him.

"Well I should go back and watch him." Her head sank. She had seen and been in enough pain. It hurt too much to see someone like this.

"Are you sure, you know you too need to take a break."

"I'll be fine." She smiled. He let her go and shrugged as if he had given up trying to convince her to rest. She was sure he had.

Just make sure I don't die like that. I'd rather die fighting.

When she returned it happened again only this time she had heard him. Running to the door she forze before opening it. The sound of his scream was deafening to her ears. She wanted him to stop; it was tearing her heart to pieces. What ever it was it was painful for him. In seconds Genma and Raidou had come to help, both startled and very concerned.

"Grab his arms, we don't want him hurting us or himself, Raidou-san the legs please."

Both men took their places and in seconds they had him clamed down and awake. He was alert and not in a good mood. Who would be if they found their friends holding them down?

Poor guy really, I can't stand people doing that either.

"I'm sorry we had to hold you down."

"…"He glared at her, she backed up.

"Please Kakashi-san I'm not a threat." She put the bowl down, which she had clutched tightly the whole time.

Slowly his face softened and then he turned to glare at the others.

"He wants you to leave, I think." Her voice was shaky. Why was he so mad?

"You sure…?" Akane had felt the murderous intent coming off the sick man but felt no fear for it. She was worried for him, not herslf.

"Yes I'll be fine, just go please." she made a shooing gesture.

Slowly and reluctantly they left. Akane sighed plunked herself down on the edge of the bed.

"Are you mad?" She asked.

He just stared at her. Realization must have hit.

Carefully he touched her hand and held it as a reassuring gesture. It must have hurt him to move, otherwise he would have tried to shake his head.

"I know you didn't mean to scare me…I wasn't afraid." Smiling she couldn't help herself. "Besides I'm in better shape, you may be able to throw your weight around but I can still move faster."

He smiled at this she watched as the single eye arched and he laid his head back down. He sighed heavily but still clutched her hand tightly. He seemed to need the contact for some reason.

If this helps go on ahead.

She smiled and took the cloth from the bowl and wiped it across his forehead, momentarily startling him

Wide eyed he watched her as she tried to keep the fever down. He knew it was going down and he could only hope it would stay that way. he had lost enough weight to be worried. Akane had stayed with him for a long time, he wasn't to sure just how long though. She was kind and was patient with him. He only needed Iruka or the others for things she couldn't help him with, but otherwise she was always there.

Why is she doing this? I didn't ask for it.

The way he had awoken was enough to chill him to the bone. Two people were holding him down and the woman was trying to wake him up…he didn't know why. He felt cramped and restrained. Being restrained was something he hated more than doctors.

Genma had looked worried and it scared him. Was he that sick?

Raidou looked the same, as ever that was confusing, He was sure the man was hiding it.

But now Akane looked horrible. She was drained and he could see the signs of sleep deprivation in her facial features. Her skin was pale and her eyes blood shot. He could see she had lost wieght as well. It was as if she was making herslf suffer with him. He had to convince her he could sleep alone…She would never listen though. After what had just happened he wouldn't believe himself.

Damn it. I never asked for this. What have I done to deserve this? Why are you still here helping me? There are plenty of other people who are just as capable. There's no way I'm going to let you suffer like that.

He saw her face scrunch up as she tried to fight her anxiety. He knew now what he wanted to do and how he was going to do it. He didn't want her to cry. Not for him and not because of him.

He pulled her hand gently closer to him. She was startled, he culdn't blame her; she wasn't used to being touched like this. Reaching with the other he slowly showed her what he wanted her to do. She relaxed and let him do as he wished.

Carefully he laid her head down on his chest. He could feel his heart rate pick up and tried to slow it but he knew it would stay that way no matter what he did. It was just another part of the mystery that surrounded the way this woman affected him.

With her head resting on his chest she could hear his strong heart beat. Most shinobi had hearts this strong, it came with the vigorus training, but his; it was different somehow. She could clearly make out each beat. She suddenly had a vague idea why he was doing this.

"See. I'm okay…I'm still alive…" He managed to croak.

She tried to get up but he held her closer still.

"Rest…I'm going to stay here." He said. Her eyes flew open wide in shock. Those were the same words she had used once Iruka had put him back in the bed three days ago.

(Flashback)

"Oh hey how'd it go?" Akane popped her head in the door.

"Good! He did as told of course." Iruka smiled. Akane saw the evil intent behind it. The same one he reserved for her when he wanted to shred her to pieces after she had done something bad. He must have done something to upset Iruka like that.

"Oh that's good to hear." She titled her head to one side and smiled.

Kakashi was fully alert she could see that. But he needed his rest.

"Well I'll take over again, if that's alright with you?" She asked Kakashi.

He nodded his agreement.

Iruka said his goodbyes and then left the room Akane sat herself on the stool next to the bed.

"Rest now, I'm going to stay here." She smiled and he smiled back as best he could.

If anyone saw this they'd think there was something really going on but she knew the truth. He was in need of comfort. For him to comfort someone was as good as them doing the same for him.

This is what he mean isn't it? Iruka meant that you learned to care more for others and how to help them in order to help yourself. Sounds like something Iruka would do…is that where you learned that?

Carefully she could feel his arm move to hold her better to keep her with him and close. He didn't want her to go away he wanted her to stay with him.

As time passed she began to focus on his heartbeat. It was like a drum. A loud lazy drum that was so...claming. She could feel her eyes slowly close and fought to keep them open, but the drumming of his heart was to strong and she quickly succumbed to the slow beat.

In his mind what he was doing was right. He had slept most of the day and she had kept watch incase he needed her. Now it was his turn. He was sick yes but he could still keep his eyes open for longer than an hour.

He watched her as she relaxed and slowly drifted to sleep. Her features became slacked and a small smile slowly crept up her lips. She was cute when she slept he couldn't call it anything else.

I guess she really is like that. She reminds me so much of Naruto in many ways. She's exuberant over little things, just like he is over missions. She may not be a morning person but the rest of the day she's anything but grouchy. She causes trouble, yes but nothing harmful, it's more comic relief than anything else. How could I miss the sorrow though? She's been hiding her pain just like Naruto had…just like I am…

Carefully so as not to disturb her he brushed his hand through her hair. It was smooth but silky to the touch. He was surprised. When he first met her he was convinced the woman had trouble taking care of herself. She always looked a little disheveled. Then again her hair had a tendency to be wild. Gently he moved the stray hairs framing her face. She was definitely attractive and because of that he had to be careful not to get to close to her, not to mention Iruka would kill him for it.

He knew how the man felt for the woman he was holding. He loved her a lot, it was in his actions and how he spoke and looked at her. Sure he got upset with her, but in the end everything always turned out fine. Until now that is. Iruka felt Kakashi was a threat. How could he blame him? Akane was a very beautiful woman and very smart why wouldn;t he be attracted to her. However Iruka seemed to have forgoten that both he and Kakashi were on mission and such feelings had to be set aside. Either way he was not going to act on his emothions like the chuunin.

She balled a fist in his shirt as her face contorted into one of pain.

He winced. She had a good grip…too good. Her pained face made his heart constrict.

So even she has her evils hidden that well.

He started to pet her head once more and the pained look faded.

I wish I could make the nightmares go away for you, it would be the least I could do in return. But you know as well as I do only you can over come them.

He almost wished she was from Konohoa…seeing her there among the people he cared for would make him happy. She deserved it. He knew little of this country but it made him depressed either way. Her sister was the same way, she was not from here. The clothes she wore though reminded him of a different place but he couldn't place it just yet. He was sure she didn't normally live in the estate; that was obvious.

Akane though, this place caused her pain. He may not see her all the time but he had seen her on several occasions staring out the window with a distant look over her face. It was as if she were looking to see if she could see where she was supposed to be out that single window.

Where was she from? Not here he saw that. The people in Canyon Country had an accent; she had none, as far as he was concerned. Possibly she was from Fire Country. That made more sense. The way she spoke, acted and dressed was similar to those in Konohoa.

If she was from Fire Country, when? Was she ever in Konohoa? I'm almost sure she was, it would explain why Iruka-san knows her as well as he does.

Leaving his hand resting on her head he slowly allowed himself to drift into a light sleep. He was going to try and stay as alert as he could. She was always on guard and he was sure there was a reason for it.

Nariko had been talking to Iruka all evening. He had been telling her about Kakashi's progress, or lack there of.

"So she stayed with him the whole time?" Nariko was shocked. Normally Akane had a short attention span and sitting around was uncharacteristic of the younger woman.

"Pretty much, she only left to get water and the occasional snack, she wouldn't even eat a proper meal." Iruka had been in the kitchen when she had come, he seemed almost bored, but then she saw how worried he was and dismissed boredom right away.

He sat now with his elbows on the table and his hands propped under his chin, a usual pose for him when dealing with something important and serious.

Funny, Akane not eating…she loves food.

"Did you try to coax her to eat?"

"I tried but she disappeared when I mentioned it. She's more worried than I am."

"I can see that."

From what he told me the fever keeps coming back. This is bad, Kakashi-san is having trouble fighting it. I just hope he gets out of this not only alive but without damage to his body. A fever this bad could affect the mind.

"Where is she now?"

"Three guesses, I'm sure you'd get it in one." Now he muttered this. Was he jealous?

"With him, of course. They get along well." She laughed; Akane had a tendency to attach herself to strange people. Iruka being one of those.

He may seem to be an average person but he was smart, smarter than most. Akane had apparently befriended him the day she had met him. He was a hard worker but also a troublemaker at times. He had a reputation as a prankster and many were worried he'd never grow out of it. Those who didn't know him would say he had now…but she knew he didn't. He had been saving up a good prank for her sister. Everyone in her home knew that the day he came.

That day was something she'd never forget.

(Flashback)

Nariko sat on the stares with Genma and her sister. The two of them had been joking around about things from the past. Things she herself didn't even know, or understand. Instead she watched the birds by a near by feeder.

When they took off she stood in a ready stance. The birds were used to the people who lived in the estate, so for them to fly off meant there were others coming. They weren't expecting anyone at the moment so who ever it was they were either intruders or someone who needed to speak to them…she was hoping for the later.

Sure enough two men carrying a third came out of the bush. One was ANBU from Konohoa she saw that clearly, the other she guessed was a jounin. The scar on his face startled her. She wondered how a perso could get a scar like that. It marred one cheek and the bridge of his nose. It must have been truamatic though.

The last person was also an ANBU as well but he was unconscious. The Jounin was carrying him. He had shocking silver hair. She had only seen that once on a man in her life, aside from those from the Akahoshi line; and the man who had it was far older and rumor has it he had been long dead. Could he be the son?

"Yo!" The ANBU cried out happily.

"Yo?" Akane glared and stood. Genma stood as well but held her back.

"It's a friend don't worry." Genma was laughing. Was this a joke?

The two approached and handed Genma the limp man.

"He's been though a lot, be careful, him waking up now could be bad for all of us."

"Aww man, if he does wake up and see me, yeah it could be bad." Genma sighed and put the limp man's arm over his shoulder. "Well I'll take him to the hospital it's not to far away from here. So I'll see you there Nariko-san?"

"Of course I'll be there in a second."

"Okay so who are you, I can see his face but not yours!" Akane pointed accusingly at the ANBU.

Nariko grabbed her sister's hand and muttered to her.

"Forgive her, she's a little flamboyant."

"Don't I know it!" The ANBU laughed.

"Eh? I don't know you!" Akane snapped just as Nariko put her hand over her younger sister's mouth.

"Shut up." she snapped. Her sister always opened her mouth at the worst times.

But even she was curious. Who was this man? Looking him over Nariko saw that he was very fit. Not a pushover for sure. If things got ugly only Akane would be able to get past him. Getting him mad would be a bad idea.

"Yes actually you do."

"MMMPPPPHHHH" Nariko had yet to let her sister go, but Akane still could make a lot of noise if she wanted to.

Taking the mask off the ANBU smiled.

"…" Nariko's hand fell from her sister's mouth in shock. Akane was silent for a moment as she stared at the man before her.

Iruka looked startled to say the least but not surprised.

He had grown nicely. Nariko smiled. The man had filled out and was rather handsome. She was sure he had many women after him. Of course she knew who it was he liked the most, and always had.

"What you're not happy to see me?" That question was answered before he could fully finish the last word. It only took seconds. One minute the man was standing the next he was thrown to the ground in a tight embrace.

"Ahhckk...Air Akane…I need air…" Reluctantly she let him go. Standing up she sent him a sideways look.

"What?"

"You don't look right." she pointed. Nariko tried hard not to repremand her sister for the openly rude behavor she was showing.

Nariko laughed though. Sometimes she was a little absent minded. "Of course not, he got older. He's much better looking now."

Embarrassed Iruka scratched the scar on his nose without realizing it.

"Ah ha ha ha ha…Yep it's him. He does that when he's embarrassed." Akane roared.

"Hey be quiet." Nariko sighed. Iruka laughed. His laugh was different but still she could hear how happy he was to be back. Things were about to get interesting, that was a definite.

Now she befriended the sick jounin. He seemed a little more difficult to befriend but she managed it just the same. It took only a second.

The two spending time together was almost ironic. Akane had told Nariko stories about a silver haired ANBU like him; who had the crazy idea that he could kill her. It was funny too because Akane had the ego the size of a mountain but rather the amount of times they seemed to find each other, whether they wanted to or not. Nariko knew who this man was, she was certain of it. It was even better because the two of them seemed to have forgotten.

I hope he's not planning on pushing her away as soon as he's awake. She seems to like him a lot. He's someone who can keep her busy, I can see that. Iruka's too busy to talk to her or spend time with her. A bored Akane is not good, it usually brings trouble.

Sometimes Akane did things people never understood. Treating someone who's sick and not paying any attention to herself was a very good example. It was backwards. She did most things backwards.

Soon I'll have to take care of them both at this rate.

Sighing Iruka stood up, "We should go check to see them both. I bet Akane will have to be force-fed at this point. It's been three days and I've seen her eat an apple and some crackers."

"That's it?" Nariko stared. "She's really that worried about him that she can't leave him?"

"I guess so." Iruka shrugged. At this point he wanted Kakashi better so she would stop paying attention to him.

Walking down the hall with a bowl of soup he stood in front of the door. At the moment the floor was the best place to stare. "I just hope he pulls through. If he dies now I have no clue what she'd do. For all I know she'd stop eating completely."

"That would be bad." Nariko nodded her agreement.

Opening the door Iruka froze. He fought the urge to fist his free hand.

They're resting her head on his chest Akane slept soundly. Kakashi had his arms around her, holding her making sure she didn't fall or move too much. He was giving Iruka a dirty look for coming in unannounced.

The nerve! He thinks he can do this? I can't believe she'd let him.

"Shh.." Kakashi hissed. He must have noticed Iruka's glare.

"Humph." Iruka walked across the floor glared at the jounin and placed the bowl down.

"What's going on?" Nariko poked her head in and stared. "I can't believe it. How did you manage that?"

The silver haired man cocked his head in thought and sighed.

"She was really tired I guess." His voice was better. He could talk a little more now with some ease.

"So you're fever is down?" Nariko asked.

"Yes I think I'm safe now, I feel better, thank you." He smiled.

"It's not her you should thank. It's Akane-san. She stayed with you from the beginning." Iruka's snorted gruffly.

Kakashi was in shock. His eyes had gone wide.

"Then…"

"She never really left you, we're a little worried about her. But now that you're a bit better she should be back to normal soon."

Kakashi seemed to be taken aback by this. He stared at the woman on his chest and shrugged.

"If she were in my home and this sick then I would do the same for her."

Nariko stared. "Really?"

He nodded.

"Soon we should wake her. I'll leave that to you then?" Iruka growled. He was not having a good day. Not only was his best friend sick because of the silver haired idiot but also now the jounin was trying to get under his skin by getting close to her.

Again Kakashi nodded.

"Good then we can go and find out more information while you coax her to eat." As Iruka had said this, he could make out Nariko glance at him with a worried look. "I want her to eat this, it has to be empty by the time I get back."

Kakashi just nodded again.

Leaving the room Iruka felt things soon might become more complicated for him and Akane.

"What the hell is your problem?" Nariko sighed as she closed the door.

"Problem?" Iruka looked up. "I don't have a problem." He laughed. He was lying to her he knew that. What choice did he have? If he told her how he flet for the Akane then it would be around the village in seconds.

I can't stand seeing her with him…I don't want her to be with him.

"I know you well enough to know when something is wrong."

Iruka sighed and looked sideways at the medic nin. "I…I…I don't know anymore. I need to think about things."

"No kidding. I suggest you do that. You scared that poor man to death."

"He looked fine to me."

"Yes laying stiff like that the second you come into the room. Your chakra was so charged with killing intent…"

"Okay I get it."

"Your jealous."

"No I'm not…" He muttered quietly, almost meekly

"And in denial." She poked a finger into his chest. She was getting upset. He wanted to avoid that.

"No!" Iruka snapped. "I would know if I was."

"You love her don't you?" Nariko was now very serious.

"…I don't know." Iruka glanced away from Nariko with a blush over his cheeks.

"Well I suggest you figure it out. If you keep telling him off and not do anything, then you'll lose her either way, to him or not it won't matter. She'll never care for you as more than a friend if you keep this up."

Nariko was right but how could he get her to notice him in such a way, if he kept getting mad at the people around her. He'd have to fix things and soon.

A/N: Okay I stand corrected this was hard to write, I had to balance all four characters here. I was worried I had lost some of the imagry, but this is a very tense chapter so it should be good.

Well we can see a bit more about Nariko. She's the older and 'more mature'(this being said losely) of the two. She sees what's really going on while the other three dance around eachother trying not to step on eachothers feet. We can see who's stepping on who's feet here ha ha poor Kakashi.

Well we can see that Iruka definately has feelings for her. He gets pretty mad at Kakashi here but tries to keep his composure. He pretty mcuh failed there. Poor guy.

Ha ha ha Poor(it must be my favorite word) Kakashi too. He has no idea exactly what he's doing. Iruka isn't making it better for him. What do you think? You could easily see he's fallen for her, but he's to stubborn to admit it. (shakes head).

Akane...she seems so oblivious..well sort of there will be more on her side of this little dispute. Most of the time Iruka and Kakashi have these little tiffs when she's not around or paying attnetion or in this case asleep. I'm sure all this will get intense.

Well tell me what you think. (I was wondering can annonymous people still review on here...its enabled but I was wondering if there's a glitch.) Well the same as before. Please review and if you prefer it email me if you like.

Oh one last thing. Who would love me to write a prequil about Iruka and Akane...jsut say so in your review. I'd be doing it once this part of the story is over.