Warning: OOC, weirdness, sexual references and foul language. Any misspellings or wrong grammar is unintentional. I am my own beta. I could have missed some stuff.

I do not own Naruto.

ROOM-MATE

"Just please leave. You just never learn."

Iruka was already conscious when he heard the sentence spoken out by a voice he did recognize. Eyelids slowly fluttering open just as the sound of the door closing hit his ears, Iruka began to wonder just what happened. He was lying on an unfamiliar white bed in an almost familiar white room. Iruka felt his head pound when he tried to look around him some more, a groan tearing out of his throat followed by the swishing of curtains being pulled to one side.

"You're awake."

Iruka turned to look at the person with some effort, recognized the face and nodded. "What happened, Raidou-san?"

"You fainted. I am told that you're not hurt nor do you have a concussion." Raidou pulled a chair and sat beside Iruka's bed. "I didn't want to take risks. I brought you back here just in case those fools actually did some damage."

Iruka thought back and remembered Kakashi's furious gaze. Almost immediately, one of the more traumatizing memories he had during his childhood flooded through his mind - the field knife being dragged across his face, him being tossed in to the school pool along with his dead best friend, the blood he inhaled and tasted - making him shiver and look at the ceiling.

"I see." Iruka mumbled, bringing a hand up to his head. "Did the doctors say anything?"

"No." Raidou shook his head, reaching out and pulling Iruka's hand away from the bridge of his nose because the tanned fingers were starting to pinch too hard. "They did say you can leave as soon as you wake up. I'll take you back. Do you think you can walk?"

Iruka swallowed and let his hand lie limp in Raidou's warm hold. "Yeah. I think I can."

Raidou smiled, leaving his hand and standing up. "Good. I'll go fetch the intern."

Iruka didn't bother to ask why an intern did a checkup on him. He knew better than to doubt the interns assigned to the medical facility of the university. He trusted their judgment like he would trust any other doctor. A familiar face was beside him no less than a minute later. He recognized the silver hair and round black-rimmed glasses.

"Kabuto-san?" Iruka blinked tiredly, trying to see if he was mixing up someone else.

"Hello, Iruka-san. It's been a while since I saw you." Kabuto smiled. "I want to check on you first before discharging you. Can you sit up?" Iruka moved to sit up, Kabuto's warm and smooth hands assisting him as he did so. He watched as Kabuto slipped on the stethoscope. "I will lift your shirt up. I want you to take in a deep breath and slowly let it out."

Iruka nodded as Kabuto lifted the back of his shirt and checked his back, the cool feel of the stethoscope sending goosebumps all over his skin. Kabuto did the same to his front, the cold metallic plate purposely brushing against his nipples and making Iruka utterly uncomfortable. Kabuto didn't bat an eye lash as he continued to do routine checkup.

After taking his blood pressure, Raidou spoke up. "Nothing wrong?"

"Perfectly fine." Kabuto pulled out Iruka's chart from the foot of the bed and started making notes. "I know that this is probably more mental as opposed to physical, judging from what Raidou-san narrated earlier. I do suggest some rest, Iruka-san. If anything - absolutely anything at all - should make you feel uncomfortable, do come by immediately. I will refer you to Dr. Ryuuken."

Iruka nodded, tugging at his shirt. "Thank you, Kabuto-san. How have you been by the way?"

"Oh fine." Kabuto chuckled. "It's been almost a year, no?"

Raidou watched as Iruka smiled back, cheeks coloring. "Quite a bit. Glad to see you around again."

"Always a pleasure. You know I'd take care of you anytime." Kabuto smiled. "Well, everything should be fine now. If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I have a few rounds to complete with my batch." He nodded at Raidou, shaking his hand and patted Iruka's back. "Take care now."

"Thanks again." Iruka nodded as Kabuto took his leave to join the rest of his class.

Raidou picked up his own backpack along with Iruka's. "You know Kabuto?"

"He used to be my neighbor back when I first came here. Up until they finished building the accommodation for the medical department in the other side and he moved out, I haven't seen him since. He used to come over and stuff, ask for help. He was kinda' bullied." Iruka answered, pleased that he could stand by himself.

"He seems to like you." Raidou said, handing Iruka his jumper.

"He knows I'm not interested." Iruka said, looking a bit unsure.

"You sure?" Raidou asked, looking amused and at the same time sorry.

"I think so."

"I see." Raidou nodded, holding the door open for him to pass through as they exited the hospital.

"Raidou-san, was there someone else in the room with you? Before I woke up?" Iruka asked, simply wondering if it was imagination or not.

"Yes. Genma."

"Oh." Iruka smiled weakly and said nothing further as Raidou escorted him back to his room.

XXX

Kakashi was not present in the room when Iruka entered it. Raidou made sure that he was all right and did not need anything.

"I'm fine thanks, Raidou-san. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Iruka said, looking embarrassed that Raidou just took the time off to take him home.

"No, it's quite all right." Raidou sighed. "Listen, Iruka, if anything happens, do give me a call. I know how moronic these people can get."

Iruka's brows furrowed. "Have you known Kakashi for long?"

"I know him enough to tell you that he's a good person." Raidou sounded confident, unwavering in his words.

Iruka didn't look too sure. "He - He tried to choke me today. I want to understand him, Raidou-san. But I don't think I can."

Raidou suddenly looked tired. "I understand perfectly." He sighed. "I have nothing much to do. Do you want to join me for a cup of coffee or tea? It's pretty chilly."

Iruka felt a smile tug at his lips. "I'd like that Raidou-san."

It didn't take more than ten minutes to get to the campus cafe that was quite popular for their snacks. They both remained quiet until two steaming cups of tea was placed before them along with a plate of dangos. Iruka waited patiently till Raidou spoke.

"Genma is a good friend. A best friend even. Kakashi has been around Genma for almost as long as I've known Genma." Raidou said, setting his cup down. "He's not insane."

Iruka thought back to the light bulb hammer, the hammer itself, the forced meals, the chicken posters and racing turtles. He found it hard to believe Raidou but kept his mouth shut. "I suppose." He gave a weak shrug. He knew that Raidou would most probably end up being biased towards him and decided not to push the matters anymore. "It's quite all right, Raidou-san. I'll survive. Only two months to go before reconstruction is done."

Raidou offered him an apologetic smile. "Yeah. Pretty much."

"When do you graduate?" Iruka asked, steering the conversation to more of small talk rather than anything regarding his room mate or his molester.

It turned out to be a fruitful conversation because at the end of it all, Iruka learned that Raidou was a sensitive guy who was pretty much like him in terms of being helpful and active within the student's body. Raidou was the hardworking and quiet type who would probably make a good councilor if he chose to be. He had patience like Iruka never felt before and had an air of modesty and respect about him when he spoke. Iruka found himself liking Raidou's company and personality as the minutes ticked away to hours where their dangos had gone rubbery and forgotten and tea gone cold.

By the time either of them realized what time it was, it was well passed eleven-thirty and most of the cafe's patrons were already gone.

"Time sure flies when you're having a good time." Raidou mumbled, pulling out some money from his wallet. Iruka was already counting his own bills when Raidou stopped him with a tap on the shoulder. "Don't. Allow me."

Iruka could feel his cheeks color. A part of his mind murmured that it somehow felt like a date. "Thank you."

Raidou didn't let Iruka head back on his own for his concern - much to Iruka's embarrassment no matter how much he insisted that he was fine and okay - got the better of him. Raidou insisted that he drop Iruka back to his room, just in case someone tries something funny. Iruka didn't push the matter, even with his ego bruised just a little bit. He told himself that he must have given Raidou a scare when he just fainted during lunch. He noted to himself that he probably would have done the same if he were in Raidou's shoes. As it is, he let Raidou walk him back to his room, enjoying the silent company.

When Iruka reached the front of his door and dug out his keys, Raidou was already starting to look sleepy. "You'll be fine right?"

Iruka nodded, turning the lock. "Yeah. I will be. I've survived harsher things."

Raidou nodded, looking a bit troubled by what Iruka just said. "Okay."

"Raidou-san." Iruka gave Raidou's shoulder a squeeze. "I'll be fine, I swear."

Raidou nodded again, seemingly believing Iruka's words this time. "You have my number?"

"No, but do give me your contact." Iruka dug out his cell phone and added Raidou's name to his list of contacts as Raidou dictated the number to him. "Thanks. For everything. And for today."

"No problem." Raidou smiled, looking angelic despite his disfigured face.

Iruka smiled back, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "It was great talking to you. Maybe one day, when we're both free -"

The door knob pulled open from Iruka's grasp, cutting off his sentence. Both turned to find Genma leaning against the doorframe, looking pissed as hell and sporting a band aid on his temple, a can of beer in one hand. "Oh look Kakashi. It's Iruka and his boyfriend."

"Kiss my ass, Genma." Raidou muttered. "Get out of the way for fuck's sakes. Why aren't you in your room yet?"

"Why aren't you?" Genma shot back, making Iruka step back at Genma's suddenly flaring temper.

"Let the poor guy in and leave him alone." Raidou sighed, rubbing a temple. "It's late."

"Oi, Kakashi!" Genma called out. "Lookit' these two blushing like a pack of -"

Kakashi appeared and glared at Iruka just as Raidou jerked the beer out of Genma's hand and threw it in the hallway dustbin. "You are better off silent than doing mindless yapping."

Iruka watched with wide eyes as Raidou single-handedly pushed Genma aside and steered his shoulders inside the room towards his own bed. Iruka saw the expression on Genma's face when Raidou ushered him in and sat him on the bed like he was a lost child. He saw the unpleased expression on Kakashi's face while he pretended to read his Icha-Icha book, his eye on Raidou the entire time. Iruka found his chest constrict at the glare Genma and Kakashi was throwing at him.

Iruka felt utterly helpless and clueless; two emotions he hated the most.

"What are you, his sitter?" Genma spat, cursing and grabbing his backpack off Kakashi's bed and walking out of the room, not even bothering to shut the door.

"Raidou-san, Genma is -" Iruka looked alarmed.

"Don't mind him." Raidou shook his head. "Get some rest."

Iruka can only manage a nod as Raidou straightened and headed for the door, giving Kakashi a warning look before he mumbled a 'good night' and shut the door behind him quietly, footsteps resonating towards the direction Genma disappeared to.

Iruka remained sitting on his bed, looking uneasy and ready to bolt out. Kakashi no longer glared at him and instead went back to reading his book. He couldn't take the fact that Kakashi was ignoring him. For some reason, Iruka managed to find it in himself to make peace with the quiet man across the room. He showered, changed and sat on his own bed and still Kakashi wouldn't say anything. Iruka actually managed to convince himself that maybe he was the one that was wrong.

He didn't push the matter, managing to convince himself yet again that Kakashi was being insanely unreasonable and there was no reason for him to forgive Kakashi for what he did in the mess hall. He actually wondered if Gai was okay and made it a mission the next morning to inquire about the loud-mouth's well being by calling Izumo.

As he got in to bed and mumbled his good night, Iruka eventually found sleep at dawn. Even with his back towards Kakashi, he couldn't help but wonder why Kakashi kept staring at him, because it felt like a pair of mismatched and angry eyes were boring in to his back and reading his thoughts.

XXX

Iruka finally sank in to sleep when he managed to tiredly close his eyes. He felt himself sink in to the familiar floaty feel of sleep as minutes ticked away and he felt his worries disappear, sighing a content breath. After agonizing hours of trying to ignore the look Kakashi was throwing at his back, he was glad when Kakashi finally shifted in bed and the room bathed in complete darkness when Kakashi switched off the desk lamp beside his bed. Iruka noted with surprise that he didn't hammer the light off.

It was the freakishly familiar feel of pressure around his entire body that made Iruka groan in his sleep and turn. He didn't want to open his eyes at the sudden suffocating sensation he was feeling. When he couldn't take it, he snapped his eyes open, shock overcoming him as he found himself floating in a swimming pool, the water staining red with blood floating out of the cut across his face. Iruka opened his mouth to scream, his phobia for water and blood getting the best of his common sense. A figure of a young brunet floated across his field of vision, leaving a bigger trail of blood from the hole in the boy's head. Iruka screamed, water bubbles surrounding him as he continued to sink further down the pool.

Iruka was briefly aware of falling then hitting the side of his face hard against the floor of the pool when the feeling of drowning winked out in an instant and he was instead staring at the foot stand of the bed. The taste of copper filled his mouth forcing him to gag and spit out the crimson liquid on the floor. The feeling of suffocating didn't leave him yet as strong arms hauled him off the floor and sat him on the bed.

"Oi!" Hands cupped his cheek as his rattled mind pieced together who was hovering in front of him and pushing his hair back. "You're bleeding hard!"

Iruka saw Kakashi's eyes and immediately remembered the angry look in it; it was followed by the smothering pain he felt when the blade dug in to his face. He immediately began to struggle against the hold Kakashi had on him, spouting out words he didn't know he was letting out, begging to let go and telling him his face hurt.

"It's bleeding! Make it stop! Make it stop!" Iruka panicked, the blood dripping down his chin and on to his shirt further increasing his phobia for blood.

Kakashi grabbed him by the face, forcing Iruka to look in to both his eyes. "Stop! Stop now! Calm down! We're going to go get it treated. Understand?"

Iruka blinked a few times, mind clearing as blood dribbled out the corner of his mouth involuntarily. Sense came to him, nightmare environment promptly diminishing then and there. "What are you doing, Kakashi?"

Kakashi's face visibly fell in to a frown. "You're bleeding. Stand up."

Iruka felt Kakashi quite literally lift him up and tug him towards the bathroom. Kakashi closed the lid of the toilet seat and guided Iruka to sit down. Iruka felt his chest constrict at the sight of how red the front of his old white sleeping shirt was. He was still dribbling blood out and it was only in that moment did he notice that he was a making a big mess out of himself while Kakashi dug through the medicine cabinet. Iruka held up the hem of his shirt to his mouth, gagging some more on the blood and saliva, further staining his shirt red. He hated the taste and smell of blood, which was why his dinner was starting to churn in his stomach.

The feel of a hot cloth pressed against his lips made him drop the hem of his shirt as Kakashi tilted his face upwards and began to wipe the mess around his mouth. Iruka felt his entire body stiffen, ready to bolt and strike should Kakashi treat him roughly like he does when he handed him things or when he hammered the light bulb dead.

However, he was not expecting the soft touch and gentleness; it was the type of gentleness one used to treat a bundled infant. Iruka found himself staring in a bit of awe as Kakashi finished wiping the last of the mess away. He offered him a cup to spit the blood out before swabbing a cotton ball with a yellow solution. Iruka clamped his mouth shut firmly refusing to accept the strong smelling solution.

"Open your mouth." Kakashi cajoled, taking a hold of Iruka's chin like he was his lover. "It's smells bad, but it tastes better. It's sorta sweet. Like red dates." Iruka didn't look convinced and Kakashi kneeled in front of him. "I'm not going to hurt you, Iruka."

Iruka hesitantly parted his lips as Kakashi took a look at the bleeding area. With his clean hand, he pushed the cotton ball against the cut on the side of Iruka's cheek, applying pressure with his two fingers. Iruka shut his eyes tight, biting down his gag reflex at the feeling of having his mouth so full. A moan of protest escaped his throat, hands flying up to grab at Kakashi's wrist and to pull his fingers out. It wasn't for a long minute before Kakashi pulled his hand out, tossing the cotton ball in to the bin under the sink. Iruka struggled to keep his coughing quiet, only to have Kakashi rub his back in gentle circles.

"One more. I promise and no more. The bleeding stopped a bit." Kakashi said, raising a new cotton ball soaked in medicine. Iruka complied and waited another agonizing moment, trying to keep his accommodate Kakashi's fingers without moving his tongue much.

It was in that awkward moment, with Kakashi's fingers still in his mouth and applying pressure did he notice several things about his room-mate. Kakashi was taller by a few inches and had strong and lean abs. Iruka wondered if he worked out or played in any of the sports team for the university. As silly as it sounded in his own head, it was only then did he notice that Kakashi slept shirtless. He looked attractive for a young man, had a strong jaw and a sharp nose, high cheekbones and forehead with a shapely pair of eyebrows. Iruka also noticed at how long his eyelashes were, how they curled against his cheek while he blinked in concentration as he adjusted his fingers in his mouth, making sure he got most of the cut coated in the strong smelling solution.

Kakashi looked down at him, meeting his curious look. It was then, under that halogen white light of their shared bathroom did Iruka felt himself blush for the first time under Kakashi's curious and worried look. To have such strong emotion solely directed at him made Iruka feel uneasy and embarrassed. For a moment, he felt extremely shy in front of his room-mate. He looked away immediately, opting to stare at the sliding door of the shower room. He felt Kakashi's fingers slid out of his mouth and a cool damp towel press against his cheek.

"Hold that against there for a while. So your cheek won't swell." Kakashi said as he tossed the cotton ball in to the bin again and went about washing his hands.

Iruka held his cheek, leaning against the cool towel, wondering just how humorous fate can get. Iruka wasn't sure what to think of Kakashi anymore. There were days when he was simply terrified of the man and moments like the current one when he wondered just what Kakashi really was as a person. Iruka knew better than to be curious and decided that it was probably not worth it.

A warm hand came to rest on his shoulder, tugging at his shirt. Iruka blinked as Kakashi kneeled in front of him and tugged at his shirt upwards and over Iruka's head. Iruka let him when he saw the warm towel Kakashi reached for beside the sink and started wiping the blood smears off his chest. Iruka didn't mind the attention nor did he mind the soft and almost afraid swipes Kakashi directed at his chest.

"Are you all right?" Kakashi asked, looking up at him. Iruka saw a hint of fear and a hint of guilt within both his mismatched eyes.

Iruka found himself nodding automatically. He didn't understand why he shouldn't be. Everyone had nightmares once in a while after all. "Yes."

Kakashi kept looking up at him before he nodded slowly. "Do you want to get back to bed?" Iruka nodded like some small child, feeling utterly weak and helpless under Kakashi's care. "Come on then." Kakashi stashed the towels away and folded Iruka's dirty shirt over the sink and guided Iruka towards the room.

As they passed by the mirror, Iruka couldn't help but feel small under Kakashi's hands. He wasn't as built as Kakashi and was probably two to three sizes smaller than the silver haired man. Iruka wasn't unfit or unhealthy; his built was just small and narrow. Unlike the abs Kakashi sported, Iruka simply had a flat and firm stomach; he was lean as opposed to muscular. He had slightly narrow hips and shoulders and an almost bony physique. Despite the amount of food he wolfed down, Iruka could never put on enough flesh to hide how delicate he looked under his clothes.

"I'm sorry I woke you. I'll try not to -"

Kakashi shook his head as Iruka sat on his bed. "It's all right."

"I didn't mean to wake you. Really. I must've -"

Kakashi sighed and shook his head. "Just get some rest. There's still about two hours till classes officially start."

Iruka lay back on his bed as Kakashi made his way to his own. Iruka curled up under the blankets, keeping his back to Kakashi, feeling too uneasy with everything that just happened between them. He could feel Kakashi's eyes on him again and it wasn't till minutes later did his good nature got the better of his pride.

"Kakashi?"

"Hmm?"

Iruka hesitated before closing his eyes. "Thank you."

There was a long silence before Kakashi shifted in his bed and Iruka felt his gaze leave his back. "No problem."

TBC

I'd like to make one thing clear to all my reviewers. If you can't review politely, then please just don'tbother. While I don't mind the demanding "please update" sort of reviews, I will absolutely NOT tolerate rude ones. Especially ones that include lines like:

Oh my god, you mother fucker, if you don't update soon I'll kick you're fucking ass!

Politeness always works. Showing a little finesse never hurt anyone. If politeness never worked for you before, then I'm sorry. Keep in mind that people still get offended.

Credits:

Ryuuken is Ishida's father from bleach. He's not my creation. He will be dressed a doctor and will act as a physician and shrink if I ever find anymore use for him later. Readers might notice (in the future) some characters making their appearances within the Jump-family. All characters belong to Jump and its creators. Not me.

Update came faster than I planned (and longer content). Thank you dear reviewers (the nice ones). I am utterly delighted to find all of you giving this story some thought as to what is really going on. This just proves that I've indeed achieved what I aimed. I love y'all!