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

Iruka thought it'd end that night, but he was wrong. The years he spent locking up his trauma was unleashed. The fear plagued him to points he couldn't sleep and the slightest angry look directed at him would make him tremble and shake. As a precaution, he avoided angering people. Whenever he felt that the person he was talking to was starting to get annoyed, he shifted the conversation immediately, just so he wouldn't have to face anyone angry.

At first, it started with the incident when he was six years old when his best friend died; the dream recurred itself for days he couldn't keep track of. With that, the other memories started unraveling, revealing an extremely weak side of him that he tried to hide and get rid of as years passed. With it came a monster he couldn't control. There were times he remembered he got in to trouble and his trauma was channeled as his source of power to fight back. Iruka didn't want that to happen. He didn't want his trauma to make him loose control.

Iruka felt what little of his strength slip away as the memory of his parents being killed before his eyes flooded his dreams, the two shots ringing loudly in his ears during his sleep as his mother and father crumpled to the ground, dead. .

It was one night, several days after the night Kakashi picked him off the floor and nursed his bleeding inner cheek, did Iruka finally admitted that he needed help. He had fallen asleep while studying with Izumo and Kotetsu, soft rock music playing off Izumo's compact stereo. Gai had to leave for a few days with the whole soccer team to win a set of matches in another university; they had the entire room to themselves.

Just as he closed his eyes, the memory resurfaced to his head like it was only yesterday. It was back during his late teens, when he met a dashing young man named Mizuki during the teacher's board exam. Everything was fine up until Mizuki decided to steal off the insurance company that was run by the most powerful corporate association in the country. He wanted to avenge the loss of his parents and for all the suffering he went through that was brought upon by the association. Iruka would never forget the night he picked the heir (a young blonde boy he taught in school named Naruto) over Mizuki. He would never forget the feeling of the bullets piercing his flesh, rendering him temporarily paralyzed for months, even when Naruto insisted that the best medical attention be given to him.

Iruka sat up when he heard Mizuki's laughter so close in his ear, a cry tearing itself out of his throat as Izumo and Kotetsu wrapped their arms around him, holding him steady from his thrashing and screaming. Izumo had to resort in clamping a hand over his mouth just to silence him before the other tenants in the floor came banging down their door.

"Iruka! Iruka! Calm down!" Kotetsu shook him, then hugged him and smoothed his hair. "It's okay."

"It's all right. We're here." Izumo released his hand on Iruka's mouth and took his hand instead, smoothing Iruka's palm and squeezing it in comfort.

"I'm falling apart." Iruka whimpered, hating the helpless feeling that was engulfing. "I'm over him. I swear I am. I don't miss Mizuki. I really don't."

Iruka knew that it sounded unreal to both Izumo and Kotetsu, because no matter what had taken place in the past and no matter how safe he was from Mizuki, he still loved him. "It's okay, Iruka. We won't think less of you if you still have feelings for him." Kotetsu assured him. "It's all right."

Iruka faltered in his composure, shutting his eyes, helplessness getting the better of him. He could feel his eyes start to get hot and his throat constrict as he finally admitted what he should have long before it reached the current point. "I need help."

XXX

Iruka paced his room, back and forth, feeling nervous as he was put on hold. He kept twirling his cell phone in his hand then raising it back to his ear only to hear the same annoying hold-music. He had spoken to Kabuto earlier and the young intern gave him his professor's hospital office number. Iruka figured that this Dr. Ryuuken was a very busy man because he's been on hold for almost eight minutes. Iruka leaned against the window sill, watching the cars come and go from his view of the parking lot. He was still waiting for the doctor to answer when he heard the door open and Kakashi step in, talking and laughing with someone.

Iruka looked up to greet him. He was not expecting to find Kakashi and Genma too close to each other, nor was he expecting Kakashi's hand to be squeezing Genma's ass. Iruka didn't know what came over him, but he did not feel comfortable nor happy watching them stand too close.

"Oh, Iruka! You're back! Kotetsu was back too. Where did you guys disappear to?" Genma asked, sauntering across the room and wrapping his arms around Iruka's waist, pulling him close against his broad chest.

"Let him go, Genma." Kakashi said, setting his bag down on the floor and pulling his jacket and shirt off.

The other line clicked and Iruka blinked, quickly elbowing Genma in the ribs and stepping away from him. Genma gave a grunt and quickly made a grab for Iruka's wrist again, pinning him against the wall and leaning in far too close for Iruka's comfort. He could practically feel the warm breath against his lips and quickly looked away.

"Ryuuken speaking. Umino Iruka?"

"Yes, doctor. This is Iruka." He started to wiggle out of Genma's grasp and unconsciously threw Kakashi a worried glance, begging for a little help in getting his friend who was undoing his ponytail, to get off him. "I called earlier. One of your interns referred me to you."

"Yes, Kabuto did. He gave me a briefing of what kind of sessions you want to undergo. I would like to request for your previous records. It says in your record here at the hospital that you are completely insured. Uzumaki Insurance, yes?"

"Yes. T-That's the company." Iruka stammered, feeling his knees go weak just as Kakashi stood and jerk Genma off his smaller frame, throwing the toothpick chewing man against the bed and tossing him a pillow. Iruka felt relief wash over him and quickly grabbed a pen from his dresser and left the room, heading for the emergency exit stairwell and sitting himself on the staircase.

"I believe Kabuto explained the paper procedures to you?"

"Yes, doctor. I've already sent word to the company. They said that your hospital should be receiving my records soon." Iruka glanced at his wrist watch which read seven-thirty. "They said it would be delivered by seven, doctor."

"Please hold on a moment."

Iruka waited for a few minutes before the line connected again and he heard Ryuuken's voice.

"Yes, doctor?"

"Your records have indeed arrived. I am browsing through them now. You are off your prescriptions, correct?"

"Yes, doctor."

"Are you free in about half-an-hour? I have a free time-slot and I would like to get started as soon as possible. Judging from what I'm seeing, for you to come back and seek attention somewhat worries me. Can you make it by eight?"

Iruka glanced at his watch again. He had twenty minutes to get to the hospital a few blocks away from the dorms. "Yes. I can be there by eight."

"Good. I will also take this opportunity to fix up our timings."

"All right, doctor." Iruka felt more relief settle in his chest.

"Come to building-D and ask the desk for my office. The nurses on duty will give you directions."

"Thank you, doctor." Iruka stood up from the stair case, scribbling building-D on his palm as he and Ryuuken exchanged goodbyes and ended the call. He walked back to his room to get ready and found Kakashi leaning against the open window, still shirtless and just staring at the parking lot. Iruka didn't say a word and simply pulled out a pair of baggy jeans from his drawer and a hooded jacket; the weather didn't look pleasing and it might rain.

"You okay?" Kakashi asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine." Iruka swallowed, wondering why Kakashi would bother asking.

"You heading out?" Kakashi asked again, this time following him as he headed for the bathroom to change. "Genma is in there."

Iruka pulled his hand back and sighed. He glanced at the wall clock beside the window and noted that he had fifteen minutes left. He sat on his bed and waited till Genma came out to change. "W-Will he take long?"

"What's the hurry?" Kakashi frowned, moving to sit on his own bed so that he was directly facing Iruka.

"I - I have an appointment." Iruka said, tugging at the hem of the shirt he was wearing. He was starting to get edgy.

"You sick?"

Iruka thought about it on a wider point of view. He didn't want to admit it but he found himself smiling sadly at Kakashi and shrugging. "I think so."

Iruka was not expecting the worried look Kakashi gave him. "What's the cause?" Kakashi asked.

"Lots of things." Iruka shrugged again, two minutes ticking by and still Genma didn't come out of the bathroom.

"Who you going to then? I've got good connections up at the hospital."

"Ishida Ryuuken. Kabuto referred me to him." Iruka started drumming his fingers on his knees, getting impatient. He didn't want to change in front of Kakashi because he didn't like the way Kakashi stared at him so seriously with his mismatched eyes.

"Kabuto? Yakushi? Geek brat with those boring round glasses? Cheeky intern? Complete and utter sissy attitude with that fugly ponytail of his? Looks like a bad hair day?" Kakashi gave Iruka sour face.

"He is not a geek!" Iruka glared; Kakashi was exaggerating. "I'll have you know that he is a hardworking and dedicated student. Unlike some people, he doesn't use brute force to get what he wants. He works for it! And stop exaggerating! He is a sweet young man!"

Kakashi didn't look pleased and stood up. "So you like him then."

Iruka felt his cheeks color. There was a time when he and Kabuto had some sort of celebration when Kabuto got his dorm-key and was about to move out. There had been a long and hot kiss that could have dragged on if Iruka didn't put a stop to it (it was a hard thing to do because Kabuto was very, very good with his tongue and hands). He wasn't interested and only saw Kabuto as a friend; he convinced himself that because he was afraid of relationships. "N-No."

Kakashi reached out for his hair, tugging the ponytail completely off and kneeling in front of Iruka. "Sure?"

"A-Absolutely." Iruka felt his body freeze, fear creeping up his legs slowly.

Kakashi handed him his rubber-band and stood up. "I'll take you to the hospital then."

"N-No need. Kabuto is going to be waiting for me at the -"

"I have nothing to do and I want to." Kakashi left no room for argument. "You should get ready."

Iruka let out a tired sigh and stood up to get dressed. He gave Kakashi his back as the man tied his sneakers on and Iruka dropped his old sweatpants on the floor, quickly tugging his jeans on as fast he can. He didn't miss the feeling of Kakashi's eyes roaming all over his scantily clad body, once again hovering at the scar in the middle of his back. Iruka didn't waste time and pulled a clean shirt and his jacket on before slipping in to his shoes.

"I don't really want you to -" Iruka started, not wanting Kakashi to come. He didn't want trouble and he didn't want to anger Kakashi in fear of what might happen if he did. He didn't want anymore reminders of his past that was already out in the surface.

"I want to. Besides, I've got my bike downstairs. I'll give you a ride. You won't make it in ten minutes." Kakashi shrugged on his jacket and moved to the bathroom door, knocking a few times. "Oi, Genma. Take what you need from my computer and let yourself out. I'm going somewhere."

Iruka heard a muffled affirmative from within the door and got a bit worrisome. "Is he all right?"

"He's fine." Kakashi shrugged. "Bike's in the basement parking."

Iruka merely nodded, feeling awful for troubling someone again as he followed Kakashi down the flight of stairs towards the basement. The caretaker gave Kakashi a happy greeting, both men shaking hands as Kakashi asked for two of his helmets.

"You want the extra lilac or extra blue one?" The caretaker asked, shifting his cigar to the other side of his lip.

Iruka blinked, staring at Kakashi and the caretaker with slightly worried eyes. Kakashi smirked at Iruka. "Get me the blue one."

The caretaker disappeared in to the room beside his desk and came out with two helmets; a black one with blue customized lightning patterns on the back of its head and a slightly smaller, less bulky looking baby blue one. "Here ya' go."

"Thanks." Kakashi took both helmets and lead Iruka towards his bike parked on the second row beside the entrance. It was a fine metallic black and gray bike that looked scratched up enough to tell that it was driven hard but clean, dent-free and shiny enough to tell that it was well taken care of and driven by a pro. "You get to sit on the love-seat."

Iruka snapped out of his reverie in admiring the fine engine when he heard the seat's name. "The what?"

Kakashi mounted his bike, placing his black helmet in front of him and patting the seat behind him. "The love-seat. Go on." He handed Iruka the baby blue helmet.

Iruka stared at the helmet, absolutely refusing to put such a girly looking thing on his head. He took one good look at the so called love-seat. He failed to understand why it was called a love-seat; perhaps because it was small and just enough for a person so sit and be close enough to the driver. Iruka felt his cheeks color in embarrassment and a little shame.

"You know, if I ran the blocks to the hospital, I'd make it on time." Iruka said, absolutely not wanting to get on the bike.

Kakashi didn't even look at him and stood up instead. He took the helmet off Iruka's hands and slowly slipped it over is ponytail, like he was dressing an infant; once again, Iruka was taken aback by the gentleness. When it was on and Kakashi finished adjusting the straps under Iruka's chin, he leaned back and gave him a small smile. "Now that looks nice."

Iruka frowned, not appreciating the joke. "Hey, there's a limit -"

"It's cute. It's never looked this good on anyone before." Kakashi said and mounted his bike, pulling his helmet on.

Iruka sighed quietly (rather insulted because he really didn't like the helmet) and got on the seat, looking at both sides to see where he can hold on to. There was nothing to lean on and he knew that unless he was holding on tight, he'd fall off. "You know, you shouldn't trouble yourself. Running would have been just fine."

Kakashi gave a smirking noise and started the engine. Iruka felt the engine purr underneath him as Kakashi revved it up some more. "You better hold on. Or you'll fall off."

Iruka looked at both sides again. "Hold on where?"

Kakashi reached behind for Iruka's hands and guided it up towards his shoulder. "Right there." Kakashi started backing the bike up and revved it once more, the smell of the engine tickling Iruka's nose. "We'll be there in three minutes."

"T-Three?" Iruka blanched. "Just how fast are you planning to go?"

Kakashi didn't reply and instead kicked his bike forward and up the garage exit. Iruka found himself gripping Kakashi around his middle instead, completely pressed against the broader man's back as Kakashi drove past the parking lot and drifted down the main street. It didn't feel like three minutes to Iruka and it could have been less. By the time he did manage to look around him, Kakashi was already parking his bike on the nearest slot to the hospital entrance. The engine was switched off and Iruka found himself in awe. He never knew Kakashi was such a good bike-drifter nor did he know that Kakashi owned a pair of nice wheels.

Iruka got off the bike, legs a bit like jelly from the fast ride and started to pull the helmet off. Kakashi silently took it from him and secured it with his own helmet at the back of his bike with a lock before gesturing towards the entrance.

"What building did you want to go to?"

"Building-D." Iruka answered, looking at the building around the corner with the big D sign on the front entrance.

They walked in silence and side by side till they reached the building. Iruka didn't have to go ask for Kabuto anymore because he was merely standing behind the nurse's desk and speaking on the phone while he took some folders from another nurse. Iruka felt a smile come to his face as he quickened his step towards the desk. Kabuto looked up from the phone, smiled back and quickly took down instructions before ending the call.

"Iruka-san!" Kabuto greeted and then looked at Kakashi. "Oh. And Kakashi-san."

Iruka never saw an annoyed sneer like the one Kabuto briefly directed at Kakashi before. He never saw the look of coldness like the one Kakashi was directing at Kabuto before either. "Kabuto." Kakashi warned, eye narrowing.

Iruka looked back and forth before feeling slightly smaller than normal. "D-Did I make it in time, Kabuto-san?"

"Of course you did." Kakashi answered, smirking towards Kabuto. "You have five minutes to eight. I told you'd make it on time."

Iruka was about to reply when Kabuto smiled ever so sweetly at Kakashi. "Oh! So you drove Iruka-san here. I'm surprised you can drive at such an old age."

Iruka felt laughter slowly bubbling in his stomach as he looked at Kakashi, who looked like he was about to smash Kabuto's head with one of his hammers. "Ah. Still the type to pick the lamest ways of insult."

"Oh I didn't insult you, Kakashi-san. I'd never be able to that to such a respectable and honest man like yourself." Kabuto said, looking serious while at the same time remaining polite and neutral. Iruka never understood how Kabuto managed such facial expressions.

"Why wouldn't I be honest?" Kakashi asked, voice low and quiet, cold and almost daring Kabuto to say something he should not. Iruka found himself staring up at Kakashi, trying to understand more.

"Why wouldn't you? After all, isn't it always underneath the underneath for you, Kakashi-san?" Kabuto smiled brightly. "No one's really figured out how many layers there are underneath the underneath."

"Kabuto." Kakashi took a step closer, fist balled up beside him. Iruka looked alarmed and at the same time horrified at the quiet and too polite exchange between the two.

Kabuto chuckled quietly and patted Iruka's shoulder, touch lingering a tad too long. Iruka took in Kabuto's sweet smile and Kakashi's cold glare once more. For a long while, he didn't know what else to do and helplessly looked at them back and forth.

"You are on time, Iruka-san. And you seem to be looking healthy too!" Kabuto looked at Iruka, oozing with concern for Iruka's well being with the way he spoke. "No more dizzy spells?"

"No. None." Iruka lied.

Kabuto didn't look very pleased by the obvious lie, a flash of hurt crossing his gentle features. "I see."

"So why are you here, brat?" Kakashi asked, not withholding the hostility in his tone.

"Why, I am here to take Iruka-san to his doctor. Why are you here, Kakashi-san?"

Kakashi smirked. "Because Iruka's here."

Iruka felt horribly embarrassed being in the middle of a verbal tug-o-war. Kabuto gave him a surprised look. "Iruka-san, you're with this old man?"

Iruka understood the look Kabuto was giving him and shook his head, surprisingly calm. "No, Kabuto-san. Kakashi just offered me a ride. He's my room-mate. Temporarily till my building gets fixed."

"Of course." Kabuto reached out and placed a hand on Iruka's forearm, giving it a light squeeze. Kakashi gave him a murderous look at the touch and gesture. "I didn't think you'd be with him. He seems so rowdy next to a nice and sweet guy like yourself. You should take care Iruka-san."

"He'll be fine." Kakashi stood between Iruka and Kabuto. "Why don't you go run on your little legs and find out where Iruka's doctor is so I can go take Iruka to dinner, hmm?"

Iruka choked on his own air silently and glanced at Kakashi, completely not expecting that.

Kabuto looked at Iruka, smiling at him. "This way, Iruka-san. Dr. Ryuuken is expecting you." Kabuto threw Kakashi a look and an overly sweet smile. "You go sit over there."

Iruka couldn't help but think of a dog as Kabuto stirred him away from Kakashi and down the hall towards the elevator. Kabuto made small talk, politely asking about his master's degree and if he started his thesis yet. Iruka equally asked, genuinely curious about Kabuto's own progress as they made their way down the hall towards a comfortable looking office.

"Thank you, Kabuto-san. I don't think those words can express my gratitude for your efforts." Iruka said, giving Kabuto's hand a light squeeze.

"Anything for you, Iruka-san. You know that." Kabuto squeezed Iruka's hand back. "Go on. He's waiting. I'll be down the hall studying these. You're not alone, Iruka-san."

Iruka nodded. "All right."

Kabuto walked down the hall as Iruka turned and faced the door, knocking twice before entering upon Dr. Ryuuken's answer.

TBC

Much thanks to reviewers (particularly MeeLee, Nine Tailed Vixen, NoNameQueen and Demonrubberducky who had me laughing with their reviews and speculations). Every single one of you makes me blush.

Thank you again.

Credits:

Because I have no clue just how to write Kabuto, I must give credit to Kagaya Chou for her advice/feedback on how to write the guy.

That lightning helmet of Kakashi's was found through Yahoo. It was actually just a normal customized bicycle. I took the idea of a motorcycle helmet.

There's a song called 'love shack'. I just replaced the shack with seat (because those bike seats are kind of tiny and intimate - Kakashi isn't driving a Harley anyway).

Ryuuken belongs to Jump and his creator. Not mine.