Chapter 50
"Keiko! Kakashi! Over here!"
The two looked over across the crowded shop and saw a hand waving them over. Guy half stood from his chair with a wide grin as he saw the two enter.
Keiko smiled in return and offered a wave of her own. Kakashi linked his arm with hers and began to gently maneuver the both of them through the crowd of people. The pain in her leg was less thanks to the pain killers she had been prescribed, though she still required some help to maneuver around in places like this. Lady Tsunade had been very clear she was to put as little weight on it as possible, but she could still move around. Hence, the crutch currently digging into her armpit.
Upon reaching the table, Kakashi pulled out the chair for her to take a seat.
"Sorry about the table, it was the only one open when we got here." Asuma said, stretching his arm before draping it across the back of Kurenai's chair.
Keiko smiled, "It's fine, I'm just happy to be out of bed finally." At the end of her sentence, her word turned into a wheeze and she covered her mouth to cough.
Guy, Kurenai and Asuma all stilled and watched as Kakashi wordlessly rubbed her back to try and soothe the coughing fit. They got a better look at her then. She was still thinner than they remembered, and some bruises were still visible though they were yellowing. When her coughing subsided and she looked up she could clearly see their tense features. It was to be expected, she supposed, after everything.
"You're sure Lady Tsunade gave you the okay to get out of bed?" Kurenai questioned her.
She nodded, "Of course, there's no way I would go against her advice. Not if I knew what was best for me. After all, I want to get better as soon as I can." She accepted the tea Kurenai handed her with a smile and took a sip. She cast a sly grin toward Kakashi, "On the bright side, I've had company."
The tense atmosphere seemed to shatter as the group shared in lighthearted laughter. Kakashi closed his eyes and Keiko could just barely see the soft blush poking out from his mask. She reached out with her free hand under the table and placed a gentle hand on his thigh. She quickly felt his hand move to cover hers.
Guy's laugh was the last to wane. His grin as wide and as bright as ever as he looked at the two with unbridled joy, "Oh, how it fills my heart to see you two together once again! To roil in the springtime of your youth together!"
While Keiko smiled, she could hear Kakashi laugh a little awkwardly. She knew he appreciated Guy's support, but his flowery and poetic way of speaking did take some getting used to, and some had a better tolerance for it than others. "Thank you, Guy. I really appreciate it." Keiko smiled warmly, her eyes misting over in thought, "And, thank you again for being there."
Guy raised his hand and shook his head, "Think nothing of it! I couldn't let Kakashi go alone after all."
"I think we all would have come if we could. Or if we had known the situation." Kurenai said, feeling a little left out.
Asuma added on, "The whole thing was kept secret. No one really knew the situation until you all came back. Though the amount of time you were gone had started to get suspicious."
Keiko laughed a little, scratching the back of her head, "I didn't want to be gone that long, trust me."
'What do you think all your little friends think of your absence, hm? They're probably suspicious of you!'
Keiko's whole body jerked at the haunting voice but no one seemed to notice. Her heart suddenly began to race and she felt sweat bead on her brow. The voices around her turned muffled as she tried to calm herself.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was just hearing things. He wasn't there and he couldn't hurt her. Kakashi killed him, so there was no way-
"A shame what happened to Remi."
Keiko's eyes snapped open and she looked up to find everyone around her staring. Their eyes glinted with hatred. "W-wha-?" Her voice caught in her throat and she felt like she couldn't speak. Like she couldn't get enough air.
"Iruka loved her, and you let her die." Kurenai spat at her, eyes narrowing in disgust.
Keiko shook her head, her hands balling into fists as she tried to open her mouth to defend herself but nothing came out. Not even a whimper.
'What will your darling Kakashi think when he finds out you failed? That their blood is on your hands?'
The hand that had been resting easily over hers tightened like a vice on her wrist. She turned quickly to find Kakashi giving her a look that tore her heart in two. It was a look she had never imagined would be shot her way.
"This whole situation did nothing but prove how weak you are."
His tone was cutting. Keiko shrunk in her seat as she felt fresh hot tears build in her eyes. She tried to turn away from him but he pulled her closer until their faces were only inches apart and there was no escaping his penetrating gaze.
'He'll think you deserve what you got.'
"Why would I choose to be with someone like you? Someone who would let their comrades die? Someone like that is lower than filth and deserves death."
She screwed her eyes shut and shook her head fervently. Keiko fought to get out of his grasp but felt her mouth and nose be sealed shut by a rough hand. A far too familiar hand that sent sickening terror radiating through her. Her eyes opened and instead of Kakashi holding her, it was Kyoryu. A wide grin spread across his face and he shoved her to the ground.
The chair was gone. As was everyone who had been there. She was back. Back in that cold cellar room, Kyoryu looming over her.
'Let's finish what we started.'
A scream finally ripped itself from her as she shot up in bed. Her scream was shortly cut off by a string of coughs and she grasped at her chest, falling back onto her side as she tried to catch her breath.
A dream.
Just a dream.
Keiko wasn't sure how long it took her to calm down. She spent time trying to steady her breathing and reminding herself of where she really was.
She was in Konoha. In her bed. She was far, far away from any of that.
Finally, she could breathe normally and she sprawled out on the bed, chest now only heaving slightly as she stared up at the ceiling. The same old ceiling with the same old water stain in the corner. It wasn't made of stone. Her hands gripped the soft sheets below her. Far different from cold unyielding rock.
The room was quiet. All she could hear was the ticking of the clock. For minutes, all she did was stare at the ceiling and listen to the ticking clock. She thought over the events of the dream that were still fresh in her mind as if watching them play out. Her inner monologue never commented as the events played out again.
The frown was there before she even realized it.
Reaching up, she wiped her eyes, clearing them of the nearly dried tears.
Keiko looked up and out the window that was at the head of the bed. The night sky was giving way to day and she knew there wasn't a point of going back to sleep. Not that she wanted to anyway. She sat up in bed, gently stretching her sore shoulder. She must have moved it wrong while thrashing in her sleep, she realized.
She looked down at the mattress and sighed, running her hand longingly beside her. "If you were here, you would have woken me up."
Her eyes drifted from the bed and around the small room. It was tidier than it had been in the past, but it was still distinctly Kakashi's. In the month she had been back in Konoha, she had only spent a single night in her own apartment. While it had been familiar, she felt alone there. It wasn't until Kakashi visited that night that she finally was able to sleep…
A heavy blush flooded her cheeks at the memories of what happened that night*. There were times she still couldn't believe it, and it warmed her heart just as much now as it did then.
When they had finally returned to Konoha, both Keiko and Kakashi had been admitted to the hospital. Kakashi had regained some of his strength and only had to be monitored for a single night. Keiko, on the other hand, had been in the hospital for days. Undergoing different tests and surgeries. She recalled Tsunade being awfully quiet, and that was often not a good thing. But, she had been on some sedatives while in between surgeries.
A few of the procedures had been nothing special. The one that had given them the most grief had been the attempted reconstruction of her lung where Kabuto had wounded her. Her body's resistance to medical ninjutsu had made the procedure difficult for even the likes of Lady Tsunade. Even though the procedures were not a complete success, Keiko was in less pain day to day because of them.
Throughout everything, Kakashi was by her side. It wasn't until he was sent on another mission that he was finally away from her for longer than a few hours. That's where he was. On a mission somewhere doing who knows what. It had taken some time to get used to him not being there with her, but being in his apartment helped. Everything was a reminder of him. Even the scent of the sheets was enough to settle her nerves at times.
Her own items were littered throughout the apartment. Like her weapons leaning beside the dresser. The blade that Kabuto had broken stayed behind in the Land of Iron, and her uncle was kind enough to offer her a new one. One that he said had even greater potential as an extension of oneself. While she hadn't had much time to reconnect with her uncle, it was surreal getting to speak with him and see him after so many years. She could tell her father was even more excited to see him.
Keiko pulled herself up from the bed and stretched, performing the movements Lady Tsunade outlined to help keep herself limber. She had no idea when she would be cleared to be on regular missions again, but she had every intention of having as quick of a recovery as she could.
Day by day, getting ready in the morning was becoming easier. With every day that passed there were less aches and pains, though she still took her time and moved with care.
Once she was dressed she grabbed the brush from the bathroom sink and made a motion to sweep her hair over one shoulder. She paused half way through the motion when she felt nothing. Her eyes darted up to the mirror and she was still startled by the length of her hair. It was far shorter than she ever remembered it to be. She laughed softly, forcing herself to find amusement in the situation. How now, even after weeks of existing like this, she was still startled by the change.
Truth was, now that her life was no longer in danger, the loss of her hair hit differently. Now that it had been cut properly and was not haphazardly cut as it had been initially, it just barely touched her shoulders. She felt so light without all the extra weight, but it felt wrong.
Keiko brushed her hair and pulled it into a ponytail, fastening it with the pendant Kakashi had given her. She looked at herself in the mirror's reflection for several long moments while taking in her appearance. Reminding herself that a new chapter of her life had just begun.
~0~
The streets of Konoha were as busy as ever. The village reconstruction was mostly complete and while the Shinobi were still overworked with missions, the civilians seemed to be back to their normal way of life. There were more people out and about and more young children playing in the streets.
Keiko smiled to herself as she made her way down the center of the street. She enjoyed the atmosphere, but at the same time she couldn't ignore the few poisonous stares she received from the shadows. If there was one thing she hated most about Konoha, it was the rumor mill.
While the events of the past few months had been kept a secret during said events, once they had returned to the village and everything was sorted out it had only taken a week for the Shinobi of the village to hear about her sudden disappearance. What this disappearance meant, seemed to be up for interpretation.
"Oh, hey! Keiko Sensei!"
Keiko was pulled from her thoughts and looked up to find the familiar faces of Shikamaru and Choji. How long had it been since she had seen the two of them? It had been long enough to notice how they were both a little taller and their wardrobe had changed. Choji was smiling as he waved with one hand, his other holding a bag of chips.
"Man, I hardly recognized you without all the hair! You look good though!" Choji said as they came closer.
She smiled at them, ignoring the twinge of sadness that sparked from the hair comment, and came to a stop, "Well, hello you two, long time no see!" Keiko gave Shikamaru a grin, "How's Chunin life treating you?"
The teen sighed and scratched the back of his head, "It can be a drag, but right now we're preparing for the Chunin Exams."
Keiko blinked in surprise, "Oh wow, it's already almost time again?"
Choji snorted a laugh and tossed a few chips in his mouth, "Shikamaru's just nervous cause he'll have to work with Temari."
Shikamaru stiffened and shot his friend a glare, but Keiko could see the slight tinge of pink on the teens cheeks. She smiled at the small exchange and couldn't help but be curious about his feelings toward the Suna Kunoichi.
With a heavy sigh and a mumbled, "What a drag," Shikamaru looked at Keiko with a curious gleam in his eyes. "By the way, is the rumor we've heard true? That you can't go on missions anymore?"
Keiko stiffened a bit at first, but sighed in relief when he asked about that particular rumor. At least they didn't seem to think she had gone rogue. She looked down and smiled softly, "Lady Tsunade has decided to keep me in the village for the time being to recover. Right now, it's up in the air as far as when I'll be allowed to go on regular missions."
Choji hummed loudly, looking at her closely from head to toe, "Ya don't look that different though. Is it really necessary to stay off missions for so long?" He hadn't been prepared for the sudden glare Shikamaru shot his way.
Keiko shifted her weight, suddenly aware of the dull ache in her thigh. It was more irritating than painful, but it was a reminder. She would still walk with a limp after a long day or when she over exerted herself, but she was thankful to not need the crutches anymore.
A sudden fit of coughs erupted from her and she waved off the two's concerned expressions. Shikamaru couldn't help but think of that Proctor from the third test of the Chunin Exam. He couldn't remember the guy's name, but Keiko's cough reminded him of that man. "You alright?" Shikamaru asked.
She cleared her throat and nodded, "Yes, I'm fine. Happens from time to time." She rubbed her chest where the wound rested and cleared her throat again. "I should get going though, I have a busy schedule today. It was nice seeing the two of you."
The two teens stood aside to let her walk past them. They watched her walk away and once out of ear shot, Choji looks at Shikamaru, "So, do you think the other rumor is true?"
Shikamaru shakes his head, "There's no way. I can think of ten other shinobi who would defect before Keiko Sensei. Not to mention, if she actually had, there's no way she would be walking around free right now."
He watched as she walked away and scanned a few of the villagers' faces as she passed them. Once they were certain she couldn't see them, some spoke in hushed whispers and shot disgusted looks in her direction. It was just like how Naruto was treated.
"What a drag." He sighed and turned, ushering Choji to follow him, "Come on, you wanted to try that new restaurant, right?"
~0~
When Keiko made her way to the administration building, she was greeted by yet another friendly face. She smiled, "Sakura!"
The girl's head of pink hair shot up as she exited the building. Upon seeing her old Sensei, she smiled in return and ran up to her. "Keiko Sensei! I heard you were going to stop by today, how are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling better every day." Keiko answered honestly. "How about you? Lady Tsunade is treating you well, I hope?"
Sakura smiled genuinely thinking about her Sensei, "Lady Tsunade's the best. She can be terrifying at times, but I couldn't have wished for a better teacher." Sakura felt that she had been tossed from Sensei to Sensei, becoming a burden. She had worked hard not to be, and now she felt like all of her hard work was paying off. With every Sensei she trained with, she took a piece of their teachings with her. Even now, she found time to practice the techniques she had learned from Keiko and Kurenai Sensei. She wanted to create her own unique style to carve out her own name.
Keiko observed the thoughtful look that welled within Sakura's eyes and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, "I'm happy to hear it. I know you'll become a powerful Kunoichi one day."
Sakura bowed her head and smiled sheepishly, "Thank you, Keiko Sensei, it means a lot."
"I know Kakashi feels the same way."
"Huh?" Sakura looked up a little surprised.
A soft and understanding smile graced Keiko's lips, "Kakashi is a man of few words, but he was the first to recognize your potential."
"I don't see Kakashi Sensei very much any more. Last I saw him was when he was in the hospital when you returned to the village."
Taking note of the hint of sadness in Sakura's voice, her grip on the younger woman's shoulder increased. "Well, I'll be sure that he visits every now and then to check up on you, how about that?"
Sakura could only smile and nod before Keiko said she really had to get going to see Lady Tsunade and she left her there. That was fine, Sakura had her own place to be anyway.
She made her way through the village into one of the many forested sections. It was a path she knew well from her days training with Kurenai's team. She felt closer to them after the whole experience. Shino never had much to say, but he was a nice enough guy. Hinata was probably one of the nicest people she knew, but could stand to grow a bit of a backbone. And Kiba, well, he was the insufferable jokester. And yet, he was the one she got alone with the most.
When she came to the agreed meeting place, she heard a distinct bark and a muffled voice responding to it.
Kiba.
She walked a little faster and when she came upon the river bank, she looked from side to side and found Kiba sitting at the base of a tree facing the water. One leg pulled up to his chest, an arm resting over it. The other leg stretched out in front of him with Akamaru using it as a head rest and his free hand tossing a stone in the air before skipping it along the water's surface.
He had a somber expression, until he noticed her scent and tilted his head to look. He greeted her with a smile. "Oh, hey, Sakura. What brings you here?"
She shrugged, "What can I say, you're predictable." She moved closer and sat next to him on the ground watching the water.
Kiba scoffed, skipping another rock, "Is that right, Miss Know-It-All?"
Sakura smacked him on the arm and they laughed. Akamaru raised his head and watched the two of them with a tilt of his head.
"I just wanted to know how you were doing." Sakura finally said in a soft tone.
"Hm, that so?"
He didn't look at her, but Sakura could tell he still didn't want to talk about it. When Remi's body had finally been returned to them, it was unrecognizable. The clan didn't want to accept the body as one of their own at first. It took a good amount of convincing for them to accept the reality of the situation. Remi's body didn't even smell like her anymore.
Sakura knew that Kiba and his sister Hana had a close relationship with Remi. Her death had hit the both of them pretty hard. She hadn't seen Kiba for days after the funeral. While Sakura hadn't known Remi very well at all, she was shocked to see that there were not many from the Inuzuka Clan at her funeral. Kiba and Hana were there of course with their mother. Hinata, Shino and herself were there to support Kiba, and Iruka Sensei was there as well, looking more miserable than she had ever seen him.
"It is so." She turned to look at him head on, "You were there for me when Sasuke left, let me be here for you now, okay?"
Kiba put both his hands on the ground and pushed himself to sit straighter against the tree. "Do whatever you want, I guess."
He still hadn't looked at her, but Sakura could see the pain in his eyes. So, knowing he didn't want to talk about it, she decided to do something else. She scooted closer and held his hand in hers, resting her head on his shoulder. If nothing else, she would at least be there for him.
Kiba's eyes went wide and his eyes shot down in disbelief. His heart hammered in his chest and a blush flooded his cheeks as he tried to understand the situation. "Wha-?"
"If you wanna stand I can just give you a hug." Sakura said without moving.
He cleared his throat, rubbing his thigh with his free hand, "N-No, this is fine."
When had she been able to evoke such a response from him? He wanted nothing to do with her when they were in the academy, but now things were different. He'd always thought a girl like Hinata was more his style, soft spoken and submissive. Sakura was anything but. He'd always considered her the boy-crazy psycho like Ino, not worth his time. But, that was before getting to know her.
They stayed that way, Kiba eventually calming down as they both watched the water flow by. Kiba rested his head against the tree and looked at the top of Sakura's pink head. She really did smell like cherry blossoms.
She squeezed his hand, "I'll be here if you ever need me."
Kiba rested his head on hers, committing her scent to memory. "Thank you, Sakura."
~0~
"Do you feel anything?" Tsunade's voice rang in Keiko's ears.
Keiko nodded, "More so than the last time." Feeling Tsunade take away her hand, she pulled her top back into place and rubbed the gnarled scar tissue to try and soothe it.
Tsunade hummed, walking around her desk to sit now that the examination was finished. Since Keiko was sufficiently healed, the examinations no longer needed to be held in the hospital. She waited until Keiko was done tidying up her clothes before speaking, "Your body still isn't accepting medical jutsu as it should be. But, there is progress. I'd rather not send you on missions outside of the village until I know you can be properly healed in the field."
"Understood." Keiko bowed her head, forlorn.
"I do, however, have a different assignment for you. Starting next week, you'll be teaching at the academy."
Keiko's head snapped up, making eye contact with Tsunade. She hadn't been expecting this news. She wasn't even sure how to respond to it. She stood straighter, "Does this mean that I will be back on library duty?"
"On the contrary. You'll be teaching." Tsunade grinned seeing the stunned expression on her face. "As I've mentioned to you before, it took an awful lot of convincing to not have the council take drastic measures when you returned. Thankfully, we've been able to sort everything out thanks to Inoichi."
Keiko shivered remembering the interrogation she had to endure. It was all to prove that she had no ill intentions regarding the Leaf Village and to ensure where her loyalties lied. It was the only way to get the council back on their side, along with a letter from the Land of Iron stating that there was no ill will. Their own internal investigation found there to be no foul play from the Leaf village. It seemed that politically, everything would pan out just fine.
"But," Tsunade continued, "the council still doesn't trust you. So, until you're more properly healed, and until I can bring some sense into those old bastard's heads, this is our game plan. It will keep you in the village and in the open so no one has any reason to think you're being nefarious."
"Of course, My Lady." Keiko bowed again. She wasn't entirely happy with the situation either. But, if she had to go back to the academy, she was happy it wasn't as a librarian. When she worked in the academy years ago, she had been told that she would never be allowed to teach thanks to her status as a foreigner. Now, it would seem that Tsunade would have none of that. And she was grateful.
Tsunade grabbed a manila folder out from the middle of a stack and scanned it before handing it to Keiko. "This contains information about your class and students. You'll be teaching alongside Iruka as well."
She accepted the folder and pulled out the first page to glance at the top. It appeared to be a roster or names and known abilities and skill levels. There had been a time where this had been her dream. To actually teach students. And, while she currently wanted nothing more than to be on missions, she couldn't help the feeling of gratitude that swelled in her chest. She bowed deeply, clutching the folder to her chest. "Thank you, Lady Hokage."
Tsunade smiled, "Think nothing of it. I'd rather have someone of your skill on missions, but my hands are tied. I'll let you know as soon as I've loosened the bonds."
~0~
Dark eyes scanned the paper again and again. No matter how many times he read it, he couldn't seem to grade these papers. What used to take him only an hour he had now spent most of his afternoon doing. Lady Tsunade had cleared him for duty after about a week in the hospital. He wished all of his problems ended then. But, of course, they didn't.
There were times he thought he could see her from the corner of his eye, and he would turn to find nothing. Other times he could have sworn he heard her voice.
Heaving a heavy sigh, he covered his face with his hand and rubbed his eyes. He had to get a grip. Just how long was he going to let himself mope around like this?
A hand on his shoulder made him jump and he looked up to see a familiar face looking down at him with a soft smile. "K-Keiko! What are you doing here? Are you feeling alright?"
Her smile twitched, "Ya know, I've had so many people ask me that, but I'm fine."
Iruka chuckled, "Yeah, I bet you have." He turned his chair away from the daunting task of grading and watched her take a seat on one of the empty desks. Her new desk. "Ready to teach?"
Keiko smiled as she placed the manila folder Tsunade had given her in her new desk. So he did know. "Honestly, I'm a little torn. On one hand, I'm ecstatic to take up a more active teaching role since I never could before. Way back when, it's all I wanted other than missions. But, now, I'm only here because I can't go on missions."
An audible sign left Iruka as he leaned back in his chair, "I'll be fine if I never have to go on a mission again."
His words hung in the air, and there was a weight to them. Keiko averted her eyes, not sure how to respond to such a statement. Iruka, on the other hand, instantly regretted his words. He hadn't meant it like that. Or, at least, he didn't blame her.
After a bit of silence with Keiko rummaging through the drawers of the desk, he cleared his throat. "Have you ever lost anyone on a mission before?"
Keiko paused halfway, shutting a drawer. Once she had absorbed the question she closed the drawer softly, "Remi was the first. I've had a few close calls before, but nothing like this."
"Are you holding up alright?" Iruka asked, leaning forward in his chair.
She responded, nearly cutting him off, "I should be asking you that." She turned toward him, her gaze unreadable, "Don't pretend like I don't know how you felt about her."
Iruka held up both of his hands and forced a smile, "I'm fine, trust me. It's just the way of the world."
Keiko's mask slipped and Iruka could see the flash of pain and regret hidden in her eyes. She stepped forward and with a hand on his shoulder said, "It might be the way of the world, but that doesn't make the pain any less. I'm positive Remi would be happy we both made it, but-" She paused, trying to find the words, "We have to work hard for her memory."
Iruka could sense she had wanted to say something else, but excused herself saying she needed to get back home. He knew what she had wanted to say. That Remi hadn't deserved to die. They were both aware of that fact, but there was nothing they could do to change reality.
He turned back to the papers he needed to grade. He tried so hard to focus on his students' writing but when the first tear fell he knew he couldn't finish. It took a few minutes to compose himself and put away his things before leaving. He would just go in early tomorrow to finish.
On his way home, he decided to take the scenic route through a small wooded area. Partially because he wanted to avoid people, and partially because he knew he could use the fresh air. While walking, he thought about Remi. She was on his mind almost constantly. She had come into his life and flipped everything on its head. He'd never felt anything like what he felt with her, and he wasn't sure if he would ever feel anything like it again.
He knew there was no changing reality, but he couldn't help but feel angry after witnessing her funeral. Hardly anyone from her own Clan participated. Other than Hana, Kiba and their mother, there were only a few others from the Inuzuka in attendance. He remembered her saying that she was an outcast in her Clan, but he couldn't understand how they could write off her death so easily.
Deep in thought, he almost didn't hear the soft whimpering sound as he walked past a group of bushes. He paused, turning back to look and listen. Then he heard it again, clearer this time.
"What in the world?" Iruka said to himself as he knelt down and began looking around the bush for the source of the noise. Then, he found it.
He grabbed the small canine by the scruff of the neck before cradling it in his arms. It was a puppy. He was no expert in dogs, but he guessed it couldn't be older than a month. Its coat was a rich chocolate brown and its underbelly was a soothing cream color. Its eyes were open and blue, looking around curiously and it whimpered uncertainty.
Iruka looked around the area, trying to find the mother. A pup of this age shouldn't be without its mother and he wasn't sure how long it had been on its own. After searching around the area for a solid twenty minutes, he couldn't find a trace of another canine.
He looked down at the puppy and held it up to look at him. The pup's tail was wagging even as it whined, surely hungry.
Iruka pondered what he should do. His first thought was to take the pup to the animal shelter, surely they would be able to take care of it. But, as he looked at the young pup, his eyes glazed over as he thought of Remi again. He thought back to their conversation in the market, how she had never been able to make a bond with an animal to become a true Inuzuka.
At that moment, he made a decision.
"Guess you're stuck with me now, little guy."
He cradled the pup again in his arms and knew the first place he needed to go. He knew the way there like the back of his hand. The Inuzuka Clinic.
When he entered, he found Hana at the front desk. She looked more tired than he remembered and he had to wonder if she was throwing herself into her work just like he had been. He mustered a smile when she greeted him, "I was wondering if you could help my new friend."
Iruka placed the puppy on the counter for Hana to inspect. After a quick once over she smiled at the puppy and gave him some affection, "Of course, and what's the little guy's name?"
Iruka paused, but said the first thing that came to mind, "Ren."
Hana's scratches halted and she looked from Iruka's uncertain face back down to the puppy. With an understanding nod, she picked up the puppy and booped its nose, "Ren. A good name. Let's get you taken care of."
Iruka nodded, following Hana into one of the examination rooms. After being thoroughly briefed on the ins and outs of dog ownership and a clean bill of health for Ren, Iruka walked out of the Clinic about an hour later. Hana escorted him outside, amused at the sheer amount of stuff Iruka held. One arm held Ren while the other carried three overstuffed bags of food, toys, and other essentials for a first time dog owner.
"Thank you, Hana." Iruka said, bowing his head.
She waved him off dismissively, "Don't mention it. It's the least I could do. I'll be here if you and Ren ever need anything, okay?"
Iruka smiled thankfully, "Right."
Ren barked excitedly and Iruka took that as his que to leave. He still had to get back and settle Ren into his new home. He'd never had a pet before. With how young Ren was, he was going to need a lot of attention, and he would probably need to bring Ren with him to the school until he got a little older too. He wondered what his students would think of that. Some of them might even decide to make Ren their new mascot.
The thought amused him, but there were other perks that had him excited for this new challenge. Whenever he wasn't with his students, focusing on them and their futures, his mind was a dark place. He knew he was privileged with a massive support system. Friends, coworkers, a lot of them would be willing to help him if he needed it. But, when he was alone at night, sitting alone in his apartment, it felt like none of that existed. Now, he would have something to come home to. Something to share his free time with.
Someone to protect.
Iruka's arm tightened around the puppy slightly, "I'm here now, Ren. Now, neither of us will be alone."
~0~
Keiko tossed and turned. Sweat beaded on her skin and her eyes moved rapidly behind their lids. Her body jerked as she fought for air.
This hadn't been what he thought he would come home to. He sat on the edge of the bed and spoke calmly, "Keiko, everything is alright." If he could slap himself he would. Those words were hollow and he knew it. She shouldn't have to suffer like this.
He reached out to caress her face, but as soon as his fingers made contact her eyes snapped open and a closed fist was thrown his way. Had he been a normal person, he would probably be sporting a black eye for a couple days. But, he easily caught the punch and locked his gaze with hers. "Funny way to say 'Welcome Home.'"
Keiko was gasping for breath and it took a few seconds for her to catch up with reality. "Ka-Kakashi!" She stammered between huffs and wheezes. She fell back onto the bed, trying to calm her racing heart and fit of coughs.
Kakashi stood and quickly shedded his gear until he was just in pants and his undershirt before sliding into bed with her. He made sure to remove his mask and headband as well. He cradled her so that her back was to his chest, an arm securely over her midsection rubbing soothing circles. His legs entwined with hers and he buried his face into her neck and hair.
This. This is what he wanted to come home to.
Once he felt her heartbeat slow and her breaths become more even, he peppered her neck with soft featherlight kisses until his lips were at her ear. "Him again?"
Keiko nodded.
Kakashi sighed, feeling the guilt chip away at him. He knew how tormenting nightmares could be, and he wanted to do everything he could to ensure she wasn't alone during them. Of course, he couldn't be when he was out on missions.
He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off immediately by Keiko, "Don't apologize." She twisted in his arms until she was facing him, and she wrapped an arm around him in return. She buried her face into his chest and breathed deeply, "There's nothing to apologize for."
It was a conversation they had had multiple times. They knew this old song and dance by now. So, Kakashi stayed silent, stroking her back slowly, pulling her as close to him as he could.
They stayed like that for minutes. How many, neither of them could exactly pinpoint. But, eventually Kakashi knew he needed to get up and change out of the rest of his field clothes. Planting a soft kiss on her forehead, he pulled away from her to sit on the edge of the bed.
Keiko watched him grab the hem of his shirt and pull it effortlessly over his head. The moonlight illuminated him like a spotlight. Every muscle flexed perfectly, and while there were small scars littered all over his body, she couldn't help but think he was perfect.
The image of her own body flashed in her mind and she recoiled slightly. Her hand rubbed the ghastly scar that was covered by her sleepwear. It was far from the only one, but it was the one that made her the most self conscious.
She sat up and also sat on the edge of the bed opposite Kakashi. She knew she wouldn't be able to get to sleep anytime soon.
Kakashi turned his head to see Keiko standing and he reached out, grabbing her hand, "Are you sure you should be up and about? If you need something, I can get it for you."
The concern in his voice warmed her heart, but she squeezed his hand reassuringly, "I'm fine. I just know I'm going to be up for a while and thought tea sounded nice."
"I can make it for you." Kakashi offered easily, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand.
Keiko shook her head and smiled, "Kakashi, I really am fine. I can handle this much."
He watched her walk out of the bedroom and into the living area. Quickly changing into a fresh pair of shorts to sleep in and a tank top, he followed quickly after her. Her movements were much more fluid than they had been before. Telling him that she was not in as much pain as she used to be. But, he could still tell something was bothering her and frowned.
"You're limping."
Once the water was on the burner to heat she turned her head toward him and laughed a little, "I can't lay in bed all the time. If our roles were reversed you would have been out of bed far sooner than I had been."
Kakashi scratched the back of his head and smiled sheepishly. He couldn't argue that. She had turned her head back to watch the teapot, blanketing the two in silence. Wordlessly, he walked up behind her and wrapped both his arms around her middle, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Something's on your mind." It wasn't a question.
She leaned her head against his and caressed one of his arms with her hand, "Just my thoughts being foolish."
"Oh? Try me."
A blush dusted her cheeks as she built the courage to speak. "I can't help but feel inferior to you." She could feel Kakashi's body stiffening the slightest bit, but she kept going. Letting out all of the insecurities that had been building. "Even if my mission had been a trick, I failed to keep my team safe and even got one of them killed. I can't help but be reminded of it all every time I look in the mirror. And to top it off, I feel like I'm not good enough for you." Her hand once again came to rest on her chest, just above her wound. "Even I think this is hideous."
She waited for his response, and she waited so long she was afraid she wouldn't get one. But, his hold on her tightened, "I've failed to keep my comrades safe as well. Their deaths will stay with me for the rest of my life. Remi's death might be the same for you, but it will get easier with time."
He let her go and turned her around to face him. One arm looping around her waist and his other hand holding the side of her face, forcing her to look at him. "As for not being good enough, you're my one and only." He brought his lips down to meet hers, the sensation sending a pleasant tingle from head to toe. He pulled away just enough to lay his forehead against hers and chuckled when her lips tried to follow. "No one else could even compare. Beauty or otherwise."
His lips found hers again, more heated his time as he wanted to remind her just how crazy she made him. His hands roamed, cupping, caressing, squeezing every inch that he could. When she gasped he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. She was putty in his hands and every moment was sheer bliss.
Until the whistle of the teapot broke the spell.
While Keiko caught her breath, Kakashi reached over and released the steam, much like he wished he could release his own. He planted one last kiss on her forehead and moved to let her get her tea.
When she finally sat with her tea, Kakashi sat right across from her. Watching her with a small ghost of a smile. It wasn't until she had finished half her tea that she said, "Lady Tsunade informed me that I would begin teaching at the academy next week."
Kakashi blinked, "Teaching? Not stuck in a library this time?"
Keiko laughed, "Nope! That was my first question too, if I was going to be a librarian again. I'll be teaching alongside Iruka."
"I see." Kakashi said in thought. "I'm happy to hear it, just don't push yourself too hard."
Keiko knew why he said it. She knew very well why, but she still sighed and said in return, "Sometimes I feel like people view me as a fragile porcelain doll now."
Her words didn't sit well with Kakashi and his gaze reflected both the pain and regret he felt over her circumstances. His hand balled into a fist and he looked away from her. It wasn't that he saw her as weak. He was scared. Scared of losing her again.
A soft hand laid over his balled fist and he looked to see Keiko gazing at him apologetically. "I didn't mean it like that."
"I know."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments before Kakashi said those words that still felt foreign on his tongue. So strange, but so right. He intertwined his fingers with hers, "I love you."
Keiko felt the pitter patter of her heart swell and she smiled, "I love you, too. And I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
~End~
And so it comes to an end. Thank you to everyone who supported me this far. I'm so happy to finally say I've completed it, and while I will be editing some older chapters (nothing too crazy) I'm overall happy with the outcome of this story. I think some people might be disappointed that I skipped to a month later, but this was always the plan. If I had written the return trip I know it would have been repetitive. Instead, I wanted to spend more time focusing on the characters and where they sat, setting them up for where I plan to pick up with the sequel book.
I do have plans for a sequel, so stay tuned for that. Life is very crazy for me right now essentially working 3 jobs but I will find the time. There's a lot of planning that needs to go into the sequel and it's gonna take time.
(*) if you noticed this toward the beginning of the chapter, I wanted to touch on this. The night Keiko is talking about will be featured in a R rated one shot (I'll be posting it to Ao3 for sure, I'm GingerSpice8675309 over there and this story is cross posted on there as well). So stay tuned for that as well, haha.
Again, THANK YOU for reading. And I'll see you again sometime!
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Posted - 2/12/2023