Orochimaru stared down at the boy who was sitting on his clean floor. The little street rat was filthy; days of huddling in the trash would do that to a person. However, he was completely dependant on Orochimaru's good will, and thus, a loyal snitch. Right now, he was talking in a low voice about a new player; it didn't take too much intelligence for Orochimaru to connect Mizuki with "Danzou". Mizuki hadn't even bothered to change his appearance much.
Arrogant little bastard… Orochimaru handed over the drugs and the kid disappeared. He had some kind of cancer; without bothering to check, Orochimaru couldn't diagnose it properly. Then again, who gave a shit? The kid wanted painkillers, and as long as he continued to prove useful, painkillers he would get.
Turning away, Oro pondered this new information. He wanted Mizuki bad; Kabuto was recovered, but the thought of loosing the one person who meant more to him than money had frightened Orochimaru. And he hated to be frightened; it had been a long time since he'd felt that way. Mizuki would pay…
Now, how to get the information to the police without dragging myself into it…
…
Iruka returned to the hospital in complete secrecy; he had to have a checkup, but they couldn't be sure that the hospital was being watched. So they dressed him up, hid his hair under a hat, and used makeup to make his face appear lighter and to conceal his scar. A pair of thick glasses completed the effect; Rai went with him, posing as his brother. Genma and Kakashi drifted in beforehand, Kakashi pretending to be having severe stomach cramps.
As they sat and waited for Iruka and Raidou to be shown up, someone stepped into the hallway. As the person turned, Kakashi had a sudden flash. Jumping from the bed, he grabbed the other man, hauling him into the room and spinning him around.
"You!" Genma looked surprised, but ready to act, his body tense. The boy froze, his eyes flickering between Genma and Kakashi, clearly considering how to get out of the room.
"You told me where Iruka was." Kakashi snarled. "You knew…how did you know? How were you connected to Mizuki?"
"I wasn't." The boy snarled. Kakashi caught a glimpse of his nametag; Kabuto…
"You're a doctor." Genma said slowly, his eyes thoughtful. "Resident?"
"It's none of your business." Kabuto spat at Genma. Turning to Kakashi, he adjusted his clothing. "Listen. How I was connected to Mizuki isn't your concern; that relationship is long over. I paid for telling you where Iruka was…" he grimly yanked his shirt up, showing a suddenly speechless Kakashi and Genma the seven haphazard, pinky-white scars that were scattered over his chest. "Mizuki paid me a visit after he got away. I don't know where he is, and if I did, I swear I'd tell you. I hate him; I want him dead, probably almost as much as you do."
Kabuto lowered his shirt, looking tired. "As for the rest…just don't. It's not your business, and it's not your problem. Just accept that I did my best in the situation. I'm glad he's not dead; I'm in on that, by the way. Just keep your mouth shut, ok? You don't know me, you've never seen me…"
"That would be for the best." Dr. Orochimaru had come in without them noticing. Genma noticed how Kabuto paled, and the way he looked at the good doctor, and made a few assumptions of his own. Nasty dealings here…
"I…" Kakashi hesitated, clearly torn. Kabuto made an impatient noise and moved to stand beside Dr. Orochimaru, who looked amused. Genma reached out and tapped Kakashi's arm.
"It's ok." Genma said, his eyes still fixed on Kabuto and Dr. Orochimaru. "Just let it go, ok?" he asked softly. Kakashi trembled a moment, but nodded, his hands clenching.
"Good." Dr. Orochimaru said. "They're here…come with me. Kabuto, go finish your rounds."
They silently followed the doctor through the hallways to another room. Inside, Iruka was sitting on the bed, his blood being drawn by a gentle-looking man in a dark blue scrub outfit. One of the members of his surgical team; it made sense that they were assisting, as they'd be the people who would know he'd survived. The man flashed Kakashi and Genma a reassuring smile, then finished. "All done. Just relax a bit; I'll run this down to the lab and expedite the tests, and we'll make sure everything's all right."
"Thank you, Migaki." Orochimaru said. Genma didn't miss the flash of dislike on Migaki's face as he passed Orochimaru. The doctor walked over to Iruka and started prodding him, testing response and nerve endings. Genma had to put his hand on Kakashi's shoulder to soothe the older man; whether it was just from Iruka's occasional soft noises of pain or having Orochimaru's hands all over Iruka's body he wasn't sure.
"Well, you seem to be healing very well." Orochimaru said, smiling. "Now. If I could have a private word with Iruka, I would appreciate it."
"No." The word slipped from two sets of vocal cords: Kakashi, predictably, but Raidou as well, which kind of surprised Genma. Orochimaru raised his eyebrows, glancing at Rai and Kakashi.
"This is a confidential matter, boys. He's hardly going to come to damage here in the hospital. I'm sure he'll be fine."
"C'mon you two." Genma said, a little uneasily. He pulled Kakashi out and Rai followed, obviously reluctant.
Out in the hallway, Genma raised his eyebrows at Raidou, who flushed and shrugged. "I don't like him." Raidou said quietly. "Something about him bothers the hell out of me, but I don't know what."
"He's crooked." Kakashi said, his shoulders hunched. "And he's caught up in this somehow…"
"He and that Kabuto are more than doctor and resident." Genma said slowly. "Lovers, I think, or something like it. The way Kabuto acted, it's clear that Orochimaru is in the lead."
"Hmm." Raidou said, sighing. "That might account for it. He's slimy, that one. But…"
"I don't think he's going to hurt Iruka." Genma said slowly. "Judging from Kabuto's injuries…" he filled Rai in quickly about what he'd heard from Kabuto, and Kakashi reluctantly interjected information about that night. "See? He's probably a chop-doc…"
"A what?" Kakashi asked, surprised.
Genma sighed. "Sometimes, you squeaky-clean bastards make me wanna cry. A 'chop-doc' is a cheap, money-buys-everything doctor for those who can't go to a normal doc. Those who just want drugs, those who got injured doing illegal things…"
"Money will buy their services, and it's supposed to buy their silence too." Rai said slowly. "So…if he really did get called in by Iruka's ex-boyfriend abductor, and he broke his silence by telling you where he was being held…"
"Huh." Kakashi said, his shoulders unknotting. "That means…"
"Don't get me wrong." Genma said, his expression twisting in disgust. "Chop-docs are scum; they don't give a shit about their patients, and they don't give a shit about the law. They do anything for money, and they're not about murder to keep their secrets. Just 'cause this Kabuto had a momentary flash of insanity doesn't mean he's anywhere near being a good guy."
"But I don't think we need to worry about Orochimaru, other than the fact that he's generally scum." Rai finished. "He won't be after us; he'll be after Ruka's ex, if he's after anyone. It depends on how dearly he holds his little pet-boy Kabuto."
Kakashi sighed, leaning on the wall. "Ok." He said slowly. "Thanks, guys."
…
Orochimaru smiled at Iruka. "Have you had sex with that dashing silver-haired man since you've gotten out of here?" He asked, moving around to the table. Iruka shivered and gave him a sideways look. Orochimaru sighed; turning towards the window, he narrowed his eyes. "Listen. I know you don't trust me, but…when I'm here, when I'm at work, I'm a real doctor." He said slowly. "That means, I do my job to the fullest. When I'm not here…" he shrugged, turning back to face Iruka. "So I'm not asking out of morbid curiosity, or with any intent on bothering or embarrassing you."
Iruka flushed, then nodded. "Sorry." He muttered. "Yes…"
"Ok." Orochimaru said, smiling again. "Good. Was there any lingering pain or discomfort?"
"No…" Iruka said, looking at the bed. "It was…fine."
"Good." Orochimaru said, sounding satisfied. "That means you healed up nicely; if you start having problems, come and talk to me. Believe me, you don't want to let things like this go. Now, for the next part."
He moved around and grabbed Iruka's jaw, forcing him to look him in the eyes. "Mizuki's at his old tricks again; he's in the dock district. I've sent the info to the police anonymously; god knows if they'll act on it. I think they will. I'm not telling you this out of the goodness of my heart, or any particular sympathy for you. I want him dead; I want him tortured and killed. He hurt something of mine; I want him to suffer." Orochimaru hissed. Iruka stared at him with wide eyes. "And part of that suffering should be knowing that what was his is no longer. You stick close to that silver-haired stud of yours; knowing Mizuki, he'll be looking for you." Orochimaru said, his eyes glinting dangerously. "And…"
He suddenly smiled, and Iruka recoiled from that smile. "For this one thing, I will not charge. If you get into trouble and need us, Kabuto and I are at your service. For anything. Because I want him to suffer as he's never suffered before. Which means keeping you out of his hands. Do you understand me?"
Iruka nodded, his eyes rather terrified. The change in the doctor from good-natured to this…this horrible nasty thing startled and confused him. "Good." Orochimaru purred. Then he released Iruka's jaw and stepped back, once again assuming his 'good doctor' pose. "As I said, you start having problems with pain or lingering soreness during or after sex, you come back. There are creams and treatments that can be applied. Your wound is healing; your bruises are almost gone. Any other problems you're having?"
Iruka shook his head and Orochimaru smiled. "Ok, then. We're done. I'll let the boys back in and you can figure out how to get out. Your makeup is smudging…" he wrinkled his nose in distaste and wiped his hand off on the table. "Have a nice day."
…
Iruka was quiet all the way back to the house; the doctor's words rang in his mind. He's back to his old tricks…selling drugs, or…worse?
"Iruka?" Genma asked, breaking into his thoughts. He glanced up; Raidou, Genma and Kakashi were watching him with worried eyes. Flushing, he rubbed his scar, then sighed as he smudged the makeup.
"I want a shower." He muttered. Not just for the outside; he felt dirty inside too.
"Ok." Kakashi said, rising. "Let's go take a shower…"
"I.." Iruka started to protest, but sighed and shrugged. It was clear they were being over-protective; something about the visit to the hospital had triggered it. Probably Dr. Orochimaru…I should tell them…
"Guys?" Iruka said slowly. They halted, watching him again, and Iruka sighed. Then he haltingly relayed the information he'd been given, not saying who had told him. From the looks on their faces, they already knew anyway.
"Shit." Raidou said, rubbing his face. "Well, at least he forwarded the info to the police."
"I need to talk to Morino." Kakashi said slowly. "Make sure he got it…"
"Ok." Suddenly he grinned. "Me and Rai can help Iruka out with the shower…"
"HEY!" Three voices in unison; Kakashi glared, Iruka blushed, and Rai just sighed. "Pervert." Raidou muttered, ducking his head.
"Rai's blushing!" Kakashi announced.
"AM NOT!" Raidou snarled. Genma dissolved into laughter; Iruka blushed harder, but shook his head.
"Go." Genma said, pushing Kakashi's shoulder. "Go, and we promise to keep our perverted hands off of Iruka until you get back. Probably. Mostly."
"What's this we shit?" Raidou asked, glaring at Genma now. Genma gave Rai a sweetly innocent look. Kakashi sighed and walked around the counter, wrapping his arms around Iruka's body.
"Be careful." Iruka whispered, ignoring Gen and Rai's byplay in the background. "Kakashi…"
"Shh." Kakashi said, smiling. Then he kissed Iruka. Turning, he gave Genma a warning glare. "Raidou, I'm trusting you to keep your eye on both Iruka and your perverted lover; if anything happens to Iruka…"
"Yeah, yeah." Genma said, making shooing motions with his hands. "Go, already."
…
"Yeah, we already know." Ibiki said wearily. "Got a tip; it's true. We've found traces, but…it's like he knows we know, and he's taunting us. He's too deep for me to be able to trace. Been cutting deals right and left to try and get my hands on him, but…"
Kakashi sighed and slumped in his chair. "Shit."
"Yah." Ibiki glanced at him in curiosity. "How did you know?"
"I…" Kakashi wrestled with his conscious a moment, then sighed. "I can't tell you, as much as it fucking pains me."
"Ah." Ibiki scrubbed his face with his hands. "One of those sources. Yeah, I get it." He shook his head, staring at the wall. "It's a pretty fucking bleak day when you have to deal with criminals to catch a criminal…"
"Yeah." Kakashi said, rising. "Well, I'm heading back. Just…try to keep us posted…"
"Wait." A new voice interrupted them; a slender, good-looking girl with black hair and the most vivid green eyes Kakashi had ever seen. She gave Ibiki a quick signal, but Ibiki smiled and shook his head.
"Might as well, Akenai. He's in deep. Kakashi, this is Genko Akenai, my number one assistant and my personal pick to take over my job some day. Field detective, and damn good at her job. Nai, this is Hatake Kakashi; he's Umino's boyfriend, and he's currently hiding him. Where, I don't know." He shrugged. "Which is as it should be."
"Yeah, well." Akenai gave Kakashi a long look, then nodded. "But if you go home from here, everyone who can pay for it will know. You've got a tail, Hatake."
For a moment, Kakashi mentally considered the image. Not bad…wait. That can't be what she meant. So he settled for a rather unintelligent "huh?"
"Someone's following you." She said, her patience clearly of the short variety. "Probably in the pay of Mizuki."
"Shit." Kakashi said, his eyes widening. "So he knows?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." Ibiki said soothingly. "It could just be that he wants your ass, Kakashi. Akenai?"
"Yeah, one sec." She studied Kakashi a moment. "Stand up." She commanded. Kakashi, after a glance at Ibiki, did so and she walked around him, obviously taking mental measurements. "Kay. Hold on."
She disappeared. Ibiki sighed. Kakashi, after a moment, sat down. "What's going on?"
"We're going to try and shake your tail." Ibiki said, once again conjuring the most ridiculous mental images in Kakashi's brain. He closed his mouth; he got the gist of it.
Finally, Akenai returned, followed by a man about Kakashi's size and height. She was carrying what looked like a giant bundle of white hair; it was slightly revolting. It became, when she dropped it on the desk, four different white wigs. After studying him moment, she nodded, then handed one to the silent man.
He slipped the wig on. "Take off your coat and scarf." Akenai ordered.
Kakashi sighed and did as directed. He ignored Akenai's flicker of the eye to his scar; the reason he wore his scarf-one of them, anyway-and silently handed them to her. She in turn handed them to the other man. Kakashi was getting the idea, but he frowned. "He doesn't look much like me, really."
"Don't have to." The man spoke up suddenly. "I'll stick my head out the door, make sure I get the tail's attention, then high-tail it out of here, running. I'll duck. It'll be obvious I'm trying to 'loose' the tail; he'll run after me, because he wants his money. At the right time, I'll loose the wig, take off the coat, and emerge as just another person in the crowd. He'll never see it."
"So I can kiss that coat goodbye?" Kakashi asked, feeling a twinge. It was his favorite coat…
"No." The man said, grinning. "I'll save the coat. Might loose the scarf, but…"
"That's fine." Kakashi said, relieved. "Ok. If you say it'll work, I'll believe you."
"No problem." The man said, adjusting everything tightly. "Alright, I'm off. Give me…oh, five minutes, then head home. I'll be heading right out the door then down Ashet, then I'll probably cut across Silverlake and into the Market. Good place to loose a tail, the Market. So if you need to go that way, find a way around."
Kakashi nodded shortly, not indicating whether he did or not. Ibiki looked satisfied, Akenai just shrugged. "Go. Be careful, ok?"
The man flashed them a salute, then was gone. Akenai excused herself and Ibiki started working on some paperwork. Five minutes later, he gestured. "Go home. Be careful. Don't come back here; here's a number to my cell; call me if anything changes. You got a cell number?"
He didn't, but he gave Ibiki Genma's cell. After saying his goodbye, he walked out, ducking the opposite way of where the 'fake' him had said he was going.
…
Mizuki growled and kicked the quivering lump of flesh that was huddled on the floor. "Fucking damn it! He's hard to miss…how could you fucking loose him?"
"Dunno!" the street-rat quavered. "He jus ducked inna the market, and then 'poof', he wuz jus gone!"
"Bastard!" Mizuki snarled. He grabbed the first thing he could find and proceeded to mercilessly beat the man until he stopped moving. Then he kept it up, just to relieve the rest of the frustration he'd felt.
This had been the first time since the start that any of his moles had managed to find either of them, and they'd fucking lost him! He growled in frustration, throwing away the now-bloody lamp. Spinning around, he paced the room, waiting for his underlings to haul the carcass away. Fuck…
Gottofindhimgottofindhim…