Okay everyone. I know it took me a long time to update, but hopefully this extra long chapter should be able to compensate for it. I give cookies and cake to every one of my reviewers. You all have waited to patiently for me to post this up. Thank you!! Alright, time for the chapter. I know how long you've been wanting to read it so here you go!!
I owe a big thanks to: KuramaKitsuneRyu, UchihaUzumaki Baby, cheza 'flower' silver' wolf, RinTori, Akamaru012, Lotus.Under.Thorns, sonic-stage, Gothic Katie, cutegerbilofdeath, Twisted Tails, Orshadow, and Asaki Naruto's Girlfriend. You all are freaking awesome!!
Quick note: Because I've had so few, actually, nix that, NO hospital experiences other than when I was born, I'm going to make the hospital similar to the anime's. And there will be a Hokage in this story. Sarutobi will be the equivalent of a president. The governing system will be the same as the anime too. You know...like the Hokage and his advisory council. I'm doing that because its SOOO much easier than trying to explain the U.S. governing system. Sorry if this confuses anyone.
Disclaimer: takes deep breath I WISH I OWNED NARUTO!!!
Last time:
Iruka slid the last batch of pancakes onto a plate and switched the burners off. He set the sausages aside on another plate.
"Naruto. Calm down. Nobody is going to hurt you." the chocolate-eyed man said.
Tears squeezed out from between Naruto's tightly shut eyelids. Iruka went over, knelt on one knee, and slowly pulled the crying child into a hug.
"Kakashi is not ever going to hurt you and neither am I. It's okay. You don't have to be afraid of us. You don't have to be afraid anymore."
Naruto wrapped his small arms around Iruka's neck and held on tightly. He stopped sobbing long enough to whisper into the older man's ear.
"I'll try...I'll try not to be afraid any more." he said quietly.
Outside, beyond the curtains hanging in the windows, it began to snow.
Chapter 4. Mystery
"And this, Naruto, is a fork. This goes next to the plate and you use it to pick up the small pieces of food." Iruka patiently explained to the blond-haired child beside him.
Naruto looked with fascination at the silver utensil in Iruka's hand and then reached out to grab it.
"A fork?" he asked questioningly, taking the metal thing into his hands.
"Yep." said Kakashi through a mouthful of pancake. "You know something, Iruka? You make really good food."
"Hey! Don't talk with food in your mouth. You need to set an example for Naruto, at least while he's in your house." Iruka turned to Naruto and said, "Go ahead and eat, Naruto. We can practice with all of these things later, okay."
"Okay."
The rest of the meal passed in silence interrupted with exclamations of delight as Naruto tasted each food that was new to him. All of it was. Kakashi and Iruka both watched the little boy with smiles on their faces.
Outside, the weather had lightened up considerably. Tiny snowflakes drifted down from the heavens gently. A few of the pure white dots had glued themselves to windows, but with the curtains drawn and the heater on high, the house was warm and cozy.
Naruto was making messy attempts to eat a pancake with the proper utensils. It took all of Kakashi's willpower to keep himself from laughing as the child stuck his tongue out between his lips and speared a flapjack with his fork. A general sense of peace and relaxation filled the small room. Neither Iruka nor Kakashi were prepared for what happened next.
The blond-haired child let out a low noise of frustration as the pancake slid off of his fork. Apparently he'd grown tired with his fruitless efforts to eat the way Iruka and Kakashi were. 'Why can't I do it?...They're going to get mad at me...they're g-gonna g-get...' Naruto swallowed thickly as his anxiety grew. It exploded in a rush of frenzied thoughts. 'They're gonna get mad at me and they'll see that I'm not a good boy like they thought. What are they gonna do...whataretheygonnado?! I'mgonnaget...n-no...notthecloset. No.No.No.No...I have to...Ihavetoescape...have to...!'
"...get away!!" Naruto screamed loudly, vocally completing his thoughts.
The child ran blindly to the nearest wall and began to hit his head against it as hard as he could. The first hit brought a squeal of pain. Naruto rammed his forehead against the wall again, this time bringing a star-burst of bright red blood.
"Naruto!" Kakashi was over by the child in an instant.
Iruka watched in horror as his boyfriend pulled the bleeding child away from the wall. The self-abuse persisted. Naruto flung himself on the ground and screamed intelligibly while clawing at himself. Angry red welts appeared on his arms.
"I'mnotagoodboy.I'mnot.I'ms-s-orry!!I d-didn't...it w-wasn't!!"
Naruto let out an anguished cry and slammed his head against the floor with enough force to daze himself. He lay stone still, wide blue eyes staring blankly at the ceiling, his mouth half-open in a silent scream.
"Naruto!" Iruka knelt down and stroked a shock of wild yellow hair sadly.
"He needs to go to the hospital, Iruka. We can't keep him safe here anymore. He could end up ki--" Kakashi bit his tongue. "He needs to see a doctor." he repeated.
'Iruka is very sensitive, even after all these years as a social worker. I better watch my mouth. It would hurt him deeply if I said something like that.'
Iruka nodded, a tight expression frozen on his face.
The car ride seemed too long...too silent. To Kakashi, it seemed like time itself had been suspended. He snuck a glance at the dark-haired man sitting beside him. What he saw tugged his heart painfully.
Iruka's face was pale and drawn, dark eyes filled with worry. Anxiously he tightened his hold on the blanket-wrapped bundle in his lap. Inside, a sleeping Naruto cried out fervently as he tossed and turned in the throes of a nightmare. Intermittent sobs from the child only added to the melancholy mood in the car.
"He'll be okay, Iruka." Kakashi said after some time.
"I know." Iruka bit out tersely.
Kakashi sighed and turned his attention to navigating through the maze of streets. Even with his brights on, it was hard to see through the wind-driven sleet. 'At least the roads are deserted...' he thought as his car cautiously neared a four-way intersection. The traffic light was a cherry blur beyond his windshield.
"The hospital isn't too much farther from here..." he faltered, the lame attempt to brighten the atmosphere dying on his lips.
'Its still hard to believe that we're actually...well...together now. So much has changed in just one night and yet so much is still the same. It hurts me so much to see him like this. And Naruto too...What is this kid's deal?' Kakashi mused.
After what seemed like an eternity, though only six minutes had passed since the turn at the traffic light, they finally arrived at the hospital. It was a small building located in central Konoha. Soft light emanating from the windows shone like a beacon of hope to Iruka. A worried smile planted itself on his face and refused to leave.
"I'll park as close as I can." Kakashi said.
Konoha City was tiny in comparison to some of the other cities surrounding it. There were only three parking levels beside the hospital. Kakashi parked beside a blue sedan and shut off the engine. He locked the doors before following Iruka through the hospital doors.
The silver-haired man paused in his steps and did quick sweep of the hospital waiting room. It was completely deserted. An old muted television was bolted onto a rack in one corner of the room. Black and white subtitles crawled across the screen accompanied by the subdued images of a news report.
He turned away, not wanting to see the news. 'Its always depressing, one way or the other. I'm sure the weather has caused a lot of problems for people. There's probably been accidents, both here and in the other cities. Oh well.'
The night nurse at the desk beckoned Iruka forward with a wave of her hand.
"What can I help you with, sir?" she spoke in a friendly voice.
Iruka's eyes took in the short dark hair, kind hazel eyes, and her smile. He found the name tag pinned to her nurse uniform.
"Shizune, is it...?" Iruka trailed off. He didn't know what to say. How could he explain this situation?
Kakashi sensed the discomfort and quickly came to his aid. "This kid needs help." he said, trying to pry Naruto out of his boyfriend's arms. Iruka wouldn't let go so he surrendered.
Shizune tilted her head, looking puzzled. "What kid? I'm afraid I..."
Iruka shifted the bundle until he was holding it with one arm. He pulled back the blanket and showed her Naruto's face.
"Oh my goodness!!" she exclaimed as she saw Naruto's scratched and bloody face. "Wait just a minute."
She pushed a button on the wall beside her and their was a crackle of static. "Tsunade. This is Shizune paging. I need you and a stretcher down here, now. Code 4."
"Right." she said calmly, her sense of profession kicking in. "Tsunade is the best doctor we have. She will be able to fix him up in no time. Ahh..." she turned toward the sound of rapid footsteps echoing down the hallway. "Here she is now."
"I was in the middle of a consultation with a leukemia patient, Shizune. Her parents were livid when I ran out like that. What is it?" a big-breasted woman said as she drew up to the group.
"Please..." Iruka said softly, drawing attention to himself. "Can you help him?"
Tsunade lifted the sleeping child out of his arms, a feat not easily accomplished, and laid him out on the stretcher. Just then Naruto woke up screaming.
"NOOOOOOO!" he wailed, reaching out to grab Iruka. "Don't leave m-me!! I p-promise I'll b-be good this time! I promise I w-w-on't do it again."
Blood ran anew, dripping into Naruto's eyes and painting his face red. Iruka couldn't help but wince when the child reached a hand towards him.
"NO!! Iruka, don't let t-them take me! Please!" he screamed hoarsely. His protests grew weak from the constant stress on his vocal cords.
"...Please behave, Naruto.." came Iruka's strained voice.
Tsunade removed something from her pocket and poked Naruto's arm with it. Almost immediately the sedative began to take affect. The boy lay listlessly on the stretcher, blue eyes open in a half-lidded gaze. He fell sound asleep within the next minute.
"I'll send someone to get you after we give him a check-up and bandage those wounds." the medic said and swiftly wheeled her new patient into a maze of corridors.
Iruka shut his eyes and fisted his hands before any tears could fall. 'He wants me. He needs me but I...He's not even my own kid and it hurts. He hasn't even spent two days with me and he already feels like my son...'
Kakashi could feel the distress radiating off of the younger man. Taking a tightly clenched fist into his own hand, he guided Iruka to a chair in the waiting room. After sitting down he took the blanket that had previously been used by Naruto and placed it around Iruka.
"Naruto is going to be just fine. I promise."
There was silence for a while. Then, "But how, how can you promise something like that?"
Iruka felt a comforting arm snake under the blanket and he was pulled closer to the warm body beside him. A chin rested itself upon his head.
"Because I know what I'm talking about. You admitted at the park that you didn't think the kid had a home based on his appearance. If that's true, then he's been alone for some time now. Naruto has barely spent a day with you yet he already sees you as a father figure. I think its safe to say that Naruto will pull through if you take his life before he met you into consideration."
"I know...I know." Iruka replied, squeezing his boyfriend's hand gently. "I know...It's just-" he yawned.
"Relax. Its still daylight, but try getting some sleep anyway. A good nap always makes me feel better."
Closing his chocolate eyes, he gave a disheartened sigh and leaned into Kakashi's embrace.
"I'll wake you when something happens, okay?"
"Mm-hmm." came the drained reply.
Despite the nagging worry that plagued his mind, Iruka found himself dozing off. Kakashi stared in rapture at the face of the softly snoring man beside him. A rare smile formed on his lips. 'He looks...like an angel. He is my angel.'
The silver-haired man didn't move from his spot, even after his butt started to go numb. 'Note to self. Mentally thank the company who decided NOT to put arm rests on these damn chairs. Now all they have to do is invent a comfortable chair. You'd think they would because it's a hospital...'
He busied himself with reading the subtitles on the television screen. After half-an-hour, he began to read them backwards. Once again he succumbed to boredom. He carefully maneuvered a piece of chewing gum out of his pocket and popped it into his mouth.
He blew a bubble. Pop! He blew another bubble. Pop!! He blew a bigger bubble and groaned after the thing exploded in a sticky mess all over face. 'Great...Boredom sucks...' he thought as he peeled the filmy pink plaster from his cheeks.
"What to do...What to do..." Kakashi muttered to himself. "Maybe I could try and levitate the t.v. with my eyes or something. That would be pretty cool."
The innocent television fell prey to his stare. Eventually he lost interest in causing an object to float by looking at it and searched for something else to do.
"Would you like some coffee while you're waiting?"
Kakashi tore his gaze away from the wall, having found at least eight spots where a different color of paint was visible under the yellow cream. He sighed while mentally shaking his head.
"Did this place used to be a different color before it was painted yellow?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Shizune smiled prettily at the question. "Yes. It was, actually. It used to be cerulean but there were a lot of complaints about clashing colors, especially with the chairs. There weren't enough donations to afford new chairs, so we had the walls painted instead."
Kakashi peered down at the chair beneath him which was an alarming shade of orange. 'Yeah...clashing colors...I could see that.' he thought as he pictured the old hospital .
"You didn't answer my question. If you want some coffee, it's over in the lobby." the nurse pointed to an open room across from them.
"That would be nice, but could you get it for me? I don't want to wake him."
Kakashi's eyes grew soft and his heart swelled with adoration as the man beside him smiled in his sleep. "Uh...yeah...Ha-ha." Nervous laughter escaped loudly.
"Are you two...you know...together?" Shizune asked inquisitively.
"Uh..." a light blush tinted his otherwise pale cheeks. 'Jeez, is it really that obvious? I mean, not that it's a bad thing, but I know there are people who agree with gay relationships. I seriously hope she isn't one of the ones who're agai...'
"Aww!! How cute!! You two look like you were made for each other!!" the woman squealed, then promptly fell quiet under Kakashi's stern gaze. "Oops." she whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm being way too loud. Just tell me what you'd like in your coffee and I'll get it for you."
"Thanks." came the light-hearted reply. "Three creamers, four sugars. That's all."
Shizune sweatdropped and laughed. "I guess you're a big sugar fan, huh. Well, okay then. I'll be right back."
She scurried away to prepare Kakashi's coffee. Meanwhile, Kakashi was back to his bored self. Watching Iruka sleep filled him with peace, but anxiety gnawed at the pit of his stomach. 'I seriously wonder what this kid's story could be. That burn on his back...the welted scars...Who would do something like that to a child.'
A frigid blast of air made him shiver in his bright orange chair. Isolating the source easily, he turned and was confronted with a sight that made him want to laugh.
An old, white-haired man was being marched through the hospital by the ear. The young woman accompanying him, or rather, the one pulling him by the ear, muttered dark threats under her breath. Kakashi caught snatches of the conversation, but not enough to give him a clear understanding of what was going on. What he did overhear piqued his interest quite a bit.
"...womanizing ways...", "Don't know what to do with you...""perverted old hermit.." That one made him snicker. And finally, "...why would I pose for your stupid porno trash anyway?!...You're a disgusting old man!!"
"But babe..." the man started.
"Don't you babe me, you old perve!! You just want to get in my pants." the woman yelled.
With a vicious slap across the face and a kick to the groin, she left him lying on the tiled floor. She didn't hide the satisfied smirk as the man held his privates in pain.
After the excitement died down, the man got slowly to his feet and hobbled over to the waiting room. The orange chair across from Kakashi squeaked vehemently in response as he seated himself.
"Jiraiya...Are you up to no good again?! One of these days some woman is going to murder you for groping the way you do...Or they might even castrate you. That would be even worse." Shizune said as she appeared from the lobby.
"But its not my fault...There are just so many beautiful women!!! They just can't resist my charm." spoke the man now known as Jiraiya.
"Yeah, right." said Kakashi. "The only charm you have was probably just damaged for life by the kick that woman gave you."
"Hey!!" Jiraiya replied offensively. "She liked it rough anyhow."
Kakashi snorted in disbelief. "I don't see how you could get any at all, you old fart."
"My name is Jiraiya, but chicks know me as Jiraiya the Driver!!"
"Oh, you're full of it. I know you came up with that nickname on your own. There's NO way you could have earned it alone." Shizune smacked him over the head smartly.
"Ouch! Hey, that's sexual harassment of a patient. I should sue." Jiraiya protested.
"If you sue, the only thing you'd want from me for payment would be a bunch of sexual stimulants. Trust me. I know the way your mind works. And besides, pervert, what would your therapist have to say about that?! Now, fill out these papers and return them when you're finished. No lying about your age again, either. I'm sure you remember the drama that happened last time because of it."
The white-haired man gave a dramatic sigh and slumped down in his chair, paperwork in hand.
"Right, right..." he muttered distractedly.
The nurse handed Kakashi a steaming styrofoam cup and smiled sweetly. "Its hot so be careful. Just let me know if Jiraiya bothers you at all, okay? I'll be at the front desk again."
All was calm after that. Kakashi returned to eyeballing the walls while Jiraiya's pen flew across one of the many forms in his lap. Occasionally he sipped at his hot coffee.
'Ohh, its perfect. Yes!! Sugar is good. Very good coffee. She got it just right.' he thought as he savored the intensely sweet beverage in his hand.
"So..." began Kakashi after the quiet transcended into an awkward silence. "What exactly was the "porno trash." that woman was talking about, anyways?"
Jiraiya's head shot up. "Well, I've been working on a new novel for some time now. Researching is hard work, but I'm almost ready to publish it. Maybe you've heard of it. Icha Icha Paradise?"
Kakashi froze, then frowned. "You're the one who writes Icha Icha?" Disbelief laced every word.
"Why, yes. I am!" the old man chuckled. "See?!" he said. With a hurried movement he reached into the folds of his robe and withdrew an object very familiar to Kakashi.
"Is that...Is that the latest version of Icha Icha?"
"Why yes it is!! This baby hasn't even been released to the public yet!!" Jiraiya proclaimed loudly while jumping to his feet.
"Jiraiya. You're being too loud!!" Shizune called from her desk. "Don't make me come over there."
The old man smirked and tossed his long white hair behind him. "What did I say? The ladies simply can't resist me."
"I'll show you resisting, you pervert."
Shizune's words made him wince. He laughed nervously. "Anyways." he went on in a whisper. "This is one of the few original copies. Un-edited and unrevised. Its pretty intense if you know what I mean."
A small stream of drool escaped Kakashi's mouth. The euphoric grin on his face widened when Jiraiya waved the book tauntingly.
"For a small fee of...oh...lets say...864 yen, you can purchase the original copy. That is in addition to the 1,235 yen price."
Kakashi felt his wallet screaming as he fished a few bills out of the leather folds.'Shut up, stupid wallet. This makes me happy. I don't care about you!'
"Jeez, each novel is getting more and more expensive. It better be worth it."
"I assure you, it is! Each page has delicately been designed to..."
"Hey. Could you autograph this?" the silver-haired man questioned.
Jiraiya nodded enthusiastically. "Of course.!! To who am I signing it?"
He signed the front cover in a flourish, pausing only twice to ensure the correct spelling. The man handed it back as soon as he was done.
" I will forever cherish this moment in my life."
Kakashi was grinning from ear to ear. 'Finally, I have an autographed Icha Icha novel. And a month before its scheduled release date. I'm saved from boredom! I must save this for later. Yes...For ideas...'
There was a manic gleam in his eye as he tucked the book away. 'For safekeeping..' he insisted. The urge to delve into the naughty content was promptly squashed when a familiar voice met his ears.
"I need to see Hatake Kakashi right now." Tsunade emerged from the hallway. "Wake him up. He needs to be here too." she gestured swiftly to the man sleeping on Kakashi's shoulder.
"Iruka." he called, but the man barely stirred in response. "Wake up."
'He sure is a heavy sleeper. He slept for a long time yesterday too. Maybe its stress. Oh well. It seems I have no choice.'
Without hesitation he reached out and softly poked Iruka in the side. The man grinned in his sleep. Kakashi began to tickle him mercilessly, earning a rather undignified squeak from Iruka.
"You could have just shook me or something. Tickling was not necessary."
"Yeah, well. It was way more fun." Kakashi grinned
"If you two are done now, I need you to come with me."
The grave tone with which Tsunade spoke reduced the mirthful atmosphere to a somber one. Only the ticking of a clock prevented the silence from descending into a cemetary-like repose. Even Jiraiya was silent.
"Right." came the simultaneous response.
Anxiety clawed its way into the pit of Iruka's stomach, grating on his nerves until they were frayed and taut. He took a deep breath. And another. 'Calm down. Maybe things won't be that bad. Relax. I need to relax.'
He gazed distractedly on the walls, not really taking in their vibrant colors. 'This must be the children's ward.' the thought popped into his head. 'All these pictures. The bright colors. Yeah...Relax.' He felt someone tap his shoulder. Kakashi was watching him with concern.
"You okay?" he mouthed.
Iruka hesitated before nodding.
"Liar." Kakashi whispered, earning a small smile.
He squeezed the younger man's hand reassuringly. "I'm sure he's alright."
Iruka nodded again and turned his attention to the tiled floor. 'I wonder what time it is. I hope that Naruto is okay. Will he be able to stay with us? Does he have a home? What am I going to do if he does stay? If he can't, then where will he go? He can stay with me. He can't go to foster care...not after everything else he's been through. He needs stability. A safe place that he's comfortable with. The kind...the kind that I could give him if he was my own... '
Kakashi observed the different emotions flitting over his boyfriend's face. It seemed almost strange, watching the man's expression fluctuate between worry and determination. The signs of anxiety shone clearly on his features.
'I've never seen him this worked about something before. Its so unusual.'
Not knowing what else to do, he slipped his hand into Iruka's and held it lightly. The way he held it clearly said: " If this is uncomfortable for you in public then its okay."
A heavy blush tinted the man's cheeks, but he accepted the warm hand willingly.
"Thank you." he nodded silently.
"No problem." Kakashi replied.
"In this room, please." Tsunade gestured.
She picked up a clipboard, read through it, and shook her head sadly.
"He's probably asleep so --"
"Mr. Umino!"
Iruka "oofed" as a yellow and blue blur attacked him. He felt Naruto attach himself to one leg.
"Carry me!" the child said and hugged the limb tightly.
Kakashi merely chuckled at the sight. Iruka tried to pry the blonde kid off of his leg but Naruto clung stubbornly to the appendage. He refused to let go until the man promised to carry him.
"Hey, kid! Go sit up on that bed for a moment." Tsunade ordered sharply.
Iruka felt the child flinch in his arms and gave him a swift hug. "Do what she says, Naruto. She is a doctor."
Guilt clenched at his heart as little Naruto eyed him sadly.
"...okay..." he freed himself and clambered up onto the bed, watching the trio solemnly.
Kakashi and Iruka sat themselves down in a pair of soft blue chairs next to the bed. Tsunade scanned through the charts on her clipboard. "Where to begin...where to begin." she muttered under her breath.
"Just explain everything to us." Kakashi said, speaking for Iruka as well.
"He isn't your kid, right? You found him?" the woman questioned.
"Yes...At one of the parks." Iruka added after a slight pause.
Tsunade shifted the thick file to one hand and opened it. She flipped through its contents, scanning briefly until she came to a page.
"His name is Naruto. Birth date: Unknown. Last name: Also unknown. A woman discovered him inside an abandoned house. She heard a baby crying and went to investigate. He's been in and out of foster care ever since. Last known address: 464 Sandlewood Street in the care of Kabuto Yakushi as of a year ago. He's been in..." she turned to the next page. "Eleven different foster homes before that. The child care system lost all information after that." Tsunade stopped for a moment.
A sudden hush fell over the room. Iruka looked sad...distraught even, as Tsunade divulged his medical records.
"Naruto was brought in for a greenstick fracture of the right radius. That's an arm bone. He has also been here for a complete fracture of the left fibula, one of the bones in his leg, severe bruising of the ribs, a cracked skull, and severe rope burns on both wrists and ankles twice. I don't think its necessary for me to say that he has been abused."
"Why...Why would anyone do that to a child..." Iruka whispered lowly through gritted teeth. His hands had tightened into fists by his sides.
Tsunade cleared her throat and spoke again. "Naruto was diagnosed with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder when he was four years old. He's supposed to be on medication for that but he's not. He was also admitted twice for self-injury. When he was eight, he cut his right leg with an unknown object, suspected to be a piece of glass. The other incident took place about four months later. He poured boiling water on his left hand..."
Emotion clogged Iruka's throat. Kakashi's mouth fell open slightly, speechless. The same thoughts rampaged through their minds. 'WHY in the world would anybody do that to a CHILD. How could he do something like that to HIMSELF?'
"Whats..." Iruka swallowed a painful lump in his throat. "...What's going...to happen to...to him now?"
Just then Naruto spoke up. "I'm going to stay with Mr. Iruka and Mr. Kakashi, right? Ummm...Can I take this thing off now, Ms. Doctor Person?"
Kakashi couldn't help but grin at Naruto's choice of words. 'Ms. Doctor Person. If he does stay with Iruka and myself...wait a minute. Iruka isn't even living with me...Not yet...But if he does, then we'll definitely have to work on his manners.'
"No, Naruto. Those bandages have to stay on for a while. And my name is NOT Ms. Doctor Person."
Naruto's hand stopped fiddling with the gauze wrap around his forehead and went to his lap instead. Absently he began to stroke the fabric of the hospital gown he wore. It would have nearly matched his eyes except for the profound sorrow now filling them. Iruka's heart wept for the forsaken child.
"The head wound wasn't extensive. I also bandaged the scar on his back, which looks like it came from being dragged across some sort of rough surface. Asphalt, most likely. It will need to be redressed and cleaned every day. The same goes for the one on his head." she said.
"I would recommend committing him to a psychiatric hospital if it weren't for the fact that he needs a stable family more than large amounts of medication. Still, I must insist that he does receive therapy. I know a place not too far from here that specializes in treating cases like his. Its called the Children's Well-Being Clinic." Tsunade gave them a meaningful look, signaling that she still wasn't done.
"There are...two things. My degree is in medicine, not psychology, but Naruto's medical records show that he has been admitted twice for episodes of severe dissociation. Also...there is clear evidence that shows..." Tsunade lowered her voice to a whisper.
"...that he has been raped twice in early childhood, ages 7 and 8. Scarring shows that some type of blunt instrument was used. An investigation was made but there was not enough evidence to make a conviction."
The words seared Iruka's mind, shocking him to the core. Disbelief and acceptance waged a private battle in his mind. Meanwhile, Kakashi was silently battling the urge to go out and murder the person responsible for Naruto's suffering. Neither of them were able to speak. It was as if a proverbial plug had been pulled and the life in the room was sloshing down the drain.
Surprisingly it was Iruka that spoke next.
"I am a social worker. I'll see...what I can do. Where is he going to stay right now?"
"He'll remain here at the hospital. I'm afraid he can't stay with you because you aren't his legal guardian. The Hokage will have to be notified, of course. I can attempt to call him now, but he is a busy man with a city to run."
"Right." Iruka said distractedly. He was already thinking about the best way to go about adopting Naruto.
Kakashi was confused. Very confused. 'What does the Hokage have to do with adopting a kid?'
Much his dismay, he heard himself ask about the adoption system. "How exactly does the adoption system work?"
Iruka took a deep breath and launched himself into an explanation.
"I'll try to make this simple. When child abuse is reported, CPS investigates and if they find any implications that abuse or neglect is indeed happening in the home, the children are removed and sent to foster care."
"I have other patients that need to be checked on so I have to leave. There are doctors scattered around the hospital. Just ask one of them if you get lost on your way out. If you want, I can give you the phone number for the Hokage now. I'll leave it on the desk. Ask for me if something happens." Tsunade interrupted meaningfully. She scribbled a set of digits and dismissed herself from the room.
" Well." Iruka began again. "From there, it is the adoption agency's job to locate a suitable foster home. There are certain requirements that must be fulfilled in order to adopt a child. The children are kept in foster care until a family looking to adopt chooses to go under a one month trial with them. If the family decides to adopt after the one month trial, paperwork containing medical records, history, and everything else important is sent to the Hokage. He is the one who makes everything official. Understand now?"
"Yeah." Kakashi nodded sheepishly. "I had no idea the entire process was that complicated. So...what exactly is your job, Iruka?"
Iruka waved Naruto over with a hand. The little boy smiled and crawled hastily into his lap.
"My job." he began, wrapping his arms loosely around Naruto, "Is to investigate reports of child abuse and transport children to and from foster care. I also check up on the children during the trial phase to make sure everything is working out smoothly."
"So...what do you think is going to happen to Naruto."
"I want to stay with 'Ruka-san and 'Kashi-san. Can I? I promise I'll be good forever."
Iruka smiled, but it was a sad one, full of compassion and understanding. He ruffled the boy's hair affectionately.
"Let's see if we can't do that, Naruto. There's a phone in here, so I suppose I could call on that. Should I..."
'He sounds really hesitant about doing this but I know that he wants to do it. Maybe I could. Yeah, if I do it then it'll be easier on Iruka. Today hasn't been easy for him at all and its only the morning.'
"Let me do it, Iruka. You're stressed enough as it is. Just tell me what to say." Kakashi said.
He wasn't going to take no for an answer. Hand poised over the telephone, he waited patiently for a response.
"Okay." Iruka conceded. He let out an anxious sigh and bounced the child in his lap gently.
With bated breath he pressed the keypad and held the phone up to his ear. Hopeful ringing sounded through the phone. 'Pick up. Pick up. Please pick up. Pick up. Pick up.' quickly became his mental mantra.
The ringing was abruptly cut off by a click. A sharp pain in his chest reminded him that he needed to breathe.
"Hello. This is the Hokage's secretary, Yukina. How may I help you?"
"Uhh...Yeah." Kakashi started. He was unsure of what to say. "This is about an adoption...there was a kid found and he's"
"Do you wish to speak to Hokage-sama?"
Kakashi was startled at the secretary's response. "Well..."he said. "That would be nice."
"Please hold a moment. I'll see if he's busy.."
A rush of static filled the earpiece before there were two more clicks. Yukina's soft voice returned.
"Thank you for waiting. I'll link you through to his office now. Have a good day!" the secretary finished cheerfully before hanging up.
'Damn...What sort of happy pill is she on?'
A new voice answered the phone. It sounded mellow to Kakashi's ears but when the Hokage spoke, he could feel authority ringing in his words.
"This is the Hokage." an old man said. "What do you want?"
Kakashi was at a loss for words.
"Hokage-sama...If I may..."
"Bah! Enough with Hokage-sama. You're making me feel old. Sarutobi will suffice. Now, what is it that you want? My secretary mentioned something about a child."
"Ah, yes. My name is Hatake Kakashi. My...er.." he faltered, not quite sure what term to use with his boyfriend. "I'm a friend of Iruka's. You probably know him."
"As a matter of fact, I do. How is he?"
"Do you want to talk to him? He's right here."
"Of course." Sarutobi said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Kakashi handed the phone to Iruka, whispered an apology, and gathered Naruto into his own arms.
"I'm gonna stay with you, right? Are you going to be my new Otou-san? I've had a lot of them, but they didn't like me..." Naruto's bottom lip trembled slightly. "But you like me, right?!" he blurted out.
Iruka and Sarutobi continued to talk. After a while the man got up and left the room. He came back in a few minutes later with the phone by his side and a small smile on his face.
"Well?" Kakashi questioned, holding his breath again. 'All this stress isn't good for me. I'm going to develop an ulcer or something.'
Iruka gave a defeated sigh. "I've got temporary custody. He stays with me until a thorough investigation is made. They are going to try and locate his most recent foster home. Then they'll send him to a new home."
Desperately he rubbed at the tears forming in his eyes. They came anyway, trickling down to stain his unusually pale cheeks. Kakashi was embracing him instantly.
"Don't cry. I know he'll be able to stay with us." he rubbed Iruka's back soothingly.
Anger made Kakashi's blood boil. Not only was his new boyfriend extremely upset, but the cold, unfeeling child care system was going to put Naruto in yet another foster home. This would make it his thirteenth foster home in nine years. Life had not been fair to the blonde-haired little boy currently watching his savior break down in front of him.
'Darn it...Pull yourself together, Iruka. I can't be like this in front of Naruto. No. Not after all he's been through. I just can't. Stop crying. Stop crying and pull yourself together.'
Kakashi used his hand and brushed the tears away from his lover's face gently before embracing him again. Naruto joined in as well, fiercely hugging Iruka's leg.
Iruka's thank you was muffled by the shoulder in front of him.
"What do you say we all go home, guys?" Kakashi asked after they parted from their gigantic hug.
Naruto gave a radiant smile and nodded enthusiastically. His blue eyes shone with the first true hint of happiness he'd ever displayed. Iruka scooped the little boy into his arms, mindful of the wounds on his back and forehead.
"Right. We'll go."
"Good-bye. I will give Tsunade-sama the note, don't worry. Take care!" Shizune called from her desk.
"You too." Kakashi replied with a smile.
Once outside, the mood seemed to brighten greatly. Naruto clung to Iruka's hip and shrunk himself into the blanket as much as he could to avoid the cold. Kakashi paused mid-stride to gaze at the sky. Snow had begun falling again. It was powdery snow, however, and it didn't stick to much. Both men were draped in a thin layer of fine snow by the time they reached the car.
Kakashi started the vehicle and let it run until hot air blasted from the heater. They stood huddled together outside. All of them were willing to trade a few frigid minutes for a warm car ride home. They made small talk during the entire ride home, happy for the few weeks that Naruto would be with them.
What neither man noticed was the silent, shadowy figure that had followed them out of the hospital and now stood a ways from the entrance. The person watched the trio drive out of the parking lot until they disappeared. With a toss of long dark hair and a swirl of snow, the streets were empty once more.
Yen: Japanese currency, I think. Or is it Ryo?
864 Yen is basically equivalent to 7 U.S. dollars. I have no idea about prices for things in Japan, but I figure if I can by a book at the store for 7 dollars, the same goes in Japan. 1,235 Yen is basically equivalent to 10 U.S. dollars. 17 dollars for an Icha Icha Paradise book...O.o
Greenstick fracture: incomplete fracture, meaning part of the bone has split away from itself without breaking the skin.
Excuse my possible butchering of all Japanese. I've been to web sites and read up on respectful terms, but that doesn't mean I know if what I'm using is right. If not, someone kindly correct me. I've decided to switch from english respects to japanese. Perhaps someone who knows who should be called what when can just send me a review or PM with a list so I know what I'm doing. Thank would be very nice.
I am SOOOO evil. I left it at a cliffy. I do apologize for this super-ultra-late update and the extensive after notes. I've also noted that there are contradicting parts in my last chapter or so. I will hopefully get to fixing them soon. In the mean time, please be patient. Hopefully I will be able to get back into it full gear and then the updates should start coming faster. Coffee, hot tea, and chocolate are my inspiration! Send me some inspiration in your review!!