THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MASK
" This is the last time Hatake ! " Pakkun said angrily as he jumped into his master's room. He knew he's been saying the same old line every night for the past 10 years. But like all those previous times, his anger would immediately dissipate once he saw the forlorn expression on his master's face.
The pug sighed. " Spying on the Umino boy is not healthy. This has to stop at some point Kakashi, you know that don't you ? "
There was a short silence before the pale, handsome man smiled slightly. It was an empty smile filled with sadness. " Yeah, I know. Old habits die hard " he said softly, shoving his stuff into his backpack. " Is he safe ? "
Pakkun nodded " For now he is"
" Huh ?"
" He's going on a mission "
" Where ? "
" To Sand with Team Seven "
Kakashi frowned.
So…Iruka was the substitute shinobi Tsunade assigned to baby-sit his team.
" When are they leaving ? "
" Tomorrow morning "
Kakashi nodded as he slung his backpack over his shoulders. " I need a favor from one of your brothers. "
Pakkun sighed again, knowing fully well what the favor was. " Very well, I'll send Dashi out "
xxxxxxxxx
Iruka was not sure why he was selected to lead Team Seven for the mission in the first place. He was damn sure that there were other more qualified shinobi that the Hokage could have assigned to baby sit the three Genins. He tried to reason with her of course, but the Godaime was adamant that he needed some time off from the village to polish up his shinobi skills.
Under normal circumstances, Iruka would have been delighted for such an opportunity, but in this particular arrangement, he could not help but to feel otherwise.
He knew that Kakashi was very protective over his students and glancing at the nin-dog who was curled asleep on his bed gave him an insight of what the Copy-nin actually thought of his ability as a ninja.
He doesn't trust me with his team…he thought sadly.
With shoulders slumped in depression, the Chuunin slowly sat on one of the window sill of the guest quarters, looking aimlessly at the vast desert which surrounded the village. Unlike the harsh daytime extremities, the nights in the barren regions were surprisingly pleasant and cool. Iruka reluctantly found himself relaxed as he enjoyed the gentle caress of the desert wind on his exposed skin.
So peaceful….he smiled into the night, closing his eyes.
It was during quiet times like this that he missed Kakashi the most.
The feeling was nothing new of course, but still, the sensation the thought often conjured made him sigh with longing.
Kakashi, where are you right now ?
Iruka tilted his head upwards towards the clear night skies, eyes scanning the vast heavens for a particular group of stars.
The Stars of Konoha….
xxxFlashBackxxx
Iruka sat on the heath by the fireplace poking at its dying ambers with tear- filled eyes. He knew that the day would come eventually and he thought he had conditioned his mind to be more or less prepared for it.
But never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that the day would come too soon.
Throughout the years both he and Kakashi have became very close and dependent on each other for both physical and emotional support. He was so used of having him around that the thought of parting with the older boy for such a long period of time made him feel strangely alone and lost.
He knew that sooner or later, Kakashi would be called for such a dangerous mission. He was a Jounin after all regardless of his age.
At some point, he was actually coming to terms that his best friend was special, and that in his still tender age was forced to choose Konoha over everything else. That was the path all of them would eventually take, but deep down inside he selfishly wished that Kakashi would forever remain as the boy he knew and not the genius young Jounin he was slowly becoming.
The current threats against Konoha have forced his friend to grow up faster than normal children of his age, thus sacrificing his childhood in the name of duty.
It was a huge price to pay and Iruka was very afraid of the repercussion.
" Ruka ? "
The Genin turned and saw a figure climbing into his room through the opened window.
" Kashi ! ", he exclaimed and ran towards his friend. Tears which he was trying to control broke free as he flung his arms around the older boy's neck.
The young Jounin held him tenderly and whispered soothing words into his ears. When the worse of his tears were over, Kakahi gently tilted Iruka's face and wiped the tears away " Will you walk with me ? There is something I want to show you "
Away from prying eyes, the two boys walked hand in hand towards the peak of the Hokage mountain. After some endless wondering, they finally found a spot they liked and sat on it, appreciating the breathtaking aerial view of the village underneath the clear night sky.
" When will you leave ? " Iruka asked suddenly, his dark head lowered, concealing his face under the shadows.
" At dawn "
" When will you be coming back ?"
" I'm not sure…6 months the least"
" 6 months ?"
Kakashi nodded " One year the most…I hope"
There was a moment of silence. " I miss you already " Iruka confessed, his voice hardly audible, so close was he to the point of breaking down for the second time.
But he could not… would not show how much their parting was hurting him.
Kakashi felt it though and wrapped his arms around the other's slender shoulders, pulling him gently to his warmth. He could feel the beating of Iruka's heart and felt a stab of pain in his own.
How he came to care so much for his friend remained a mystery. He never felt this way before, this overwhelming desire to protect; to care and to love unconditionally.
It was a feeling unclouded by intentions.
This is love…he thought, …In its purest form
" Ruka, can you see that ? " Kakashi pointed upwards towards a group of stars far south " The stars of Konoha" he whispered, his voice soft and tender " It is a beacon to us. To help us find our way home during our travels. I never fail to look at it every night. It is my favorite group of stars "
" Really ? " Iruka asked, blinking away the tears.
The young Jounin nodded " Whenever you think of me, look up to them and I'll be there looking
back at you "
Pools of shimmering orbs gazed up at him " In that way we'll always be together ? "
Kakashi laughed and pulled his best friend close to his heart " Definitely "
xxxEndofFlashbackxxx
Iruka quickly wiped the stray tears away. He knew he was a fool to hope for what was lost to him years ago. But how could he stop wishing when every night he was reminded of his friend by the particular clump of shining stars.
He remembered the embrace they shared in the rain by the memorial stone on the night of Sandaime's funeral. It was something most unexpected, yet desperately craved for. However after that incident, Kakashi's attitude towards him became, if possible, colder and distant to the point of openly avoiding him as if he was a plague.
And Iruka could not find it in his heart to blame the man. After all, he was just a lowly Chuunin and did not deserve such attention from a high ranking Jounin.
Kakashi must have regretted his brash actions.
Suddenly Iruka was jerked away from his depressing thoughts by a gentle lick on his fingers. He looked down and saw Kakashi's nin-dog looking up at him. " Dachi, you're being affectionate tonight "
Golden eyes regarded him solemnly. " Why are you so sad sensei ? "
Iruka forced a smile on his face. " What makes you say that ? "
" I can sense it " the dog answered simply.
The Chuunin sighed in defeat. It was pointless to lie and decided to settle for the partial truth " Well, I have a lot in mind lately, that's all "
The dog was silent as he studied the Chuunin intently. " You think my master send me here to ridicule your ability as a shinobi ? "
"Am I wrong in that assumption ? " Iruka countered, suppressing the hurt in his voice.
The dog was silent.
" Why are you here Dachi ? "
" I'm sorry sensei. As much as I like you, you of all people should know that each mission is classified "
Iruka could not help but feel even more depressed. The nin-dog's answer indirectly confirmed his suspicions. He tried to control the tremor in his voice. " Am I that incapable in his eyes ? "
The dog stepped closer and laid his head on Iruka's lap as if trying to comfort him " Sensei, try to see underneath it all. "
" I'm trying Dachi " Iruka whispered, turning his face away once again towards his favorite group of stars and letting the lonely tears finally slipped down his face.
I'm trying very hard…
xxxxxxxxx
Just outside the Sand borders, Pakkun watched sadly as the lone Anbu perched silently on the scheduled branch, staring up at the familiar group of stars. He had took it upon himself to station his brother and sisters to watch the perimeters as to give their master his much needed privacy.
He knew that the man needed to be alone.
And he had been around long enough to also know that underneath that stoic porcelain mask, his master was shedding warm lonely tears for the beautiful Chuunin-sensei whom he gave up years ago.
" Pakkun…" pleaded his sister as they both watched their master's lonely figure
The pug shook his head slowly " No Chichi…let him be "
" But he's hurting…"
" He needs to sort this one out himself " Pakkun explained with sad eyes " All we can do is to ensure his safety while he's in such a state "
The female dog bowed her head in defeat and slowly walked back towards her post.
xxxxxxxxxxx
Iruka took the scroll and bowed at the Kazakage, who surprisingly has personally escorted them to the Sand Main Gate. " Thank you Gaara-sama for your kind hospitality "
The green eyed boy answered Iruka's honest words with one of his rare smiles.
" Yeah, and thanks for the food too " added Naruto as he patted his full knapsack. " Come to Konoha and I'll treat you to the best ramen in the world. Right Iruka-sensei ? "
" Well, I wouldn't go that far Naruto, but yes, it will be a pleasure to show you the many delicacies in Konoha "
Gaara nodded " I'm looking forward to it "
" Well, looks like we'd better be going ne ? " Naruto said, looking really sad. Then, in a typical Naruto style of doing-things-before-thinking thing, the blonde boy pulled his friend in a tight embrace. " See ya around Gaara and take care " he whispered " If you ever need me just send a message and I'll be there okay ? "
" Okay." answered the green-eyed boy as he returned the friendly hug " I'll be there for you too "
" Good " grinned the blonde as they let go of each other. Gaara noticed the look on Sasuke's face and smiled.
" Hey Uchiha ! " Gaara called out suddenly.
Sasuke turned, face questioning.
Tell him…. Gaara mouthed the words.
Sasuke eyes widened slightly before he nodded and turned to join the rest of his team.
The young Kazekage watched his friends' retreating backs and heard the usual customary bickering between Naruto and the Uchiha. For the past week he has been spending time with the Konoha delegates and found that Naruto and Sasuke's relationship was most entertaining and also enlightening. At the thought, the normally stoic boy smiled softly.
They are both fools….
Fools in love….
And they don't even know it.
xxxxxxxxxxx
The Kazekage frowned as he studied the latest reports from his spies.
" What is it Gaara ? " asked his sister, concerned.
" Something's not right " he answered simply " Tenji is a tensai assassin. Why would he be careless enough to leave the clues lying around for us to find. Its too obvious "
Temari looked at his brother with a shocked expression as realization dawning in.
The whole cat and mouse game was a trap to lure them away from the enemy's true intent.
It was a trap from the beginning.
A trap for the Konoha messengers.
" Get word out to our scouts as soon as possible " Gaara instructed " Who do we have nearest to their route "
" There is a small surveillance team with Konoha at the western region "
Gaara nodded " Get the words out to them on this matter fast ! "
It could be just a hunch, but as far as Gaara was concerned he'd rather be safe than sorry especially where his friends are concerned.
xxxxxxxxxxx
The messenger eagle perched on the man's armor-clad arm gracefully. " Thank you Thorne " the tall man said, petting the bird fondly.
" Hound, this has just came in and its for you " The leader of the Sand Anbu said handing Kakashi a small scroll that was attached to the bird's leg.
Kakashi took the offered parchment and quickly read through the content.
Kakashi-san,
I have some grave news to inform you. Your team as well as their current team leader, Iruka-sensei are in grave danger.
It was brought to my attention by a reliable source that some of the missing-nins you're tracking are currently in pursuit of the scroll they are carrying. The rogues are planning to use the confidential information to threaten the peace treaty between Konoha and Sand.
Use my Anbu if you must to intercept them and ensure the safety of your fellow Leaf shinobi.
The peace between Kohoha and Sand stands on your shoulders now….
Kakashi's heart was beating painfully against his chest. He knew he must calm himself down and come out with a plan fast.
" Sempai ? What's wrong " his fellow Leaf Anbu whispered, gripping his shoulder firmly.
" Tenzou…" he said after awhile " I want you and Shiko to go back to Konoha and get reinforcements "
" What's going on ? "
" Get reinforcements and meet me at Konoha's southern borders "
" But, Sempai… "
" They are after the scroll my team is carrying…"
The Anbu stiffed " What ? "
" We have no time left. Go now and give the Hokage this " Kakashi said handing his friend the parchment.
" I will get the reinforcement " The Anbu said disappeared with a cloud of smoke.
Kakashi turned towards the waiting Sand Anbus.
" There is a change of plan "
xxxxxxxxxxx
To say that they were surprised to see Kakashi was an understatement.
They have just cleared the Sand borders and started to make their way through the forest when an Anbu suddenly appeared out of nowhere. At first they thought they were being attacked, but when the Anbu lowered his mask, both Naruto and Sakura were more than ready to hug their sensei.
" You nearly gave us a heart attach Kakashi-sensei. What are you doing here ? " asked Naruto, his curiosity spiking.
" You're being track down " explained Kakashi briefly " They're after the scroll you're carrying "
" By who ? " asked Iruka looking a little distressed by the news
" Missin-nins from Sands. The Kazekage was the one who alerted us and I'll be escorting you home "
" Huh, we can easily take them down right Iruka-sensei ? " snorted Naruto, looking very smug and confident.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed." These people were trained assassins from Sands and I suggest we keep a low profile on this trip back "
" But Kakshi-sensei ! " whined the hyperactive boy
" Shut up Dobe " hissed Sasuke " Listen to the man for Kami's sake "
" You're such a coward, Teme ! "
" There's a difference between cowardice and stupidity " Sasuke answered simply " And I'm very sure your eagerness is leaning more against the latter "
" You're so dead, Teme !!!! " Naruto cried, preparing to hit his teammate.
" Naruto ! " Iruka intervened, smacking the boy's head hard " This is no time to play hero, Baka!"
" Sorry Iruka-sensei " mumbled the blonde boy, looking very much ashamed of his outburst.
" Well, at least that's settled " Kakashi said with a sigh " Now we have to move fast "
xxxxxxxxxx
The team followed the direction of the setting sun, towards the Dark Forest where they hope they might elude their enemies. It was a long and strenuous journey, which took them half a day, wadding through the lush undergrowth. Above them, the tall tress provided a canopy, which bathed the grounds in shadows. Scattered sunspots were seen here and there where the sun rays have managed to pierced through, illuminating portions of the ground in gold.
It was a perfect place to hide and an even better place to lay an ambush.
" Be extra alert " Kakashi reminded them, eyes darting here and there, scanning the area with his chakra. " The missing-nins are trained assassins from the Sand "
Oh, just great !
With their alert mode on high, the team made their ways through the forest and by dusk, they came across a spot where they decided to set camp. They took turns watching the perimeters, but with their nerves strung high, none of them could actually sleep.
By dawn, they were up and moving leaping from tree to tree at top speed.
Iruka remained silent throughout the journey. He was acutely conscious of Kakashi presence.
Suddenly, Iruka felt a hand on his arm.
" Stay close to me " Kakashi whispered, leaning close to the Chuunin's ear " I'll cover your back and we'll both protect the kids "
For the first time, Iruka held the Jounin's gaze for as long as he could. So many emotions whirled in that single visible orb that was silently reaching out to him.
What are you trying to say Kakashi ?
" Stay close " the other reminded softly.
" Yes " whispered the Chuunin leaping along side with the Jounin towards the nearest tree.
xxxxxxxx
Something tingled in the back of Iruka's mind before three kunais were thrown in their general direction.
Then, ten missing-nins dropped on them from the concealment of the shadows.
" Ambush ! " Kakashi cried and they sprang into action.
Like Kakashi had anticipated, the missing-nins were strong, wielding jutsus that showed their years of experience. Soon, the shinobis from the Leaf Village were reduced to their defense mode, forming the swastika formation with their backs against one another.
" This is not good " Iruka commented when the enemy's reinforcements appeared out of the shadows. " Any plans ? "
" Kakashi ? "
The Copy Ninja nodded and slowly released his Sharingan from his lowered hitai-ate. The mystical eye glowed red in the darkness, taking the surrounding details. Five against twenty was not a comforting odd, but if they played their cards well, they might stand a chance
" They plan to break the formation " Kakashi said " If that happens, don't get singled out. They will take you down one by one that way "
The rest of the team nodded and prepared themselves for the impeding attack.
The stillness of the moment was nerve wrecking and it took all of Iruka's will power to remain calm. Although he was often sent out on missions, the Chuunin had never encountered a life-threatening predicament such as this. Fear was indeed a dangerous ally for it could be the source of cowardice or the source of one's strength.
Iruka was never the kind of man who feared death, so he would use the feeling to gain enough energy to ensure that he will fight to the end and die if he must, as a proud shinobi of the Leaf Village.
But something was tugging at his soul…
Out of its own volition, his eyes strayed to the masked Jounin beside him and felt a strange aching deep inside. He was not sure what the outcome of the night's battle would be. But if tonight would be their last night, then he would only have one regret left in his life….
Kakashi…
" Attack ! " a voice cried suddenly, sending the Leaf shinobis into tauter defense as all hell broke loose.
Like they had anticipated, showers of darting kunais and shurikens were thrown towards them, forcing the team to abandon their formation.
Both Iruka and Naruto leapt from where they stood, barely dodging the deadly weapons before landed a few feet away from the rest of the team who bravely stood their grounds. With their backs against each other, they systematically began their defense strategy, countering every attack that came their way.
Soon, the pungent smell of blood began to fill the air as flesh being ripped and torn by murderous weapons from both sides. Iruka fought as best as he could, trying his best to protect Naruto. Although the missing-nins sustained heavy looses, there were still too many of them to deal with all at once.
Suddenly a single kunai was thrown at Naruto's direction and instinctively Iruka reached out and pushed the Genin aside. Barely dodging the assault himself, Iruka fell backwards and it was then the Chuunin realized his mistake.
The enemies had deliberately sent the kunai to separate them and now Iruka fell straight into their trap. However, the fact did not deter his fighting spirit and he fought as he never fought before, putting all he got into every movement and every blow.
Iruka took down at least five of them before he felt the aching fatigue in his limbs. But, the desperation to protect the children and Kakashi got the best of him. Ignoring his fatigue, the Chuunin continued fighting. He had lost too much blood and he was starting to get dizzy. Through the haze in his mind, The Chuunin turned and saw a shining katana lunging towards Naruto's chest…
" Naruto ! "
Withou him even noticing, he lunged towards the boy and used his body as a shield. Closing his eyes he waited for the inevitable.
The katana plunged forward, but to Iruka's horror, the weapon was now firmly embedded in Kakashi's chest instead of his back.
A loud and painful scream tore out from the masked Jounin and the missing-nin smirked with satisfaction having wounded one of Konoha's most powerful shinobi.
" Kakashi ! " Iruka cried and leap towards his fallen comrade. But before he was able to reach him, the missing-nin's head was rolling on the ground.
Iruka watched horrified as Kakashi drew the blade out from his chest. Blood was dripping from his chest and there was a frightening look in his eyes that resembled those of a wild beast. With the bloodied katana in his hand, the wounded shinobi let out a feral growl before he lunged himself at the remaining ninjas, decapitating them within seconds under his murderous wake.
A cold shiver ran down the Chuunin's spine as he was reminded of the incident he witnesses five years ago, when Kakashi was still an Anbu. He had seen the silver haired Jounin in his killing-Sharingan mode and even then, the horror was nothing compared to what he was seeing now.
Echoes of anguished screams rang through his ears and soon, there were nothing left of the missing-nins except for bloodied body parts thrown askew here and there.
Silence.
" Kakashi-sensei ! "
The sound of Sakura's voice broke the spell and finally Iruka saw that the rest of the team members were crouched around Kakashi who was slumped on the ground.
" Kami-sama…" Sasuke gasped, his voiced sounded strained and gruff. There was unconcealed sadness on his normally placid face as he knelt down beside his teacher, examining the wound.
There was a brief silence before the Uchiha suddenly got up and turned towards the others with determination etched on his handsome young face.
" Iruka-sensei, you and Sakura look after him ! Naruto and I will be back with the healer-nins " he said and without another word the two Genins disappeared into the forest so fast that the Chuunin could barely see their movements.
" That bad eh ? " the wounded shinobi asked, trying to make some humor out of his current condition.
Sakura silently nodded. Then, she took off her hitai-ate and used it to stop the rush of blood from the Jounin's chest, putting pressure onto the opened wound.
Kakashi gave a painful groan and tried to slap her hand away.
" Sorry sensei, I have to stop the blood flow "
" Sakura…I..Iruka…"
Iruka's felt as if his whole body was paralyzed. He had to force his feet to move closer and almost chocked when he saw the state Kakashi was in.
Be strong Iruka….Be strong !
" I'm here " the Chuunin replied in a voice hardly above a whisper. Slowly, he dragged his feet closer, sat beside the Jounin and took his bloodied hand in his.
The Copy Ninja gave a sigh of relief before he coughed and spurting out more blood.
He's chocking on his own blood !
Without hesitation, Sakura raised his teacher's head and gently placed it on her lap. She then realized that Kakashi was having difficulties in breathing and leaned forward " Kakashi-sensei, we have to the take the mask off " she whispered, emerald eyes rimmed with tears.
The Copy Ninja nodded weakly before closing his eyes.
Taking that as consent, the Genin gently eased the blood soaked mask from Kakashi's face and for the first time saw her teacher for what he truly was. With great care, she began to clean the blood stains from the Jounin's pale handsome visage.
" I'm so sorry sensei " Tears streamed down her face. They had always wanted to see what Kakashi looked like under the mask, but this was not how she wished the circumstances to be.
" Don't be " he whispered and slowly turned his head towards the silent Chuunin, hands gripping the other's tightly. " R..Ruka.."
" Yes "
" Forgive me " he whispered with blood dripping from his mouth " I never did want to let you go, Ruka "
Iruka leaned forward and gently wiped the crimson stain from Kakashi's lips " Hush now Kakashi-sensei , " he said , forcing a strained smile " Rest. We'll talk later "
Kakashi shook his head weakly; his breathing labored " N..never did w…want to give you up "
Iruka started to panicked.
" Please hold on Kakashi-sensei. The boys are getting help " Iruka said, gently stroking the mass of spiky silver hair " Please hold on…"
" Ruka…" Kakashi whispered and slowly closed his eyes " To keep you safe …." he explained weakly " Forgive me…".
" Kakashi ? "
There was no answer.
" K…Kashi ? "
" N..no…Please…" Iruka begged and knew that for the first time, his heart was truly and utterly broken.
xxxxxxxx
Konoha Hospital…
" There must be more they could do !!! "
" Naruto, they are doing their best for Kakashi. The Hokage herself is personally looking into it " Maito Gai said with a kind smile, ruffling the boy's blond hair.
" But its not enough ! It's been what ? Five hours ! Kakashi-sensei might die because of their stupidity ! "
" We all have to be patient for this "
" He's right you know " Sasuke pointed out flatly, speaking for the first time in hours.
" Shut up Sasuke ! " shouted Naruto, seriously annoyed with the cool Uchiha boy " What do you know about feelings ? All you care about is your revenge and aside from that nothing else or no one else matters ! " The Kyuubi boy yelled in frustration, barely noticing the sudden hurt look in the other's eyes. " You never did care for anyone…" wailed the blonde boy.
Without a word, Sasuke grabbed Naruto's hand and dragged him out of the waiting lounge. " Look ! " he hissed pointing towards a lone figure sitting on a bench " I care enough to know that Iruka-sensei is hurting too. And by getting hysterical will not help him to ease the burden ! ".
Naruto was trembling now, the two most prominent people in his life were hurting and there was nothing he could do. He felt weak and useless as tears ran down his face.
I'm a useless fool ! I can't even protect those I care !
Suddenly, to his utter surprise, gentle fingers reached out to wipe the fallen tears.
" I care Naruto " the Uchiha boy whispered softly, almost inaudible. " Don't you date forget it "
" S..Sasuke…I…I…"
" Dobe… "
"…"
" Come here, Dobe…"
Slowly, the last of the Uchiha reached out and pulled his trembling teammate into a gentle embrace that would seal their fate forever. " I care Naruto "
I've always cared Dobe…
Especially for you….
xxxxxxxxx
" Iruka…" Jiraiya said coming up to the despondent Chuunin with two cups of steaming beverage " Like some coffee ? "
The Chuunin glanced up and shook his head.
The Sennin sighed and sat down beside him. They had been waiting for almost six hours, but it could well have been six days , or six weeks with all their anxiety. And during that time, he realized that Iruka has not moved from the position or uttered a single word.
" It's not good for you to be here alone "
Iruka remained silent.
He stayed for a little while longer before decided to leave the Chuunin his privacy. He was about to stand up when Iruka finally spoke.
" Why Jiraiya-sama ? " the Chuunin asked, voice slightly hoarse " Why would he do that for a worthless Chuunin like me "
The Sennin paled when he saw the pain in the depth of the other's beautiful brown eyes. Gently he gathered the Chuunin in his arms, running soothing fingers through the other's thick brown hair. " You're not worthless Iruka " he corrected " You're someone worth saving you know ".
" I'm so confused…I..I just don't know anymore " stammered the Chuunin, trying his best to hold back the tears. " before he passed out, he even told me that he was sorry for giving me up and that it was for my own safety " .Tears were flowing down his smooth cheeks " I don't understand him…"
The Sennin was suddenly silent. There was a conflicting thought running in his mind simultaneously.
You have given your word….was one, while the other screamed…But Iruka has the right to know
It was not his place to tell Iruka, yet after seeing the Chuunin's suffering face, he relented. He has always liked the young Umino and he was not sure if what he was about to do would help him in any way or would cause him more pain.
But Iruka has the right to know…
" Iruka…" he began slowly " I know that most people would think Kakashi as cold and detached. But for as long as I know him, ha has always been an amiable person. Always putting the interest of others before his own especially for the ones he love "
Iruka blinked the tears away and listened to this other side of the Copy Ninja.
" You see, Thirteen years ago….one of our Anbu team was sent on a joint mission with the Sands to retrieve some missing scrolls. It was there that the legendary Sand Ninja, Shikemazu Tenji first laid eyes on the young Hatake Kakashi and fell madly in love with him. Kakashi of course found such feeling between men despicable and shrugged the ninja away. This angered him and for that he vowed to kill anyone whom Kakashi cared for. You remember Rin, Kakashi's teammate ? "
Iruka nodded, remembering the beautiful girl who used to hang out with them.
" She was the first to be killed. Tenji thought that she was Kakashi's girlfriend. The poor boy has never stopped blaming himself for her death and because of that he was willing to sacrifice his happiness to protect the friend whom he cared for more than anything in the world ".
The Sennin paused for awhile, looking intensely at the beautiful young man before him, " The friend he was trying to protect was his most precious person; an orphaned boy named Umino Iruka "
xxxxxxxxxx
" Tsuande, how is he ? " Jiraiya asked on behalf of the rest of the shinobi in the room.
The blonde woman sighed, looking exhausted and drained. " To tell you the truth, I'm not sure" she began, slowly lowering herself on the sofa " He's still in a very serious state. The katana punctured his heart. We had to cast a jutsu on him to regenerate the damaged tissue "
Jiraiya eyes narrowed " Casting a jutsu on him while he's in that state ? That's dangerous even with all you skills Tsunade "
" You think I don't know that ! " snapped the Godaime. In spite of her outburst, they could clearly see sadness in her eyes " I've tried everything. But the bleeding won't stop. We can't regenerate the heart tissue if it doesn't stop pumping "
" So you decided to inanimate him ? " Jiraiya looked quite angry
" I had no other alternative. He would have died anyway "
The three Genins paled. For once, they were glad that Iruka was not around.
" We can only know if the method works when he wakes up" Tsunade said rubbing her tired eyes.
" What if he doesn't ? " asked Sakura innocently
" Then he will have to be put to rest "
" He's not a dog !! " wailed the blonde boy suddenly, tears of anger streaming down his face.
" You'd rather see him living the remaining of his life as a vegetable ? " asked the Godaime, eyes flashing with both resentment and grief.
" You call that an option ? " Sasuke asked, frowning.
" No " Tsunade answered, eyes softening a little " I call that hope "
xxxxxxxxx
The Chuunin steeled himself before he pushed the door opened.
The room was dark and through the moon light that streamed in through the opened shutters, he could clearly see Kakashi's still, almost lifeless figure amidst the intricate weave of wires and tubes.
Silently, he drew a chair next to Kakashi's bed, and took the older man's cold hand in his.
I'm here Kashi…I'm here.
xxxxxxxx
18 Days later…..
One thing for sure, Kakashi knew that he was still alive.
Slowly, he peered his eyelids opened and surveyed his surrounding with sleep-glazed eyes, silently noting the flowers, which was turning the small room into a temporary florist, some chocolate, plenty of cards which was scattered on the tables.
He stiffened momentarily when he realized a strange warm weight was pressed against the whole length of his left body and ….
Erk ! Wait. Was that someone breathing against his neck ?
With much difficulty, Kakashi tried adjusting his head to get a better look when his nose caught a familiar scent and a glimpse of long, silky brown hair, sprawled all over his shoulder.
Ruka ?
xxxxxxx
Iruka stirred, slowly waking up from sleep.
It was a while since he was able to sleep this well and the rest was doing him a lot of good. He muffled a yawn and nuzzled against the pale neck next to him, inhaling its sweet and distinctive scent.
Mmmm…Kakashi
The Chuunin smiled as he slowly wrapped his arm around the Jounin's waist, holding him gently. Shizune would kill him if she found him all wrapped up against the Hokage's personal patient, but his back was starting to hurt from weeks of sleeping on the uncomfortable chair and for once he wanted a good rest.
Last night, although Kakashi was still unconscious, Tsunade had informed him that the Jounin's recovery was progressing well and that his injuries seemed to be mending perfectly. This news delighted Iruka to no end and after that he was not quite sure how he ended up sleeping next to the Copy Ninja on the narrow hospital bed.
He snuggled closer and smiled. The knowledge that his best friend was alive was very elating and making him almost dizzy with happiness.
However, as the sun began to rise, the more practical part of Iruka's mind started to reason out and reminded him of his duties.
" Good Morning Kashi " he whispered, not really expecting an answer. It has become a routine for him to greet Kakashi every morning before starting his day.
With a sigh, the Chuunin hesitantly got up, stretched for a bit and grabbed his toiletries before heading towards the bathroom.
xxxxxxxxx
Kakashi slowly opened his eyes when he heard the bathroom door clicked shut. He blinked a few times, not exactly sure what was happening. With the bits and pieces he managed to observed, he summarized and concluded on the following:
Firstly, he had just recovered from a near death experience and was still in the hospital.
Secondly, he was lying on a narrow bed, practically naked save for the thin blanket covering him.
And Thirdly, Iruka actually slept with him. Literally coiling his warm body against his in that deliciously innocent manner that made his heart ran amok.
Strange…
It was not as if they have never slept together. In the past, they have often shared the same bed and even cuddled on occasions, but why was this time any different.
Baka ! It's because at that time you were only eleven and he was just ten….his subconscious mind answered, berating his status as a genius.
The Copy Ninja sighed as his hand wandered to his neck, touching the warm spot where the Chuunin had tenderly nuzzled and breathed his morning greeting. He could still feel the tingling sensation there and frowned
Why was he so effected by this ?
Suddenly the bathroom door clicked opened and Kakashi immediately closed his eyes, feigning sleep.
He heard the Chuunin moved about the room, humming softly a familiar tune which he immediately recognized. Kakashi fought back a smile. It was a tune from a song they used to love back then and Iruka would hum it every time he was feeling exceptionally happy.
" Time for your bath Kashi " the Chuunin said suddenly and the Copy-nin almost jumped out of the bed.
Did he say a bath ?
Kakashi stiffened when he felt the sheets began to slip down the length of his naked body. He struggled for control as Iruka's cloth covered hand skimmed across the muscled plains of his upper body. The feeling was sinfully good and he had to bit his lips from groaning when it went towards his flat, muscled stomach.
Alarm bells of all sorts were ringing in his mind as the cloth slipped lower still.
Then…
" Not so fast Chuunin " he croaked, reaching out suddenly to grab the very naughty hand which was delving for his private parts.
" GAAAAHHHHHH…..! " cried Iruka before stumbling backwards in shock. His expression was priceless and Kakashi almost laughed aloud at the way he had caught the prim sensei red handed in a most uncompromising act.
" S..sorry Kakashi-sensei " Iruka stuttered an apology as he slowly got up from the floor " I was just…"
" Molesting a poor unconscious man ? "
" NO !…" Iruka looked mortified, blushing as red as a lobster " I…I was just trying to c..clean you up "
Although he had no doubt that Iruka was telling the truth, Kakashi decided to torture the Chuunin-sensei a little bit more since he looked so adorable when flustered. " Really ? " the Jounin said, raising a perfect silver eyebrow " Then, please continue "
Iruka looked horrified at the request. He tried to resume his task, hesitated, then paled before blushing three different shades of red.
" K…Kakashi-sensei…I…I… "
" Well ? You said you were giving me a bath ? What's stopping you now ? "
Kakashi was enjoying this immensely at Iruka's expense. He could clearly see that the Chuunin was trembling and close to tears in spite of his status as a shinobi.
Then, to Kakashi's disappointment, Tsunade came to his rescue.
" Kakashi you pervert ! " cried Tsunade suddenly from the doorway, trying to sound angry despite the amused look in her eyes " What are you trying to make Iruka-sensei do ?! "
" Giving me a bath of course " the Jounin answered, curving both eyes into a happy smile as he pulled the blushing man into a warm hug.
The End (For now…)
24