Chapter 3
Chess
WWAAAAHH! Is it really the weekend already? WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?
Ok, so I did promise weekly updates so I better do so before Shasha (my plot bunny of doom) takes it out on my ass aaaannd before I pass out.
Beta by me, as usual, sorry for errors, I do try but grammar and English in general is not my forte.
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"Ibiki, you don't have to hold me up anymore. And I can get dressed by myself!"
Iruka glared at the older man, who just blinked innocently back at him then moved forward again as soon as his back was turned, the large hands brushing the bare, coffee toned skin as the Jounin reached out to steady the smaller man while he dressed.
The action made Iruka gasp and try to twist around but the other man just held him in place, gentle but firm hands still on the slender waist.
"Ibiki!"
The Jounin just chuckled as he took the soft, light blue long sleeve that had been brought for the chuunin's use from the scarred hands and helped the younger man slip his arms through the sleeves. Iruka huffed but stopped fighting, he'd learnt the past few days that Ibiki was extremely stubborn – more than himself and Kakashi, if that was possible – and it was nearly impossible to convince him to back off when he didn't want to.
It had been over a week since he'd woken up and Tsuande had finally cleared him to go home, so long as he promised to behave and take it easy. Iruka had willingly agreed, as the hospital was slowly driving him mad, least at home he could do some cooking and cleaning and would have all his books and such at his disposal.
So that was why he was now standing in a warm patch of sunlight pouring in through the window on slightly shaky legs, dressed in soft, loose cotton pants and shirt that he had a sneaky suspicion Ibiki had bought cause he certainly hadn't.
Most of the bandages had been removed, just a small patch over where his right ear used to be and small strips on the side of his hands remained, as they were the only wounds in danger of opening still. His hands did look strange, especially since Mobi hadn't just cut of the fingers, but a small slice off the side of his hand as well, which – according to Ibiki – was why it had hurt so much.
Ibiki too had been there for the whole week, he had always been there when Iruka woke up and only left for short periods during the day. If he had ever gone home at any point Iruka didn't know and the Jounin had ignored the question when asked.
It was defiantly official now though – for whatever reason, Ibiki was feeling extremely protective of the younger man, especially when Iruka started showing signs of panic attacks when nurses he didn't know or other males touched him or when visitors tried to move in too fast.
It was a common and expected reaction to the treatment at the hands of Stone, Tsuande was actually surprised it had taken so long for it to kick in but was pleased regardless, as it meant he should be able to get over the block easily.
Tsuande, Ibiki and – surprisingly – Kakashi seemed to be the only ones who could still touch him without him freaking out. This also seemed to make both Ibiki and Kakashi extremely happy, though neither were thrilled the trust was extended to the other.
Which was why, the feel of the calloused hands sliding across his bare skin didn't make Iruka jump away and strike out like it would have; only making him turn at glare at the smug looking man behind him.
"Do you ever listen?"
The older man chuckled "Only when I want to"
Iruka huffed; fighting back a blush as the big man slowly turned him and fixed the shirt with gentle hands before the broad frame dipped as Ibiki knelt down, one of Iruka sandals in his hand.
"Hold my shoulder and lift your foot"
Iruka's eyes widened and he tried to back away, only to be stopped when an arm wrapped around his waist.
"Ibiki, no. I can- you shouldn't – don't-"
The big man sighed and grabbed hold of the slender foot, lifting it himself so he could slip the shoe on, Iruka blushing a deep red at what Ibiki was doing even as he had to reach out and grab the broad shoulder to stop himself from over balancing.
"I could have done that you know"
Ibiki chuckled again as he slipped the other shoe on and slowly stood "I know you could have, I just wanted to" the blush was back full force while Iruka glared.
"Bastard"
That made Ibiki laugh as he crossed the room and slipped the door open "Shall we go?"
Smiling Iruka nodded, walking over slowly as a precaution in case he legs decided to stop working right. The hall was empty as the two men moved toward the stairs, going a pace the healing teacher could manage. Thanks to the metal rod that had been put through his leg and hip Iruka had to be careful not to over stress the bone and muscles. The walk home would be slow, but Iruka had wanted to do it, after the week and a half stuck in bed he needed to move around or he'd scream.
Stepping out from the sterile white building Iruka stretched and raised his face happily up to the sun, shining brightly in the cloudless sky. Oh it was good to be outside!
He glanced over at Ibiki, grinning at the big man who was smiling softly at his actions, hands stuffed into the pockets of the long black trench coat as he moved closer to the younger man as they walked side by side down the street.
Leading the way down the winding alleys, Iruka face broke into a huge grin when the little old – if a bit run down – apartment complex that was his home came into view. It was made from red brick and had ivy climbing up the sides to the blue tiled roof. Little, rail rimmed balconies sprouted from the sides, each covered to the taste of its occupant, be it plants or flowers, or just chairs and a table.
The building was called the Jay Complex, though the people that lived there often just called it the BirdHouse. The residents were mixed more than any other complex in the village, as they included civilians – a couple families but mostly single – as well as a good few Jounin and Special Jounin. Iruka also knew that his neighbour was an ANBU but he was keeping diligently silent as the man didn't even know he'd been seen and Iruka was perfectly happy to keep it that way.
Surprisingly Iruka was now the only Chuunin in the building, there had been five others but through getting married or dying or just simply moving Iruka was now the only one left. He didn't mind and the Jounin who lived around him were defiantly appreciative of the in-village worker as he would often house sit for them when they went out on longer missions.
Making sure the little things like a clean, dust free home and a few pre-cooked meals in the fridge were done did wonders to make a Jounin loyal to you.
Slipping in through the old wooden doors Iruka led the way up the stairs to the top floor –the fifth - of the apartment, having to fight to convince the older man that he didn't need to be carried the whole way up.
"Godiame was clear – you need to rest and not push yourself or your muscles won't heal"
Iruka snorted and glared back the Jounin over his shoulder as he slipped his key into the lock "I think she meant no training, or dashing over roof tops, or any of the stunts I usually like to pull when I think no one's watching. Not walking up the stairs, if I couldn't walk around a bit she wouldn't have released me from the Hospital. Would you like to come in?"
Ibiki nodded and stepped forward when Iruka opened the door wide, following as the Chuunin let out a happy little sigh as he moved around the small house.
There was no front hall, just an open space. The kitchen stood just off to the right, coloured in light brown and greens, the living room was sunken into the floor just off of the kitchen, it too was coloured with brown and green and housed an old well-loved couch and arm chair with a beat up, stained coffee table placed in between them. Battered bookcases and shelves holding pictures and other little knickknacks lined the walls, framing the little bay windows that gave view to the alley below and the wall of the next door complex.
The bedroom with attached bathroom stood off the left of the living room, the bedroom door long since gone after an incident including Naruto and a wind jutsu gone wrong – Iruka had just never gotten around to fixing it so the doorway now stood empty.
"Ah, it's good to be home!" Iruka beamed over that the other man who was smiling softly at his actions as he went for the kitchen and began pulling a kettle and cups from under counters and from shelves "Tea?"
The question startled Ibiki who snapped his gaze away from the picture he'd been studying "I- uh, yes please"
Iruka smiled as he filled the kettle and flicked it on before moving to the fridge, taking in a deep breath and pulling it open.
Huh, not as bad as I thought - nothing jumped out and tried to eat my face.
Grinning Iruka began the dreaded task off riding the fridge of all spoiled food – which was most of it – so he could clean it before adding new stuff. Luckily the canned food in the cupboards would be fine, so he could still making something for supper.
"You didn't clean your fridge out before the mission?"
Iruka glanced over at the big man standing by the edge of where the kitchen tile started "No, the mission was supposed to be four days tops remember? Even if we'd been late, I wasn't expecting to be gone four and half weeks"
"Why didn't you ask me to do it? I could have cleaned it out and gotten new stuff if I'd known"
Blushing Iruka shook his head "I couldn't ask something like that! It's fine, the markets only a few blocks away. I'll just make a quick trip for the basics and get the rest later. Oh, waters ready"
Tossing what he believed used to be broccoli in the trash and grabbing the milk to pour it down the drain Iruka moved back to the kettle and filled his leaf deign tea pot with the steaming water before dropping in a fragrant tea bag.
"You don't have to, just write down what you need and I'll go get it"
Iruka glanced over that the older man, not wanting to admit just how tempting the offer was. He kept brushing it off but the walk across town and the climb up the stairs had taken toll on his healing muscles, as much as he wanted to go outside, collapsing from pushing himself would not be a good thing.
Biting his lip Iruka slowly started to nod, but before he could a sharp knock on the door had him whipping around while Ibiki's eyes hardened and he sent a death glare at the wood frame.
Frowning Iruka moved toward the door, thinking it was probably one of his neighbours who'd heard him coming home. Flipping open the little latch he pulled it open a crack so he could peer around the edge.
"Yo"
Shocking silver hair and a gloved peace sign met his gaze before Kakashi reached out and pushed the door open the rest of the way.
"Ka-Kakashi? What are you-"
Iruka stepped back as the door swung open to admit the older man, who was holding three cloth bags and – if the look in the grey eye was anything to go off of – wearing a very jaunty grin.
"Heard you got out today and figured you'd need to restock. So I stopped by the market, it's just the basics, but should do for now, I'll go get anything else you want later"
Stunned, Iruka could only stare while Kakashi swept in, only to freeze at the sight of Ibiki, who was leaned casually against the kitchen bar, tea cup in hand and a death threat in the black eyes.
"Morino, what the hell are you doing here"
Kakashi's tone was dismissing and almost bored as he got over his shock and continued to the kitchen, dumping the bags on the counter before he started sorting everything and slipping into their places – obviously remembering all of Iruka's organization quirks from before.
Ibiki watched him, black eyes narrowed while the scarred lips pressed into a thin, annoyed line "Hatake, shouldn't you be on duty"
A lean shoulder shrugged lazily, Kakashi not even pausing in his task, moving around the little house like he lived there "I'm owed a few sick days at this point dontcha think? At any rate you can stop playing loyal bitch now. I know you feel guilty over nearly killing him, but I can look after Iruka now"
It was only because Iruka had known it would happen - seen it coming as soon as Kakashi had opened his idiot mouth – that he managed to get between the two men before Ibiki could strike.
For a big man the specialist could move, Kakashi saw the punch coming of course and moved to block, only the receive a solid hit to the chest that sent him staggering back against the counter while Ibiki's huge paw was captured by Iruka's slender hand.
Giving the captive limb a sharp tug Iruka turned the big man's weight and momentum against him, sending Ibiki to the floor with a shout and a final loud 'thump' before the younger man turned to Kakashi, who was still holding himself up against the counter, grey eye wide and wavering somewhere between total shock and amusement.
Iruka was beyond caring at this point though, the two older men had been driving him crazy all week and it was time to put his foot down, clearing up the fact that he was not something to be protected.
"You two will STOP IT" dead silence fell between the jounin as they froze in place, one hunched over the brown marble counter, the other halfway off the floor, and turned their gazes to the livid chuunin "Let's make something's very clear here. One, you do not own me, nor do I need to 'be taken care of' and the first person to think different gets a one way trip out through the window! Two; Kakashi if you ever even suggest what happened was Ibiki's fault ever again in your entire life; I will castrate you with a spoon. It was not his fault, it was a fluke and pure bad luck and neither of you will ever say different."
Sucking in a deep breath Iruka let it out very slowly before grabbing his tea cup from the counter and sweeping passed the other two men to the living room, dropping on the couch with a tired but content sigh as he was able to curl his legs up to his chest.
Kakashi and Ibiki slowly straightened from their positions, still standing a few feet away from each other as they both stared at the younger man cuddled up by himself on the couch, looking so calm and serene it seemed impossible the commanding power usually only known to those under the age of 12 had been pouring from the slight frame not seconds before.
Curiosity getting the better of him Ibiki leaned in closer so he could whisper to the shell shocked copy nin "I saw a bit of that in Stone, it happen often?"
The grey eye blinked before Kakashi too leaned in "To me, yes. Other people – not sure"
Ibiki was nodding slowly when it dawned on the older men just how close they were standing, faces nearly touching as a result of their whispering. They both gave a start before jumping away from the other – both forgetting in that moment that they were in Iruka's tiny kitchen and there was no room to jump back in.
The effect was Kakashi ramming himself back into the cabinets with a painful 'thunk' while Ibiki nearly bent himself double on the island counter. Grunts and yelps came from both men as they stepped back, rubbing at new bruises while Iruka snorted into his tea cup.
Shaking his head Iruka glanced back the two Jounin still standing in the kitchen, though Kakashi had moved to make himself a cup of tea while Ibiki refilled his own – both pointedly ignoring the other.
Sighing Iruka tilted his head back against the soft cushions of the couch and cradled his tea cup closer to his chest "Oh and" he smiled when he heard the two jump, he could just see them whipping around to stare at him "Since you both seem inclined to stick around I have to insist that when you are in this house – you will get along or you will both leave"
The stunned silence that followed was oh so satisfying. Cracking one eye open Iruka glanced toward the kitchen again, having to clamp down on his evil chuckle when he saw the two exchanging scared and mildly horrified looks.
It was the perfect plan as neither would leave while the other was still there – it was a matter of stubborn pride. Kakashi had made it clear he was all for making up while Ibiki was trying to make himself the best option – a fresh start.
Since both could plainly see they were being challenged the best way to make sure nobody left was to tell them he had no issue kicking both of them out – it was the perfect way to get the both of them to behave without having to worry about one trying to sabotage the other as, if one lost, they both did.
It worked with five year olds – it would work with Jounin.
And really, Kakashi and Ibiki were very alike, so much so that Iruka knew they could get along if they only got over whatever mental block they had with the other. ft that could happen – well, Iruka's plan as all set.
Hiding his grin Iruka sighed and stretched out on the sofa, not missing how both Kakashi and Ibiki had both whipped around to look at him at the movement. Humming happily Iruka set his tea cup down on the table and tilted his head back until he look at both men over the top of the sofa's arm.
"Hey Ibi, you like playing chess?" The big man jumped slightly when Iruka voiced the question, the pet name startling both Jounin, but he quickly recovered, grabbing his tea before standing and moving toward the living room.
"On occasion, though I'm nowhere near a Nara in the subject"
Iruka grinned while he sat back up and reached under the coffee table for the old chess board he'd found years ago in a pile of rubble. The wood surface was scratched but well oiled, Iruka always like to think that it had belonged to some old grandpa, who would have been happy to know his treasure was still being cared for.
"That's fine, I usually only play against seven year olds and Kakashi – and between you and me" Iruka leaned closer but didn't bother to lower his voice as his glanced slyly toward the kitchen where Kakashi was busy pretending not to listen "The seven year olds are better"
Ibiki snorted while the sound of something being dropped came from the kitchen. Looking over Iruka watched as Kakashi scrambled to catch the tea pot lid as it rolled across the floor.
Sending the glaring man a brilliant smile Iruka turned his attention back to Ibiki, who was now examining the carved stone pieces as he set them on the broad.
"White? Or black?"
Humming Iruka picked up the remaining white pieces and began setting them up while Ibiki took the black. Just as Iruka had suspected, Ibiki was very good at the game. But having played with the Nara clan himself Iruka was in no way a beginner.
Three games later – one win each and one stale mate – saw them setting up the tie breaker. Ibiki had relaxed to the point he was almost grinning and was actually adding to the conversation. While Kakashi's more cat-like traits had taken over and had drawn him closer and closer each game until he was balanced perfectly on the back of the couch, peering at the board over Iruka's shoulder, the grey eye taking in every little detail and tactic.
Iruka grinned to himself, as he moved a pawn forward. Luckily the other two men were consumed in the game to notice the picture they were making together, though he was sure that once they did there would be another kitchen freak out.
That was fine, Iruka had to warm them up to each other slowly, which meant getting Ibiki to show his human side more often while making sure Kakashi kept his idiotic mouth shut.
Chess was a game of patience, skill and pure underhanded strategy after all.
A soft mutter of 'no, don't do that' from Kakashi had Iruka grinning broadly. Obviously the copy nin had gotten so in to the game he'd forgotten it was Ibiki's turn – not Iruka's.
The move he didn't like was Ibiki moving a knight to take a castle, even though it would put the knight in position to be taken by a pawn. It was a common protest of Kakashi's who didn't like sacrificing pieces as a strategy – it was the reason he never won chess but Iruka had always liked the 'save everyone' side of Kakashi, even if carrying it over to a board game was a bit extreme.
The funniest part of the situation though was how while Kakashi hadn't meant for anyone to hear him – Ibiki certainly had. The big man startled back at the sound of the other man's voice while the black eyes looked up, widening in shock when the focused in on the copy nin – spread out cat-like on the back of the sofa, one long leg stretched out straight behind him, balanced perfectly along the top of the couch while the other curled down the front. The lanky arms were bent, elbows leaning sideways as both hands met under the masked chin, propping Kakashi head up so he could watch over Iruka's shoulder.
All in all, Kakashi looked completely different from his normal 'better than anyone, never done anything childish in my life' act he always wore in public and – just as Iruka hoped - it seemed to act like a slap to the big man. Ibiki was having a hard time tearing his eyes away from the sight and focusing back on the game, giving Iruka the chance to claim the win, moving his remaining knight in while Ibiki was still worrying about the queen.
Kakashi let out a little noise that sounded very much like disappointment, making Ibiki look back up in confusion while Iruka grinned broadly.
"You want to play Kakashi?"
There was a gasp when Kakashi started at the sound of his name. The action caused the masked chin to slip from gloved hands before the copy nin pitched forward due to the loss of balance. Slipping from his position, Kakashi tumbled forward down the front of the couch, landing in a sprawled heap on the floor, long legs in an ungraceful jumble over Iruka's – while the lean torso somehow ended up in Ibiki's lap.
Time seemed to freeze at the two Jounin started at each other, Kakashi shoulders and head supported by the strong thighs while the black eyes locked with the slate grey – as Iruka sat there, grinning like an idiot.
"Well, you two look comfy, I'll just go start supper shall I?"
Bouncing up with energy that could only come from gleeful happiness Iruka fled to the kitchen, escaping the scene before the two men could come to their senses.
Kakashi reacted first, twisting from his position and following Iruka in blinding speed which left Ibiki blinking bemused at empty air. Reaching the kitchen Kakashi grabbed hold of Iruka's arm and, gently, pulled the smaller man to his body.
"You knew that was going to happen didn't you?"
Iruka laughed at Kakashi's accusing whisper, knowing the fact he wasn't pushing the other man away and stepping out of the more personal hold wouldn't escape either Jounin's notice "Of course, you always fall of the couch when you sit like that – but I didn't know you'd end up snuggling Ibi"
"WE WEREN'T SNUGGLING!"
Kakashi's outburst had Iruka cracking up while Ibiki looked around startled. Realizing his misstep Kakashi blushed deep crimson, dark red creeping up from under the mask, coughing as he looked anywhere but at the other Jounin, resolutely trying to pretend he never said anything.
Luckily for the white haired man, Ibiki wasn't the teasing type. The big man simply shook his head and heaved himself up from the floor, muscles visibly rolling against the tight material of the dark jeans and soft grey tank top. Iruka didn't miss the slight twitch of Kakashi's eye as the Jounin watched the bigger man lumber toward them.
Iruka knew that – despite all his power and skill – Kakashi had always had something against guys who physically looked stronger than him. The tall lanky body was great for speed and silence but it was more like his in the way that – no matter how much the copy nin tried – it wouldn't bulk up.
So it didn't matter that Kakahsi could beat Asuma in an arm wrestle, Asuma was physically bigger and Kakashi hated that.
It was stupid and childish and oh so funny – Iruka thought it was cute.
"You're still on soft light foods" Ibiki's deep rumbling voice drew the attention to of two shinobi as the big man moved into the kitchen and gently pulled the chuunin away from the cupboard he'd been rummaging through "And you are most defiantly not doing the cooking." Ibiki seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, glancing over at the other Jounin briefly before turning back to Iruka and leading the younger man out of the small space with gentle, but firm hands "Go sit down, Hatake and I will handle the cooking"
Iruka snorted but obediently settled down into one of the islands stools, where he could rest but still be within range when things started setting fire (he'd lived with Naruto, what? You thought that kind of paranoia just, went away?) "Ok, I'll be good, but you should be warned – Kakashi's skills lay in cleaning and other house chores, not cooking. Lest not if it involves turning on the oven, stove or toaster"
Iruka had to lift a hand to his mouth to stifle the small giggle fit that wanted to escape due to Kakashi's one eyed glare and Ibiki's look of gleeful amusement.
"Oh really?" the big man gave the brunette a toothy grin while Kakashi's masked expression turned mildly horrified when he realized what had been revealed to the specialist "Well then, I'll just make him clean up after"
Turning Ibiki began sorting through the food Kakashi had brought while the white haired nin clamped down on the dog-like growl that had started to escape his throat.
Folding his arms Iruka leaned over the counter top, a happy smile on his face as he watched Ibiki pull out the ingredients to what seemed to be a veggie stew – making Kakashi chop up a pile of carrots, celery, mushrooms and onions with a dull kitchen knife (he had prevented Kakashi from using any of his kunai when the masked nin had tried) while he heated a pan.
The two weren't fluid in the kitchen, in any sense of the word, but somehow they were still doing it and managing not to kill each other in the process; settling for terrifying death glares every time one bumped into the other. Soft brown eyes lingered over the scene as the dark head tilted to the side.
Yes, he could use to this.
…
*moans* there, hope you guys liked it, I need to go pass out now…never work in construction people, never….