Chapter 4

Grocery shopping

Yosh! Fourth chapter!

I like this one a lot actually, its fun and it only took me two hours to write! Don't you love it when that happens?

…

Cold air whistled around Iruka, causing the slender, still too thin form to shudder and the younger man to huddle into his warm, deep green scarf – a forced gift from Ibiki – tighter around him, cocooning himself in its heat that blocked him from the crisp air.

It had been a week since he'd been released from the hospital and that eventful first day back at home. Luckily nothing had gone wrong with the two men working in the kitchen, and they'd even managed to come up with a surprisingly good meal – though Iruka gave Ibiki the credit, as Kakashi had been forced to wash dishes after.

Now Iruka could only chuckle at the memory from days before, it brought a smile to his face as he continued down the street, braving the cold as he walked – if a bit slowly – toward the market.

…

"Iruka? Iruka wake up"

Warm hands brushed gently over the scarred face, making Iruka hum and press into their warmth. A low familiar chuckle vibrated closed to a small ear before the warm hands switched to running soothingly through loose dark hair.

"Come one Ru-koi, suppers ready, time to wake up"

Sighing softly Iruka curled himself up before dark eyes fluttered open; sleepily taking in the sight of one rather rumpled and…singed Kakashi. Swiping a hand over his eyes the clear them Iruka frowned up at the grinning man before reaching out to pat at the spiky mane.

"What's in your hair?"

The copy nin chuckled sheepishly but didn't move away from the petting hand "Ah, well – long story?"

Iruka's eyes narrowed, then it dawned on him "When did I move to the couch? Wasn't I in the kitchen?"

"Ah" Pulling away Kakashi smiled gently at the younger man "You fell asleep on the counter, so Morino moved you to the couch"

"Oh, that was nic-" dark brown eyes snapped open when his mind helpfully, if a bit slowly, filled in the blanks. Kakashi. Ibiki. Kakashi and Ibiki in the kitchen, cooking – together. And he'd fallen asleep?

Panic rose in his chest and Iruka snapped up right, franticly trying to untangle himself from the infuriating blanket that had been wrapped around him so he could get up. This plan was fouled however when strong hands came down to gently push him back into place.

"Shhh, Ru-koi, relax your kitchens still intact. Have a little more faith in me will you?"

Blinking the last bits of sleep from his eyes Iruka glared up at the taller man "Have more faith? Sure, tell me what's in your hair then"

The visible sliver of Kakashi's face paled and the older man quickly unwrapped the towel that was hanging around his neck and started to wipe at the vivid red gloop stuck in the white locks "haha, this? It's nothing, I swear, just left a bottle of sauce on the stove and – it kinda, exploded?"

Iruka felt his eye twitch while his glare darkened to the point that Kakashi's sheepish grin fell away to a nervous cower "That's all that happened Ru-koi, I swear, everything's still in tacked"

Iruka glared one moment more before huffing and pushing himself up off the couch, speaking over his shoulder that the older man as he heading for the kitchen, where Ibiki was setting out plates, the black eyes watchful and mildly amused "Fine, I'll let you live – this time. And when exactly did I give you permission to call me that?"

There was a small protesting sound that was quickly cut off when Kakahsi must have realized Ibiki could still hear him. It didn't stop the copy nin from reaching out and pulling the smaller man into his hold however, masked lips pressing close to the dark ear and sending a wonderful shudder down Iruka's spine.

"Please, please can I use it?"

Giving an irritated huff Iruka elbowed the man in the ribs, hearing the air leave Kakashi's lungs with an audible whoosh as he stepped from the embrace and toward where Ibiki was watching by the kitchen counter, an odd mix of humor and annoyance on the scarred face.

"Is that a yes?"

Not giving up Kakashi's voice took on a cheeky tone as he slipped into a seat next to Iruka – the younger man having quickly taken the seat that would insure the Jounin would be separated from each other by him – eliminating chances of any attempts to hurt the other under the counter top. While he didn't think Ibiki was the sort to do that; he wasn't giving Kakashi any room to behave like a seven year old.

This might be more work then he'd originally planned.

…..

After that evening Kakashi had been sent out by a pissed Tsunade – as apparently the moron had been supposed to report to her office for a de-briefing, and had instead gone over to hide at his place. So as punishment from Tsuande (who hadn't been having a great day herself – Shizune had somehow managed to tie her to the desk) the Jounin had been handed a week long recon mission to Rain, during hurricane season, cause the blond seemed to be feeling mildly sadistic.

Ibiki in turn had made the mistake of returning to T&I so see how things had been going – and had found to his supreme displeasure that almost nothing had been done in his four week absents.

From what Iruka had heard from his neighbor who worked in the filing department – Ibiki had made Tsunade look like the queen of happy.

Because of this the interrogator was swamped and as Iruka had learnt over the last few days, Ibiki hated messes. He had an organization obsession boarding on a disorder, though somehow the big man had been finding the time in the midst of all of it to stop by in the evenings. Iruka could tell Ibiki was trying to use the Kakashi free days for all they were worth.

But today Kakashi was supposed to be returning and Iruka, hoping against hope, was planning on making a dinner for the three of them. Knowing that if the copy nin did make it home on time, he would defiantly come over, looking for a hot meal – it was how their friendship had started in the first place, and now that Kakashi knew he was allowed back in the chuunin's home he would be hopeful the eating arrangement hadn't changed either.

Which was why he was now braving the unusually cold day and snapping wind, trudging on steadily - though slowly - toward the grocer five blocks away. With the weather the outdoor market wouldn't be open but the little corner store would work just fine.

Coming up to the glass doorway, covered on the inside by flyers and posters, making it impossible to see through the glass, Iruka bit back on the sigh of relief when he slipped into the warm interior. The three weeks of little to no food, as well as blood lose had taken its toll and it was harder for him to stay warm; not to mention walking.

Which was why this little trip would not be mentioned to either Kakashi or Ibiki.

The small bell over the entry jingled happily as the door swung back into its frame, notifying the owners of the incoming customer. A bright cheerful greeting was yelled from somewhere out of sight and Iruka smiled.

He knew Toren, the father who ran the place, quite well; his oldest daughter and younger son were both ninja – the son having been taught by Iruka – while his remaining daughters – Chen and May - had been born without the required chakra levels to be trained. They still lived and worked with him in the store, though Chen - the older of the two - was getting ready to marry the smiths son sometime next year, while May was showing interest in the complete opposite direction, with affections for Iunzuka Hana of all people. Iruka was politely pretending he hadn't picked up on the girl's crush.

Now the huge black man emerged from the back room, his large form having to bend slightly to fit through the doorway before the big man straightened, the dark, curl covered head lifting to reveal the jovial face that never ceased to brighten Iruka day.

"Welcome, welcome. How can I help ya?"

The deep voice formed the words around a rich, rounded accent – one from Toren's childhood on the coast that the big man had never seemed to be able to shake. Iruka simply grinned at the sound; he'd always loved the older man's accent, and had always protested when Toren said it sounded stupid.

"Hello Toren-san, how have you been?"

The large man froze mid step at the sound of Iruka's voice, slowly the dark face turned before awed happiness filled the pricing brown eyes "Iruka-sensei? That ya?"

Still beaming Iruka nodded and walked slowly to the counter, reaching out quickly so he could use the polished surface for support "It's me; it's good to see you"

The big man didn't move for a moment, just stared at the smaller male, then a choked sound escaped the dark throat before suddenly Iruka found himself enveloped by two huge arms and lifted gently off the ground from the man's embrace.

The large frame shook minutely and he felt a puff of hot air on his back as the other man drew in a deep breath and let it out, as if trying to calm himself, before he was set back on his feet carefully. Looking up Iruka was surprised to find tears rolling down the broad face.

"Toren-san?"

The big man sniffed and wiped a hand over his eyes, trying to rub away the tears still leaving tracks down his face.

"I- I'm sorry Iruka, j'st that - Ya- ah hell, Sensei, there were so many rumors flying around. When you didn't come home on time, all the kids an' parents were worried an' then Morino-sama showed up two weeks later carrying ya an' - well, I was'na there but May and Tori were, they said ya – well, Tori was'na sure if ya'd make it an' the hospital staff wouldn't let people in ta see ya an' well – I'm just happy ta see ya"

Stunned at the open display of affection Iruka instinctively moved forward and wrapped his arms around the thick waist, smiling when the strong arms came back around him, returning the hug carefully. Having served the ninja community for years Toren knew how much thought shinobi put into relationships and that even something as simple as a hug was a huge show of trust.

"I'm sorry Toren-san" letting go Iruka to a small step backwards so he could look up at the taller man "I should have come over sooner, I had thought Tsuande would have released an 'everything's ok' gossip stream via Genma but I guess it hasn't trickled down to the civilian quarter yet"

The dark face broke into a warm smile as one big hand waved in the air, dismissing the apology "Don'ya ya worry bout it Sensei, I'm just happy to see you alive and in one piece. Now! What can I get cha?"

If he'd been in the Mission room, talking to a fellow nin Iruka might have made the 'well, not one piece exactly' joke, but as Toren was not a nin, it would probably disturb the man instead of being funny.

So settling for grinning Iruka quickly pulled out the list he had made and passed it over to the older man. It was a tradition with them, Toren always wanted Iruka to have the best ingredients and they would spend an hour or more searching Toren's shelves for just that – arguing the whole time over what brands and spices were better, or which country was better at growing this or that.

It was almost completely normal, though Iruka could still see the dark eyes lingering on the scars slashed across his right temple and the jagged line cutting down his cheek when the other man thought he wasn't looking. Iruka didn't blame him, it made a total of three different scars on his face now, anymore and he'd being giving Ibiki a good run for his money.

Brushing this aside Iruka choose to just enjoy their banter as the things he needed slowly piled up on the counter in front of him until the quest for ingredients was done and Torne was seated across from the chuunin, a pot of steaming hot green tea – fresh brought in from Grass one day earlier – between them as they talked. Toren was more than happy to tell all the details of his daughter's upcoming wedding, and how Mixi – his son – was entering the chuunin test next month, how worried he was about that, and that he was still baffled at how a beautiful, bright girl like May didn't have a nice boy trailing after her yet.

Iruka had to fight down laughter at that one – May did have guys 'trailing after her' well, had. She'd kicked them all and yelled at them to 'leave the fuck off stalking her cause it was creeping her out' – ya, if she ever did get Hana's attention, she'd fit into the Iunzuka clan very well.

They'd approached a lull in the conversion, which normally would have been were Iruka would make Toren laugh over the antics of his class and the Mission Room chaos – what he could tell anyway – but therein lay the problem.

He could feel it, drifting closer, it was only a matter of time before Toren gave in and-

"So – what happened?"

And asked. Iruka let his gaze slip to the table, biting at his lip as he thought it over. What had happened was not in confidence, Tsunade had said as much, but Torne was not a shinobi, saying 'oh, well you know. I got captured and tortured by a nut case bent on destroying Konoha who cut off my fingers and stuck poles through my hip and legs, normal day, right?' was not an option.

Toren seemly noticing the chuunin's indecisive silence leaned forward and coughed low in his throat "Ya don't have to tell me Sensei, I know ya can't sometimes an'-"

"It's not that Toren-san" looking back up Iruka gave the man a sad smile "I can tell you, and I trust you but – well, how to is the issue. The answer is easy; I just don't think you actually want it"

The look he was given was somewhere between honor, confusion and worry as the big man's eyes once again went to the new scars on the chuunin's face "Cause they hurt ya? Ya think I can't handle it?"

There was nothing harsh or bitter in the deep voice just sincere curiosity. Taking in a deep breath Iruka made a decision. Carefully he began pulling at the soft cotton gloves that were covering his now deformed hands, he heard the sharp intake of breath from the older man when the still bandaged hands came into view, but before he could start to regret showing Toren large warm black hands took hold of his and gently lifted them to were the other man could see.

Nervously Iruka glanced up at the dark face and was stunned to see shock mixed with a deep anger burning in the older man's eyes.

"Do they hurt?" the deep voice was gentle and calm, the tone similar to what one would use when talking to a cornered animal or a child who'd fallen down the stairs, but Iruka knew Toren meant no insult, he was the father of four children, three of which were accident prone, it was just how he talked when someone was hurt.

Smiling Iruka shook his head "Not anymore, I can thank Tsunade-sama for that" the dark eyes lifted to meet his and he sensed the question before Toren could ask "No, I can't say exactly what happened, just that our back up team turned traitor and handed both me and Ibiki over to a group of power seekers for money" that was the official version they were to tell the civilians – not naming specific country's as it could cause problems in the future in the way of peace treaty's – but strengthening the feeling of hate toward missing nin and turn coats.

Iruka didn't like playing the emotion game, but he could see its use. The civilian quarter had to support the Hokage just as much as the ninja, if the everyday people of the village weren't loyal to the people around them the whole city would fall. As Konoha didn't rule by fear like Mist and Stone other methods were used to keep order.

The large hands holding his began to tremble slightly and a deep protective sound came rumbling from the broad chest. It made Iruka smile; touched that Toren cared enough to be upset over it like this. Slowly he pulled his hands from the gentle hold and placed them on his lap, under the counter, so the other man wouldn't be distracted by the sight of the missing fingers.

"It's fine Toren, really. I'm alive and I'll recover, few more weeks and I'll be back to dodging training weapons and chalk bombs, so don't get mad"

Toren looked completely floored "Don'na get mad? What are ya saying? The bastards have ta pay! What else did they do?"

Sighing Iruka shook his head "They have paid Toren-san – Ibiki took care of that – and I'm not going to strip for you!" the last line was said with mock indignation that had Toren blinking before a grin spread across the broad face as the big man chuckled.

"I was'na asking you ta Sensei, that would make an awkward moment if any more people came in"

That had Iruka blushing bright red while a small squeak came from the corner of the store, causing Toren to look around in confusion while Iruka bit back his laughter. He'd felt the girls come in just a little bit after taking off his gloves, Tori and May were good girls and he knew he could trust them, so he hadn't said anything to alert the other man to their presents.

Through it seemed Toren's innocent joke had proved more than shy Tori's over active mind could handle.

"WHAT ARE YA TWO DO'AN? GET OUT HERE, THE BOTH OF YA!"

At the bellow from their father both girls squeaked and rushed from their hiding spots. Tiny, curly haired May tripping over a sack of rice in her hurry as her willowy built sister moved in a blink of an eye.

An annoyed huff came from Toren as the big man stood, large arms crossed over the broad chest as he waited for the girls to line up meekly in front of him, their heads hung in shame even as they snuck glances toward the chuunin still seated at the counter, his amusement clear in the small smile that played on the full lips.

"Ya both knew that was a personal conversion! Now what do ya have to say for yaself's?"

Iruka fought back his laughter with every inch on his being, he knew the girls would misunderstand and think he was laughing at them, which he wasn't, well, not really. It was the scene of it, Tori was 22 and a special Jounin while May was 19 and could throw a sack of rice with one arm but both of them would still freeze at the sound of Toren's commanding voice.

Tori – as usual when she was at home- simply shuffled her feet shyly on the floor while her younger sister spoke for the both of them, her dark hazel eyes snapping up to meet her fathers, a cheeky flame dancing in their depths as she matched the large man, not in size but presents.

"We just came in through the back; we didn't hear nothing but the last bit that had Tori blushing like a maid. We weren't eavesdropping!"

Yup, the Iunzuka would love her.

"It's fine Toren, they didn't do anything wrong" Iruka turned his the seat and sent a grin in the big man's direction "Besides, I felt them come in a few minutes ago, if I didn't trust them I would have stopped talking"

The look Toren gave him was somewhere between exasperation and honor, that Iruka held his children in such high regard. He was stopped from replying when the girl's eyes widen, as they finally recognized their father's guest, Tori let out a happy little gasp while May shrieked Iruka's name in delight before throwing herself at the young man.

Luckily, because May was small and Iruka was still seated, the impact didn't hurt the injured man as much as it might have – though it still hurt.

Grunting in pain, Iruka bit back the yell that wanted to escape as he wrapped his arms around the woman in attempt to lessen the strain on his chest and legs. Unable to feel annoyance toward the girl who was giggling happily, nuzzling his cheek with hers like a cat affectionately – another thing about May, she had no sense of personal space.

"MAY GET OFF HIM!"

To everyone's shock it was Tori who was yelling now, moving quickly the Special Jounin grabbed the back of her sister's shirt and yanked her backwards off the chuunin, continuing the movement so May when flying into a pile of flour sacks with a solid 'oof' before the tall woman rushed forward, worry clear in her dark eyes.

"You ok Sensei? Did she hurt you?"

Without thinking Iruka held up his hands, placating, smiling up at the fussing young woman "I'm fine Tori, no harm"

Tori's eyes widened momentarily then they softened, she was a Kounichi, she was used to other people's injuries so thankfully she didn't make a fuss. Nodding she pulled another chair over to the counter and plunked herself down, reaching for the tea pot to pour herself a cup of tea while May struggled upright, looking extremely pissed and white.

"What the hell Tori! What was that for?!"

Tori simply gave the flour covered woman an annoyed look "Iruka-san just got out of the hospital idiot; you don't go jumping on injured people!"

Freezing mid- stalk, a look of shamed horror slowly replaced the anger on the pretty face as May took a step back and scratched sheepishly at the back of her head "Oh, uhh, sorry Iruka-san"

Waving the apology away Iruka grinned cheekily at the girl "Don't worry May, but it's good to see you. How've you been?"

Brightening instantly May bound over and collapsed gracelessly in her father's unguarded chair – gaining an exasperated look from the big man, who was forced to lean over the counter instead – pouring herself some tea as well, though unlike her father and sibling the bouncy woman dug under the counter for a box of sugar, adding four spoonful's before she deemed it drinkable.

"I've been fine Sensei, though it's a trick getting Chen to shut up about her wedding and Mixi to leave off the chuunin test – I swear, I know enough bout chakra and tactics now to take an academy test!"

Iruka chuckled at that, easily picturing the scene as May set down her tea and shifted forward in her chair, eyes alert and curious as they focused on the chuunin's injured hands and face. She opened her mouth – no doubt to ask the same things as her father but Tori cut in before she had the chance, sending her younger sister a glare as she did.

"So Iruka-san, since you're here you getting better then. When are you back at work? Cause the Mission Room is a chaotic mess right now, we've been trying to keep it in order and there was a kind of subdued lull when you were late, then in the hospital – since people were worried – but since Shiranui-san said you were fine the other day things went right back to insanity. Izumo-san and Kotetsu-san were doing an alright job of keeping people in line, then Izumo-san got sick and Kotetsu-san was put back on night shifts and gate duty, so everything feel apart again"

Iruka shook his head, too use to the Jounin's antics in the Mission Room to be surprised but also grateful he now knew the reason Zumo and Ko hadn't visited him, Izumo wouldn't want to give him a bug and Ko was likely exhausted working double time while caring for his boyfriend.

"Not sure when I'm back, a few weeks till teaching for sure but maybe Tsuande-sama will relent a little on the Mission Room, since it's not physically straining and if it's that bad she'll want order. Has no one just yelled at them yet?"

Tori giggled at that "Well, Izumo-san was, but he couldn't pick up volume and every time he would get really angry someone would hit him with a water justu and the guy can't pull off 'scary' when wet – he was too cute, like a soaked puppy. Though in hind sight, that's probably why he got sick…" she hummed thoughtfully then bounced back when she realized she'd side tracked "Anyway, no one else really had the guts, I considered it a few times but it's freaky! Not knowing how the person will react and I'd hate to get fired or something"

Iruka chuckled but shook his head "Don't worry about that, Tsunade-sama wont fire workers for doing their job but I can see what you're saying. I never think about it, and I'm always on shift after having spent the last few hours in a small space with untrained time bombs - after lunch too so their all on sugar highs - that I can't injure or harm in anyway. So I don't have much patience left"

That had all of them laughing. Still grinning Toren glanced over at the small clock hanging on the wall above the counter before standing and clapping his hands together in the air of someone preparing for a necessary chore.

"Well, almost supper time – Mixi and Chen will be home soon as well. Ya joining us Iruka? Ya know we won'na mind"

Iruka's eyes widened when what Toren had said sunk in. Gasping he whirled around, staring at the clock in dismay when he saw the small black hands were, indeed, pointing to twenty after five.

Twenty minutes after Ibiki's shift ended.

"Shit"

The family looked at him surprised when the soft curse left his mouth but he couldn't be bothered as he quickly began placing his groceries in the cloth bags he'd brought.

"I'm sorry Toren, I would love too but – damn it Ibiki's gonna throw a fit"

There was a chocking sound from Tori as she inhaled her tea down the wrong tube "Ibiki? You mean Morino-sama? Wasn't he the one you were on the mission with?"

Iruka nodded, smiling at May when the small woman stood to help him pack "Yes, I'm still under his care and – well, let's just say he wasn't supposed to know about this little outing"

Tori's stunned look said it all. Everyone in the village knew you didn't mess with Ibiki – though most people believed him to be scarier than truth Iruka fingered that was the point. In any case he'd just established himself as even crazier in Tori's eyes.

He was about to reply that it wasn't as bad as she was thinking when the sound of the little bell over the door cut him off. The glass entry swung open, letting in a gush of cold air and a few leaves with it. Toren started with his customary greeting without turning, adding that they were about to close, as he slipped a few more items , which the young man was sure he had neither asked nor paid for, into Iruka's bags.

The chuunin's protest to the gifts however was stopped when the new arrival answered the occupied store keep. The deep voice, tinged with annoyance, had Iruka freezing while the brown eyes grew wide.

"That's fine shop keep, I'm only looking for one thing"

...

Ryth: *giggles* Ruka's in trooouubbllee

Iruka: -_- yes, thank you Ryth

Ryth: *beams* no problem! And there you have it! I actually really like Toren and His kids, aren't they fun?

Anyway, hope you liked the chap! Please review! *puppy eyes*