Things tend to fall apart the moment you least expect them to.
A month passed, during which everything worked according to his plan.
Sasuke learned to manage hour-long flights and how to use currents to keep flying longer and further away. He learned how to navigate using the stars and something he called a magnetic sense. Kakashi felt he enjoyed tiring him out by flying in complex, long patterns through rugged terrain difficult for the wolf to manage. Still, he did not complain. As long as Sasuke was driven to get better, his own discomfort was a small price to pay.
Naruto was also eager to succeed – in school, training, and at his job. Gai kept delivering glowing reports about Naruto's determination and perseverance. He taught the teen how to fix cars, hold his ground in a fight, and provided him with lunch and dinner and much-needed encouragement.
Well, Gai always ensured his students ate. And since Kakashi made him breakfast every morning, the teen ate three full meals every day.
Naruto, finally, looked happy.
But Kakashi had other matters to attend to; now, Naruto was protected around the clock – he watched over him at night and during school hours, and Gai watched over him from six until nightfall. During the rest of the day, he was in the library with Sasuke, whose eyes were, quite literally, like those of a hawk.
It did not help ease Kakashi's nerves. He had a strong feeling that the Uchiha would strike again. The same intense feeling that Naruto's attackers and his parents' incident were connected. A feeling he had yet to root in reality.
He returned to every location he knew was controlled by the gang as a human and a wolf. He sniffed and stalked and called his contracts and tried to uncover something – anything – that would help him find the enemy.
So far, he found nothing.
His bond with the teen, however, grew stronger. Naruto started to feel more comfortable around him, perhaps even too comfortable – on one, quite memorable occasion, he managed to prank him with a fart cushion.
And he still tried to pry information about him, using sneaker and sneaker approaches. One of which Kakashi might have fallen for had Naruto not revealed the plan the night before to his 'dog.' That brat.
A brat that still refused to move into the unit Kakashi acquired specifically for him. Should he be happy or heartbroken that the first thing he bought with his legal salary was a small heater and a second-hand, ill-fitting coat?
Well, at least he was almost warm. Kakashi did not want to think how he survived in the past; even now, he wore the coat at home, carried the heater so close to his body he almost set himself on fire, and shivered when he slept. Kakashi snuggled against him, stuffed his long nose down the teen's ill-fitting shirt, and tried to breathe warmth into his body.
And then there was Sakura, who became an inseparable friend of the two idiots he was trying to help. A surprisingly powerful voice of reason – and an invaluable addition when he considered Naruto's extreme fight-or-flight reactions and Sasuke's extreme anti-social responses. But Sakura, calm and unburdened by years of neglect and trauma, always managed to pull the two of them together –
His classroom door burst open.
Sniffling. Salt.
Kakashi looked up, stared, and jumped out of his seat. "Haruno! What's wrong?" He rushed to the girl, placed his hand on her trembling shoulder as gently as he could, and led her to the nearest chair. He fetched her a water bottle and offered it, crouching beside her. "Calm down. Tell me what's wrong."
The girl hiccupped, still sobbing, and gave him the piece of paper she held crunched in her hand. She tried to drink, but her hand trembled, and a few drops spilled on the desk.
Kakashi focused his eye on the paper she handed him – a report card containing her MCAT scores. "I see," he said quietly. "You're one point short."
The girl nodded, and her sobbing grew furious. "It's not fair! It's just one point – and it's only statistics, and – " A frustrated growl cut through her words.
Kakashi waited.
Sakura finished half of her water bottle, still angry. "I tried calling Konoha, but they said it's below the cut, so they won't even consider my application! And mom and dad won't listen," she punched the desk. "They said that this is my final chance and if I don't pass, then I'll just have to-to give up and become a lawyer like them but I don't want to and…." She wiped her eyes, angry with herself and her score and the world at large, if he had to guess. "You probably think I'm spoiled," she mumbled, "but becoming a doctor has been a life-long dream and it's just so unfair!"
Kakashi managed a small smile. "I don't think you're spoiled at all, Haruno," he said softly. "I think you'll make a great doctor. Otherwise, I would not have helped you." He got up and checked his watch. "What do you say to a little road trip?"
It had been so peaceful. He thought it would stay peaceful.
Sakura stared, cheeks still stained from tears. "Road trip?" she repeated.
"Well, if you can spare the time." Kakashi walked to his desk and packed his bag. "I've seen how hard you work; it seems a shame to allow Konoha to lose such a promising student, wouldn't you say?"
Sakura got up. "I don't follow, Sensei." Her voice was confused, but her eyes held a shard of hope.
Kakashi met her gaze. "You said calling didn't work, so how about we try changing their minds in person? I happen to know the dean, so I can get you an interview."
Sakura still stared. "You're kidding."
Kakashi still smiled. "I do not. It will probably take around three hours, so you need to call your parents and get their permission." When the girl looked defiant, he added, "Or no road trip."
Sakura pouted. "Fine. Just give me five minutes, Sensei!" and ran out. Her eyes were bright again.
Kakashi leaned against the desk and sighed. They were all just… very large puppies.
The girl ran back in. "They said it's fine! But that's my final chance, so…."
Kakashi picked up his bag. "So we'd better make the most of it, right?"
He locked the classroom and walked to his car, Sakura just a step behind, grinning brightly.
Kakashi sensed something was up. "How did the call with your parents go?"
"They agreed when I told them you're taking me," Sakura said lightly and sat in the front. "Your car smells like ramen. Was Naruto here?"
"Yes." Kakashi started to drive, easing the car to the open road, then speeding up. "I do not recall meeting your parents."
The girl shrugged. "I told them you're gay." She fixed her lipstick in the mirror.
Kakashi coughed.
Sakura glanced at him. "You are, though, aren't you? Ino said Iruka-sensei is positively in love with you," she added, smirking.
Kakashi turned on the radio and then pumped up the volume. "What? I can't hear you."
Sakura rolled her eyes and turned it back down. "Fine. Naruto said you're like a bunker, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Do I need to study?"
For a moment, Kakashi wondered why none of his students treated him with respect. "Probably. I assume you will be quizzed on the MCAT material. If you want to prove you're better than what the exam says, you'll have to outperform those who did pass."
"What?!" Sakura exclaimed. "And you're only telling this to me now?!"
Kakashi smirked. "Is that hesitation I hear?" He glanced at her. "Shall I turn around?"
The girl hmphed. "Of course not, I just wish I had more time…." She ruffled frantically through her bag.
"You just took the MCAT. You know the material. You're ready, Haruno." Sakura gazed up, eyes wide, so he added, "I believe in you."
Sakura withdrew her notes. "Quiz me, then."
Determination burned in her eyes again, so Kakashi sighed dramatically, slowed down – just a bit – and complied with her request.
Teaching, he realized slowly, was probably the hardest job he had ever done.
Kakashi parked the car. "We're here. Stop reviewing, Haruno. You're just stressing yourself out."
The girl grumbled and undid her seatbelt. "Well, obviously, I'm stressed. I've never done anything like this before. Do you have any tips, Sensei?"
Kakashi tried to think. "Well." He scratched the back of his neck. "Believe in yourself, stay calm, think about the question, and… do your best."
Sakura rolled her eyes. "That's it? How's that supposed to help?"
"My, my, aren't you a ball of sunshine," Kakashi said dryly.
The girl took a deep, aggravated breath. "Like, have you done stuff like this before?"
"I have."
"And?"
Kakashi offered a slight, sardonic grin. "I don't get stressed. Here we are."
He opened the door to a rather large building, the insides of which were shiny and white and far too clean. His nose twitched at the scent of bleach. Well, that meant Tsunade did not change in that sense.
"This way." He kept walking, ignoring the people glancing in their direction and smiling at those who recognized him.
He opened a door that led to a small waiting room. "Good afternoon," he said politely, waving to the secretary. "Is she in?"
She was new and did not know him, but that was only a minor inconvenience.
The woman did not glance up. "That depends; do you have an appointment?"
Kakashi sniffed. He could smell it – a strong scent of sake and a whiff of warm flesh, alcogel, and eucalyptus essence. "I never do. Thanks anyway."
He walked to the main door – ignoring the secretary's agitated cry – and opened it. "He-"
A beautiful blonde in her fifties spun in her chair, sipping a drink as she glowered at her paperwork. "I'm busy."
Kakashi walked casually toward her desk and picked the drink out of her hand. "My, my. How rude."
Tsunade finally glanced up, furious, and froze. Her eyes widened, and she jumped – out of her seat and almost over the desk – and wrapped her hands around his neck. "Kakashi!"
Kakashi patted her back awkwardly. "Yes, yes. Still me. Now, T-"
"What kind of a response is that? Huh? You brat!" Tsunade growled, pulling his ear. "You useless kid! Last I heard, you gave up an incredible opportunity to study under the Raikage to become a teacher in a forgotten, shithole town! You didn't even call! I had to find out from Jiraiya! Jiraiya, Kakashi!"
"Yes, well –"
"Aey was pissed, I'll tell you that. I had to defend your actions – again – and you didn't even bother to tell me why!" The woman sipped from her drink, massaging a swollen vein on her forehead. "And you keep sending me the wrong flowers on mother's day. That, whatever, orange-pink thing…."
Kakashi stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Alstroemeria. It's supposed to bring prosperity. But at least I remember, right?"
Tsunade smashed the glass onto the desk. "It's supposed to be about love, you brat!"
"Sensei, is she… your mom?" Sakura blurted, jumping into the conversation.
The girl, somehow, snuck into the room and stood by his side. She gazed at Tsunade with pure admiration that Kakashi never managed to inspire in her. "No," he answered dryly. "She wants to be."
"I'm the best mother figure you're gonna get, brat," Tsunade snapped back. "Who's the kid?"
Finally. "Sakura Haruno. She wants to join your medical program –"
"No." Tsunade sat back down. "No favoritism, Kakashi. She goes through the system like everyone else."
Kakashi tilted his head. "The system can be wrong," he pointed out, "and one point is such a small mistake to make –"
"I said no, Kakashi," the woman grumbled. "And here I thought you came to see me because you missed me. I should've known. You only show up when you need something, you brat."
Kakashi could feel Sakura shrinking behind him. He leaned closer and placed his hand on Tsunade's shoulder. "Does my word count for nothing?" he asked quietly. "You know I have a good eye for talent." He leaned back. "And, well, if I'm wrong, I'll buy you a round at the pub. How's that?"
Tsunade leaned back as well, sizing him up. "Three."
Kakashi took a step back. "Make it five. Ten, even."
Tsunade blinked. "Ten? Have you gone mad?"
He placed his hand on Sakura's shoulder and squeezed in reassurance. "No, I'm rarely wrong. Good luck, Haruno," he said, smiling at the baffled girl, and walked toward the door. "I'll wait for you outside." He closed the door behind him.
He opened his book and began to read. Now, the only thing he had to do was hope she would prove him right.
And the door finally opened.
Kakashi gazed up and smiled at the blushing, bright-eyed teen. "How did it go?"
Sakura blushed even more.
Tsunade walked behind her, shaking her head with a sigh. "I can't believe I'm giving up ten free rounds for that, but… you do have an eye, kiddo."
Kakashi closed his book with a snap and got up. "So she passed," he said slowly, a teasing note in his voice.
Tsunade threw up her arms. "Yes, she passed," she admitted dryly.
Sakura failed to contain her excitement. "I passed!" She jumped up and hugged Kakashi, wrapping her hands around his neck.
Though he tried to maintain his blank expression, the sight of the kid grinning brightly triggered a slight smile he couldn't entirely hide. He patted her head awkwardly. "Yes, yes. Still your teacher, Haruno."
The girl blushed even redder and stepped back, releasing him. "Oh, sorry." She still smiled up at him. "Thanks, Sensei!"
Tsunade hmphed. "Wait till your first testing season; see if you still thank him then." She met his gaze. "Are you staying, Kakashi?"
He lifted his bag. "I'm her ride back," he said apologetically.
Tsunade shook her head. "Sure. You always have an excuse." She waved her hand. "Drive safe, you hear?"
Kakashi waved back and started walking to his car. Sakura skipped behind him, too happy to bother with decorum. When they got to the car, the girl, almost immediately, started bombarding him with details.
His skin felt prickly. Kakashi started the car.
"Tsunade is so cool! Like seriously, the coolest person I have ever met! No offense. She knows soooo much! Like, everything! She said I have to answer quickly without stressing out because that's what doctors do, and I freaked out at first, but then I got the questions right and I felt better and I think I managed to impress her, even!" She breathed shakily. "You're a really good teacher, Sensei. It's selfish, but I'm happy you chose our shitty town over Kumogakure."
Kakashi blinked and glanced in the girl's direction, but her eyes were bright, and her expression sincere. "Well, I'm glad to hear that."
The car felt strangely hot. Sakura, however, kept her jacket on, so Kakashi resisted the temptation to turn on the AC.
"Why did you choose us, Sensei?" she asked, still gazing at him. "You're too smart to be a teacher."
Kakashi tapped the stirring wheel with his thumb. "I had my reasons."
Sakura pouted. "Oh, come on!" She huffed her frustration. "I won't tell anyone, I promise. I'm so curious!"
Kakashi kept his expression neutral. "Seems like a 'you' problem, Haruno."
Was she really that cold? His skin felt like someone had set it on fire.
The girl sat straight. "N-"
Kakashi's phone rang, and the name Uzumaki flashed on the screen.
He lifted his hand, silencing the girl, and pressed the receiving button. His heart drummed furiously in his chest. That can't possibly be good. His foot pressed down on the gas pedal, speeding up. And the burning –
"Uzumaki," he started, keeping his voice calm. "What's going on?"
The first sound he managed to detect was odd. A silent roar, like a cackling vacuum. A flickering static, a – fire. The sound was that of a fire. He sped up even more.
"Uzumaki, talk to me," he ordered, trying to still his rushing breaths. "Where are you?"
Shallow breaths, panting against the phone. "S-sen…sei…"
His hands turned into fists. "Where are you?" He was close to hitting one fifty miles per hour. Still, he pushed down the pedal.
"H-home…" Naruto panted. "'M stuck."
Kakashi lifted his hand instinctively when he heard Sakura gasp. "How close are you to the window?"
"…Fire…."
"Yes, I can hear it. You need to get out," he ordered. Two hundred. "Now, Uzumaki."
"Can't," the kid breathed, shallow and erratic. "Help me," he whispered.
Kakashi's knuckles turned white. "I'm coming, Uzumaki, as fast as I can. I won't make it," he admitted, cursing himself and the world and his own stupidity. "You need to get out. You need to jump."
Naruto started to cough. "I'm in the bath," he managed, his voice strangled and choked. "Door's on fire. Water… hurts…." His breaths turned shallower and shallower. "I can't," he rasped.
"You have to." Two-fifty. "Naruto, you have to. Get a towel and drench it, even if the water's hot, wrap it around yourself and jump. I'll call an ambulance for you. You'll be fine, Naruto." He swallowed with difficulty. "You have to, now. Every moment you hesitate, the fire's getting worse."
He could hear the teen's breathless sobbing. "'M scared. I can't do it."
Kakashi ran a red light. "Yes, you can. I believe in you, Naruto. I will find you." He did not remove his leg from the pedal. "I promise. Jump, now."
He managed to sense it, then. An awareness inside his mind, foreign and yet oddly familiar, pulsing with agony as it reached for him. He gritted his teeth and detached from it – and the pain disappeared. The unbearable burning was gone. So that meant –
He could hear movement. A hissing sound and a muffled cry of pain. "Stay with me," Naruto begged. "I can't… ah… I…."
"I'm with you, Naruto." Kakashi spun the wheel, cutting and overtaking car after car after car. "Wrap the wet towel around you. Run through the door and to the window, and jump. Whatever you do, do not stop." He had to strain to keep his voice gentle and calm. He had to get him to jump. "On three, ready?"
Naruto managed a response, something between a cough and a sob, which Kakashi interpreted as a yes.
"One, two." He ran another red light. "Three."
He could hear it; hissing, grunting, a cry of pain. A violent roar when Naruto must have ran through the door, a sudden howling, and then a thud.
And silence.
"Naruto," he breathed, his jaw clenched and his heart trembling out of rhythm. "Naruto," he called. His throat tightened as he forced himself to try again, "Naruto, can you hear me?"
No answer. The awareness at the back of his mind was gone, as well.
Fuck.
Kakashi hung up and scanned his contracts, selected one, and called.
He did not slow down, not even when he caught the tell-tale glare of red and blue lights.
"Well, well! Look who it is! The genius himself – "
"Shizune, I don't have the time for that," he snapped, failing to restrain his agitation. "One of the rental homes was set on fire. There's a kid who just jumped from a window – he's in the back. I need you to go get him."
Silence, and then. "You mean an ambulance? I'll – "
"No, I need you on the team." Kakashi cursed in his head again. Why did everyone have to be so slow? "Please, Shizune."
"Fine." Shizune did something – he could hear everything roaring into action around her. "Can he afford us?"
"I can," Kakashi bit. "Hurry."
The woman hung up.
Kakashi scrolled his contracts again.
"Kakashi! My eternal rival – "
"Gai. Get to Naruto's apartment. Now."
The man knew him well enough not to argue. "On it." And hung up.
And one final call.
"Hmm. You've cooked yourself quite a mess."
Kakashi ran another red light. "I need a wave of green light and the police off my back," he managed to say – almost – calmly. "All the way to Shizune's hospital."
The voice on the other side sounded unimpressed. "Who's dying, Hound?"
Kakashi's jaw clenched. "A kid I'm in charge of was attacked. I need to get to him."
The man was silent. "Your handler said you took care of the problem."
Kakashi glanced at the rearview mirror, noting that at some point, the police car that chased him brought a friend. "Clearly, I failed."
"Instead of a snake, you found yourself a scorpion."
"Shikaku," Kakashi hissed. "I need a green light."
The man was silent again. "And you have it," he finally said. "Happy hunting, Hound."
He hung up.
The lights turned green for him – and red for everyone else. The police slowed down, ceasing their chase.
Kakashi could not allow himself a moment of relief. "Haruno. Grab my bag. In it – "
His phone rang again. Sasuke.
He pressed to receive the call. "I know," he said curtly. "I'm getting back as fast as I can."
"Back?" the teen snarled. "Where the fuck are you? Naruto's house is on fire!" he panted.
He was still biking there, then. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"That's not good enough! If he's – " Sasuke stopped talking.
Kakashi took a deep breath. "Where are you? What can you see?"
The teen sniffed. His voice shook slightly when he answered. "Flames and smoke. A strong smell of gas. It was arson," he snarled, furious. "You said – "
"Focus, Sasuke. What. Can. You. See."
He could hear Sasuke swallowing. "An ambulance just passed me. The one from the private hospital. That weird guy from the garage is driving after them. Is he – "
"No," Kakashi passed another car. "I sent him." He allowed himself a tiny sigh of relief. "Follow the ambulance. Don't get into trouble."
"I'm not taking orders from you," Sasuke answered, cold ire molding his words into ice. "You were supposed to help us. Why the fuck would you even leave town?" His voice cracked.
"It's my fault," said a small voice by his side. "It's my fault, Sasuke! I didn't know – "
"Sakura?! What – "
"Enough. You can catch up later," Kakashi interrupted. "Sasuke, I'm not giving you orders. But know that if you get yourself in trouble, I might not be able to come and rescue you."
The teen scoffed. "I don't – "
"You do. Stay close to Naruto – "
"No. I'm going to find out who did this. I'm not scared," he added, still furious.
Kakashi tried to control his anger. "You should be," he growled, the sound almost too feral to be human. "You're playing with fire, and you did not even leave your nest."
"Barking up the wrong tree, old man," Sasuke snapped and hung up.
Kakashi ran his fingers through his hair. Fuck, he thought, his face in a snarl. He could hear the slight edge of fear tainting the kid's words.
"Um, Sensei…."
And then there was Sakura. Right.
He retained his mask of calm. "Haruno, open my bag. There's a black wallet inside. Open it and take however much you need to get a cab home."
"Sensei!"
Kakashi had no time for that. "I apologize, but I cannot take you – "
"No, that's not that!" the girl cried. Kakashi could smell her tears. "I want to see him. Naruto's my friend. I have to see him!"
He tightened his hold on the wheel. He had to get to Naruto. "Fine."
Please, he begged, please, let me get there in time. Let me find him in time. Tellmeit'snot too late. Please, if anyone's listening, don't let him die. Don't let him suffer. Let him live. He has so much to do, to see, to experience, to love… don't take him just yet.
Spare him from bearing the weight of my mistakes. Spare him.
Notes:
So... Kakashi's starting to figure out the nature of his connection to Naruto. I also realized I might have made a mistake in chapter 15 (just a small line that needed to be added to explain why Naruto didn't feel Kakashi's bullet wound), so I'm going to fix it after I post this chapter.
And... yeah. Anyways.
What'd you think of Tsunade as Kakashi's mom? haha or sort of mom, I suppose. I think their personalities clash a bit, but they both really care about each other. I just decided Kakashi's past was tragic enough without sending him to the orphanage as well (I mean, I did consider him ending up at Danzo's orphanage and decided no fuck that he deserves some bone-crushing hugs, and I know just the right person for that).
I also think Kakashi sees a bit of Tsunade in Sakura and that's why he feels comfortable teasing her.
That's it! What'd you think? Hope to see y'all next Friday!
p.s - TigrezzTail: You are absolutely right haha Gai is difficult for me to write, so that's why I reserve him for special occasions, and Kakashi would definitely have lost that fight had he chosen to chase the threat and not listen to Naruto. Guess it's good that he did, huh?
