dolphinsensei

Entry tags:

intro,
luceti

[001]

[The video is completely accidental and the feed starts with a view of what looks like an alley, large bins, crates, cardboard boxes and whatnot. In the middle of it, stands Iruka, his back to the unassuming journal, hand stretched out to one side and fingers poised to yank out a few feathers.
Which iruka does.

And like a hen who's had a few feathers plucked, Iruka sort of just starts to thwack his head with his fist a few times, before biting down on it, an attempt to keep himself silent from the unexpected sting because well, clearly doing anything more like say, yanking the wing off would be stupid.

Iruka then just sort of tries to stick the feathers back in place but then they end up just drifting down to the ground. There is a sigh before the video freezes for a moment when Iruka sort of accidentally steps on the journal, frame freezing with the view Iruka's sweatpants clad ass.

When the video restarts roughly almost a minute later, the face that comes to view is one that scowling in concentration, breath misting from the cold topped with hair damp and standing in all kinds of direction. Iruka looks frazzled, possibly distressed and the flush on his cheeks deepens with each ticking second and the more he is exposed to the cold.

Iruka is also muttering to himself. Apparently, waking up with wings isn't his cup of tea.]

Little ingrates. Ball-less, fucking slimy, greaseball of a halfwit scumbag.

[The video freezes again when Iruka rotates it and taps on the lens before it cuts off completely.]

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[ Kakashi dips his head in a nod. ]

I know where you are.

[ And then he gets up, and starts to move to gather a few articles of clothing and a blanket. ]

Stay put. I'll find you.

Ah --

[Iruka decides against whatever protest that has been bubbling up his throat. As it is, he is pretty useless right now.]

All right.

[So he waits.]

[ It takes about fifteen minutes for Kakashi to gather up clothes and a blanket and get to Iruka's location. He moves quickly through rooftops to get to the alley behind the coffee shop, dropping into the alley quietly and lightly behind Iruka -- but not so quietly that Iruka would be surprised.

There's a quiet thump when his feet hit the floor. ]

Yo.

[ A quiet greeting, from behind Iruka. ]

A-ah, Kakashi-san!

[No, Iruka is not surprised that Kakashi is there, but he is surprised that it took that fast. So he quickly gets to his feet, to show that one, he is actually fine and still mobile, even if he feels his fingers and toes and ass have gone a little numb from the cold. Not to mention his nipples fucking hurt. But as a respecting subordinate, he gets to his feet anyway, and dips his head slightly in a respectful and thankful gesture.]

Thank you for coming so quickly I --

[And before Iruka can even stop it, without realizing, the nausea just hits him like a punch in the face. It's like watching a horror movie of your life. Somewhere in Iruka's subconscious mind, he is screaming in plain mortification as he just doubles up and proceeds to empty the contents of his stomach right there, on Kakashi's shoes and feet.

He tries to stop it. He really does.

But it doesn't work and somewhere in the middle, Iruka gives up trying to save face and just continues to vomit.]

[ Well, this is just great.

Kakashi hadn't expected Iruka to get sick so suddenly, and certainly didn't have the opportunity to dodge fast enough to escape the warm liquid splattering against his right foot. He jumps back far enough to give Iruka a wide berth for a moment, before quickly undoing the knot he'd tied the blanket into around a shirt and pants, and sets the garments down on a cardboard box, and comes around to cover Iruka's bare, heaving shoulders and wings with the blanket. It's not much, just a thin flannel throw of sorts, but at least it'll help the other shinobi stay a little warmer.

There's a small bloody patch where Iruka had yanked out a handful of feathers on one of his wings, and Kakashi can only assume that his sickness has something to do with this. He'd read and heard about how damage to wings can negatively affect health, after all.

One hand comes up to pull Iruka's hair back in a low ponytail at the nape of his neck.

Once Iruka's feeling a little better, Kakashi'll get him to the clinic. ]

Edited 2014-01-20 03:04 (UTC)

Oh fuck.

[Iruka says, finally when he can actually say something and sucks in a deep breath, eyes watery and flushed and shivering and what the fuck is this.]

Oh fuck, I am so, so sorry Kakashi-san, this is so embarrass --

[And there goes another round of heaving. Iruka hopes form the depths of his being that Kakashi understands just how embarrassed, ashamed and most apologetic he is from all this. He doesn't think he'll ever live this down. It's like throwing up on your Hokage's shoes, almost. Given the circumstances back home, so to speak. Iruka, after all, is one for complete proprierty even when he's feeling like utter shit for reasons he can't even begin to comprehend. Those wings aren't even his to begin with in the first place.]

[ Though Kakashi doesn't know Iruka very well, he knows him well enough to know that this is certainly not something Iruka would enjoy doing before anyone, let alone in public. And if Iruka had been sloppy drunk, Kakashi would probably have been annoyed, but this certainly isn't the case. Iruka is sick because he's injured, and though that injury is of his own doing, it was done out of ignorance. Or, perhaps, in an attempt to test the boundaries of reality.

(After all, it's far too easy to believe arriving in Luceti is the work of a genjutsu.)

Kakashi tightens his hold on Iruka's hair and reaches into his utility pouch for a canteen of water. He waits until Iruka appears to be done heaving to quietly offer the water. ]

Here. Try to drink a little if you can.

[There is no helping it. Iruka just accepts the fact that this is what is happening, this is how things are and gratefully takes the canteen of water and takes slow sips. Iruka doesn't make any sudden movements because while he still feels very uncomfortable, after the water and few deep breaths, he is fairly confident that he will not be emptying stomach acid anymore.

Or so he hopes.

It's a while but when Iruka finally straightens up, he takes a step back from Kakashi to lean against the wall, pushing his hair out of his face.

There's no denying how awkward this is. The more Iruka stares at the Kakashi and his shoes, the hotter his cheeks become.]

I'm sorry about your shoes. I was not expecting to suddenly feel this... nauseated.

[ Kakashi shakes his head, waving a hand to dismiss Iruka's apology. ]

I've had worse on my shoes.

[ Namely, blood and gore. A little bit of vomit really isn't that big of a deal. It's not great, and he'll probably need to replace his shoes wholesale, but it's not like it'll cost him anything. Kakashi's far more concerned about Iruka's health than about a pair of shoes. None of the ninja had their wings damaged during his stay at Luceti, and even though the injury doesn't look serious, it clearly already has caused deleterious consequences.

Reaching out, Kakashi hands Iruka the folded shirt and pants. He didn't have an extra pair of shoes to bring, but at least this is warmer than what he's currently wearing. ]

Here, put these on. I'll take you to the clinic once you're ready.

Edited 2014-01-20 04:14 (UTC)

Right.

[Iruka pulls on the pants over the ones he is already wearing, as quick as he can and not really pulling away from the wall support just yet. It's when he is pulling the shirt on that he realizes that it conveniently has holes for his wings and for a moment, Iruka looks puzzled as to how to put it on. He isn't even sure how to move the wings like he would an arm, or if they are just hanging there for display.

Iruka then tries to wrap the blanket around himself the best way he can like a makeshift shawl. It's an added warmth.]

You know, I think I'll be all right...

[It's a casual question as Iruka attempts to slip the shirt on, tugging it over his head and then his arms and then just sort of feeling awkward. It lasts a minute because the wings are pretty flexible and they just pop right out of the make-shift hole. Iruka is almost grateful for the coverage.

He cradles the wing from where he plucked feathers out.]

It doesn't look so bad. I can probably fix it myself.

[Part of the reason Iruka is hesitant to go to a clinic in a strange place is because he is in a strange place and his subconscious mind just doesn't sit too well with the idea. Yet.]

Edited 2014-01-20 05:00 (UTC)

No, I think you've done enough damage.

[ Kakashi reaches forward and closes his hand over Iruka's, carefully removing the chuunin's hand from his own wing, lest he cause some more damage to the wing accidentally. The last thing they would need is for Iruka to be incapacitated by sickness or injury even more, when they need to cover a bit of distance to get to the clinic. ]

Sakura would be able to repair the injury more efficiently.

[ Field medical jutsu can only do so much, especially when it isn't at the hands of a trained medical ninja. Kakashi nods to the alley entrance. ]

Can you walk?

[ He's not going to assume that Iruka would be able to mold chakra easily. They won't be taking the rooftops. ]

We really shouldn’t trouble her so much, I’m sure she has so much on her mind right now. I can manage, really.

[Iruka stands a little straighter, takes a few breaths and paces himself. The nausea isn’t as bad as it had been a few minutes ago. But the cold is getting beyond uncomfortable.]

If you don’t mind, Kakashi-san, I’d much prefer to get warmer as quickly as possible. Is there a place I can do that? [A beat.] Safely?

[Iruka doesn’t want to make more of a spectacle of himself than he already has.]

Edited 2014-01-20 05:39 (UTC)

Well, there are plenty of places you can go to get warm. If you'd rather not go to a clinic, that's fine, but I really must insist Sakura takes a look at that wing, especially as it's directly connected to your health and lifespan.

[ Kakashi considers giving Iruka his vest, which could give him some added warmth, and just braving the weather, but with the shape Iruka's wing is in, having to cram it through one of the tighter holes in stiffer fabric might not be the best idea. ]

I can take you to the building where most of the ninja are housed, and have her meet us there if you'd like. Or, we can go to the clinic.

[ Kakashi's voice suggests very little room for argument. ]

[There is a thing to be said about stubborn patients. And Iruka certainly is one of them when he knows he can have room to be stubborn.]

The housing then, please would be of better help.

[And to prove his point, Iruka holds out his very pale and slightly turning blue fingers out for Kakashi to see.]

I think these would be more damaging than a scratch on a limb, don’t you think? I am having difficulty feeling my toes too. The sooner I sort this out, the more able I can be. If she can meet us there, assuming she isn’t dropping more critical patients, then fine, if you must insist.

[Clearly, Iruka is making a statement that troubling Sakura is going to be on Kakashi’s head. And because Kakashi is being a concerned comrade, Iruka knows you can’t argue with that.

Most of the time.]

Kakashi-san, seriously, my nipples hurt. Please, take me somewhere warmer! The clinic can wait a little bit.

[ His ni--

Kakashi quirks a brow at that. ]

How do you know the clinic isn't closer?

[Seriously?]

Can’t we just go to that place where ninjas stay? I mean, seriously, Kakashi-san, I am fine.

Hai, hai, if you insist.

[ Kakashi says with perhaps a little too much levity given the situation. But really, Iruka, you didn't need to overshare about your nipples, you know. That was a little unnecessary. (Though, certainly amusing.)

He nods and then starts moving, assuming that Iruka will follow along. ]

Let's go, then. It's a bit of a walk.

[Finally, they are moving.

Finally, he can get out of this old and not expose himself to the humdrum of a medical facility.

Iruka nods and quietly follows a few steps behind Kakashi, tugging the blanket around himself closer and blowing warm air into his fingers.]

[ It doesn't take them too long, only ten minutes or so, but the icy blasts of wind certainly makes it a very uncomfortable walk, and Kakashi had to check behind his shoulder a few times to make sure Iruka was still following. Once they're inside the building, Kakashi hits the button for the elevator. He figures he can explain everything once he has Iruka situated with a hot drink, at which point he can also reach out to Sakura. ]

I'm sure you have a lot of questions.

[ Said lightly as they wait for the elevator. ]

I'll answer them all and explain everything once we have you settled.

I do actually. One of them being why does it not snow in Konoha? I feel it would benefit our people to build better tolerance from the cold. Especially the kids.

[Iruka says this while putting maximum effort to not make his chattering jaw so obvious. Which is a moot effort because Iruka can hear the clacking noise in his ears pretty clearly. He has bundled up as tight as he can possibly manage but even then, it doesn't do much.

It’s probably just a coping mechanism, to think of other things other than his poor current state.]

While waiting for you, though, I’ve heard from Anko-san, Lee-kun and Naruto. [A pause.] And I think it might have been Itachi. I really don’t trust my own judgment right now. Hard to think with the headache. Probably from the cold. Or the wings. I really don’t know.

[Iruka is blabbering. Uselessly blabbering.]

[ Kakashi is pretty cold himself, but it's nothing he can't handle, having more or less developed somewhat of a tolerance for it in the time he's been in Luceti. Iruka though, he spent all that time exposed in freezing weather with windchills that went under zero. Kakashi regrets not bringing a thicker blanket for him.

As soon as they get inside, Kakashi'll set to the task of making sure Iruka gets warm. Hypothermia can be as deadly as losing a wing, after all. ]

It probably was Itachi. You're not imagining things.

[ The elevator dings open and Kakashi ushers Iruka in, then presses the button for the eighth floor. ]

There's a lot that I'll need to explain. But first... what is the last thing you remember from our world?

[Disobeying an order, is what Iruka wants to say.

But he doesn't say that way. Instead:]

I let Naruto go. He was supposed to remain within Turtle Island.

[There really isn't much to say more than that. Iruka also doesn't look at Kakashi when he says that, keeping his gaze focused on the sight of his slightly darkened colored toes and fingers.]

We - I was part of a group doing patrols shortly after the incident. That's the last thing I remember.

[ Naruto was supposed to remain on the island.

Of course he was. That was what the war had originally been all about, wasn't it. To protect Naruto. Keep him away from Madara. (Who turned out to be Obito, but that wasn't something they found out until much later.) Naruto, who was the only person who could've helped turn the tides in this war.

He's glad Iruka let him go to the front lines. Without Naruto, Kakashi's not sure how many more shinobi would've died. If he would've even lasted long enough against the bijuu. If he ever would've found out the truth about Obito, as terrible and horrifying as it is. ]

I see. Then you never made it to the front lines.

[ At least, in Iruka's timeline, anyway. Kakashi has no way of confirming. ]

Well...It's a good thing you let Naruto go.

[ The elevator dings again when it reaches the eighth floor and they step out, walking down to the end of the hall. ]

Edited 2014-01-20 18:10 (UTC)

[Iruka doesn't say anything and allows the topic slide. If he 'didn't make it to the front lines' then it means things have gone from worse to worst. It's like that with war. There is never a 'better' version of it.

And there's always nothing much to say.

(Because what can you say?)

Iruka exhales deeply instead, focusing on trying not to let the shivering get the better of him, tugging the blanket tighter. The cold is a terrible thing and Iruka dislikes the fact that his resistance to it is pathetic because try as he might, he is unable to control his shivering anymore and his joints are starting to really hurt when it had been just a dull throb earlier. Speaking is a good distraction, something to focus on, getting the words out right even when they come out a little broken from the shivering.]

Who else is here?

Edited 2014-01-21 03:15 (UTC)

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