The Chemicals Between Us

A/N: Rae- I have no idea where Dom is *is worried* but here's the next chapter... We do watch too much Law & Order XD *crosses fingers* Here's hoping my html tags worked ><


The Chemicals Between Us


"This is the Konoha Police!" Kotetsu shouted. "We're coming in!"

Hayate swiped a kick at the door handle, quickly darting in and ducking behind a corner. The house looked normal enough. Some of the lights were on and passed the entryway he could see the kitchen that had obviously been recently used.

They swept around the small island counter, keeping one another in sight. Kotetsu suddenly tripped with a loud 'oomph'; and that was probably the only thing that saved him as a shot rang out, the bullet punching a hole directly where his head had been only seconds ago.

There was a quick curse from the opposite side of the kitchen, close to the stairwell, as Hayate dove behind the island, pressing his back against the half wall.

"Kotetsu!" he shouted. "Are you alright?"

"Dude there's a dead guy!" the other yelled back from behind and to his left.

"Damn it! There's someone shooting at you baka!" Hayate snapped.

He heard a muttered, "Oh right" before he rolled his eyes and started slowly slipping around the corner, for the moment letting the taller rookie be bait. He saw the hunched over figure of a rather large man walking into the trap and carefully stalked after him.

"Hayate!" Kotetsu called, peering out from the doorway he'd hidden behind. "Did you get him?"

There was silence.

"...hello?"

Still nothing.

"This guy's been here for a while, he really smells can I move?"

When he couldn't hear anything, he decided that Hayate had left him behind and already gone up the stairs. He sighed in frustration. Just because he had started a month ago, everyone thought he was only good for picking up coffee. He stepped from behind the door, gun drawn.

Kisame took his shot, but another weapon fired before he could. He cried out loudly in pain, clutching his bleeding hand as he fell to his knees, glaring angrily behind him as Hayate came up on him.

"Hands on the ground now!" the man shouted.

Kotetsu managed to shake himself and moved to kick away the large man's gun, bringing out his hand cuffs. Kisame roared and leapt up, tackling the younger man back. Hayate took another shot, this one pumping through the blue haired male's shoulder. Kisame grunted and slid to the ground.

Kotetsu cuffed him quickly, yelping when more shots were fired from upstairs. A bullet hit the counter Hayate was standing by, a few pieces of hard marble breaking off and striking him across his face.

Itachi growled as he missed, instantly taking off for the bedroom. Hayate ran after him, following the smaller man.

"Stop or I'll shoot!" he yelled, coughing on the last word.

Itachi kicked through one of the long windows adorning Sasuke's bedroom, throwing himself through it before skidding on the roof, trying to keep his balance. Hayate followed, watching as Itachi jumped off the awning, temporarily disappearing from his sight.

The brunette didn't think to pause and jumped as well, landing in the thick bushes. He righted himself quickly, managing to take a step before looking up.

Itachi shot him point blank in the chest, taking off for the car he and Kisame had hidden behind the garage even before Hayate hit the ground. Kotetsu ran up the stairs after his partner, already having cuffed the bleeding man downstairs.

"Hayate!" he called out, darting between door frames.

He couldn't hear anything but his own heart furiously pumping blood and adrenaline through his veins. He swallowed thickly before entering the bedroom. Kotetsu was first astonished by the amount of blood that was on the bed, staring at it in sick fascination.

He heard the shower running and turned toward the bathroom, his weapon out as he nervously darted his tongue to lick the sweat from his upper lip. The door was pretty much caved in and he barely touched it before it fell in half, making him jump.

He took a quick glance inside, almost missing the two men under the icy stream in his anxiety from Hayate's absence. "Oh fuck..." he muttered.

"Get him first." Sasuke coughed, teeth chattering against each other.

Kotetsu walked around the shower stall carefully, still pointing his gun at them. Dark eyes followed the brunette around once he had been in sight. Kotetsu turned the water off before slowly fumbling his gun while trying to put it back in the holster as he took in their disheveled forms.

The officer muttered a few quick curses, slipping out his keychain. It had an army switch blade on it and he slipped it against the two men's restraints until the wire simply fell away. He winced when checking the smaller man's vitals, feeling a fluttering pulse under his fingers.

"What the hell happened?" Kotetsu asked as he reached for his walkie-talkie.

"He was raped and beaten." Sasuke answered, slowly managing to sit up. Iruka was naked still and his body had stopped shivering a while ago.

The paler man held his wrist to his stomach. "Your partner is dead." he said flatly as the other quickly shed his coat and laid it over Iruka's body.

"Fuck you," Kotetsu snapped back on instinct. "He always coughs like he's...what? Where..?!"

The rookie stared down at Iruka's unconscious form, pushing the button on his communicator. "Yeah, this is Kotetsu, I need a bus at the Uchiha mansion now. We have four wounded...one possibly dead."

The smaller brunette stirred his lashes fluttering as he tried to wake up. "S...Sasuke...-kun?"

Sasuke looked down at Iruka. "You're safe now. Get some rest." He said quietly, glancing up at the junior officer. "You mind getting us some clothes?"

He kept his eyes on Kotetsu, watching him though damp, dark bangs.

"Shut up, I'm busy," Kotetsu snapped. "Two perps, one down..."

He continued for a few minutes before clicking the walkie-talkie off and darting out of the bathroom. The bed smelled so much like blood, sweat, and cum that it made him want to vomit. He cursed to himself, trying not to worry about Hayate so much as he poked his head in the closet, snatching at two large down blankets.

He came back to the bathroom quickly, slipping and smacking down on his back as he stepped in a small pool of water.

"Ow, fuck, ow, fuck," he chanted as he threw one blanket over Sasuke.

Kotetsu started to tuck the other around Iruka, the smaller man having fallen unconscious again, but stopped when the Uchiha stiffened.

"Um...here," he said, backing off after handing over the comforter.

Sasuke lifted up his broken wrist painfully though the shorter man wasn’t paying attention at the moment. "You do it." Sasuke replied flatly.

"If you want to go find your partner, we're fine here." He bowed his head, letting out a deep sigh, a soft grunt following. "Go find him before its too late."

Kotetsu gritted his teeth, obviously at war with himself.

"I...I can't leave you...not supposed to..." he muttered quickly as he wrapped Iruka up securely in the blanket. "Fuck! Your hand! I didn't notice...shit, do you have any bandages?"

"Cabinet." Sasuke nodded towards the mirror, the medicine cabinet door was slightly ajar next to the shattered glass. Kotetsu quickly darted off to fumble though the cabinet, finding a large roll of gauze before running back over to him.

Sirens sounded in the distance.

"Neji's going to have a fit." Sasuke mumbled to himself.

Kotetsu started wrapping Sasuke's swollen wrist tightly, holding the arm still when the younger man wanted to flinch away from the pain. He tied it off and stared at his lap before jumping up.

"I'll be back!" he shouted, darting out the door.

He spotted the broken window and peered out and was soon skittering along the edge of the roof. Hayate was where Itachi had left him bleeding and dying. Kotetsu cursed and jumped down, hurrying to sit by the senior officer.


Once the ambulance arrived, and the paramedics got Iruka onto a stretcher, only after having to give Sasuke a sedative in order to get the Uchiha heir to comply, they headed quickly back towards the hospital. While in transit, Sasuke said nothing to the officer riding with him as the paramedics assessed him, injecting him with morphine, antibiotics, and a few other things until they reached the hospital a few seconds after Iruka.

The brunette was being recessed, having flat lined a few seconds prior, the two men hovering over him shouting at the nurses as they entered the hospital. Sasuke started climbing out of the bed, even as the men were yelling at him.

It took one guy injecting a stronger sedative into Sasuke's thigh while the cop and the other, larger, paramedic pinned him to the ground to get him to stop and the Uchiha passing out before they wheeled him into the hospital.

Sasuke's head throbbed, the pulsing pain that was shooting through his forehead caused him to furrow his brows as another jolt of pain forced a muffled grunt from dry lips. His wrist throbbed when he tried to lift it and his knuckles scraping against something hard just above them.

When he tried to speak, his voice scratched at the back of his throat. "Fuck..."

"It's about time you woke up." Neji's voice was soft and a bit away.

"Shut up." Sasuke groaned fluttering his eyes open slowly. "What...."

"You were out for a week." Neji answered the question Sasuke was about to answer before walking over and turning out the overhead lights so it wasn't so bright in the room.

"How's-"

"He's stable and recovering." Neji interrupted again.

"Will you let me finish a fucking sentence?" Sasuke growled before coughing.

"Then stop being a moron." The Hyuuga lifted a cup to the pale lips before Sasuke's un-cast hand curled over Neji’s.

"I got it."

Neji pulled his hand away before Sasuke drank the water down, coughing again when his throat didn't want to comply with the thirst he had.

"Shit."

"Then slow down." Neji received a harsh glare.

"I can fire you, you know."

"I know you’re secrets, now drink a bit more." Neji nodded at the small pink plastic cup Sasuke still had a hold of.

"Get this thing off me." Sasuke nodded at the cast.

"After the doctor comes back."

Another dark glare was shot toward the pearl eyed man. There was a long silence between them that was only interrupted by the rythematic beeping of the machines.

"What did you tell them?" Sasuke turned to look at everything that they had running into him.

"Right now it's in Ibiki's hands, he won’t release anything until he speaks to me."

"How'd you manage that?"

Neji smirked. "I just did."

"Hn."

The door cracked open slightly and both men turned to look at it, hearing voices just outside before it was closed again.

"So far, there was a kidnapping attempt, that's all." Neji's expression turned slightly sympathetic. "There are some details that will never be released; I had the doctors, nurses, officers, and anyone who has anything dealing with this sign some agreements."

Sasuke looked down at his plastered covered hand in his lap. "Thank you."

Neji nodded. "You don't have to..."

"I know." Another silence fell over the room.

"I'll go check on him for you, alright?"

Sasuke nodded again as Neji turned. "Alright."

A few minutes later and the Hyuuga was standing just outside Iruka's room, looking in at the professor as Anko sat with her back to the door. He waited until the Doctor passed by, asking him how the brunette was doing and had started to turn around and head back to Sasuke's room when Anko stopped him.

She bristled like an angry cat, eyes shimmering with unwept tears. "What happened?" she growled, voice oddly calm and sharp despite her wilting appearance. "Don't lie..."

"They were attacked." Neji said flatly, trying to remain professional even though his expression said otherwise.

"It seems more personal than a robbery gone wrong," the busty brunette replied lowly, closing Iruka's door behind her as she stalked around the pearl eyed man. "Wouldn't you think so?"

"It was his brother." Neji turned, keeping their eyes locked. "I would say that’s personal."

Anko hissed, eyes narrowing. "So it's his fault!"

"No, it's not." Neji almost growled. "He didn't ask for this."

"He brought Iruka into it!" she snarled viciously, her caged animalistic pacing increased. "He was stupid and let Iruka get hurt!"

"He didn't let anything happen. If you're going to blame someone, Blame his brother. He's a cold blooded murderer." Pearl eyes narrowed sharply.

Anko's sneer was positively deadly as she resumed circling the tall man. "But why did his brother attack Iruka, hm?"

"I don't know, Iruka was there a day before Sasuke..." Neji glanced past Anko seeing Sasuke's doctor heading down the hallway towards his room. "You'd have to ask his brother that, and why he killed his whole family."

The woman hissed, baring her teeth. "Like I give a shit about his fucked up life. Keep him the hell away from Iruka."

She stopped her incessant pacing, her eyes flashed with a dark threat before she ducked back into her long time friend's room, taking care not to slam the door in anger.

Neji waited a few seconds before turning around and heading back to Sasuke's room, shutting the door behind him.

"What did the doctor say?" Neji asked.

Sasuke looked up. "He hasn't been in yet."

Neji brows furrowed slightly wondering why he hadn't been in.

"How is he?" Sasuke asked.

"He'll be fine; he's in recovery, still sleeping though."

"Alright, thanks." Sasuke looked up at the Hyuuga before the door busted wide open and a wild brunette entered.

Tsume's gaze locked on Sasuke and she was at his side in a second, ignoring his look of surprise and indignation as she swooped him into a tight hug. "I thought... oh you stupid boy, it was like losing your mother again!"

"I'm..... sorry..... ?" Sasuke took in the first breath he could.

Neji backed up, moving around to the other side of the bed. Tsume let out a shaky sigh, not easing up on her tight hold as she snatched her hand over the width of the bed and grabbed the Hyuuga's shirt collar.

She dragged Neji close and hugged both boys under her chin. "Stupid...idiot...I'll kick your ass."

"It's not his fault..." Neji squirmed trying to get out of the woman's tight hold.

Sasuke didn't fight it, knowing that it would only make her cling tighter. "I'm fine, Tsume...”

The brunette sniffled loudly, pressing a kiss to both men's heads as she held onto them dearly. "I'll kill the prick, I swear I will. I know people, I have money, I'll find him. And it can't be too hard to put a hit on his partner can it? There are lots of people in prison who need cash."

"No, Tsume." Neji stated as he straightened his tie once he was let go. "I'm sure he'll get it on his own. I don't want to have to defend you."

The busty woman refused to let Sasuke go, eyeing Neji like she was thinking about jerking him back into her embrace. She sighed again, combing her fingers comfortingly through Sasuke's inky black hair, rocking him unconsciously.

"You know the doctor actually tried to keep me out of here?" she commented. "Chouza can be quite the distraction when he wants to be."

"I'm sure he knew I wasn't on enough meds for this...." Sasuke retorted eyeing Neji as if he could help. "...please tell me everyone isn't here...."

Tsume petted the Uchiha's head dotingly, "Alright, I won't say a word."

"I'm not on enough meds for this..." Sasuke mumbled as Chouza, Shikaku and Shikamaru came into the room followed by the Doctor.

Neji darted past the others, pulling the Doctor out into the hall quickly shutting the door and the glaring Uchiha behind him. Chouza quickly joined Tsume in fawning over Sasuke, glancing over the medical charts and equipment like he could understand them before giving the younger man an awkward pat on the back.

Shikaku stifled a yawn with his hand as he ambled to the window and opened it, taking out a pack of cigarettes.

“You can’t smoke in here, dad.” Shikamaru said walking over to the other side of the bed after having looked at the chart from around the larger man. He eyed Sasuke sympathetically. “You need anything?”

Sasuke started to shake his head but then glanced over at Tsume who had grabbed the chart from her boyfriend and was looking at it angrily.

Shikamaru nodded. “I’ll go see.” He started out of the room as Neji returned.

Shikaku waited until the door had closed before lighting up anyway, breathing out the smoke through the window while glancing up at the clouds with a look of passive boredom.

"It was a lucky thing we even got in here," he muttered, sliding his gaze toward Sasuke, then to Neji. "Did you see them?"

The Hyuuga scowled bitterly. "How could I not?"

"Figures." Sasuke looked over at Shikaku who was now watching the reporters as they snapped photos and were talking into cameras.

"You made the news." He said blowing out another lungful of smoke.

Neji sighed slightly. "I gave a statement." Sasuke looked over at the Hyuuga. "Nothing specific."

The raven nodded in agreement.

Tsume snorted, "That's nothing. They won't even try to get into the hospital like they were doing before."

Shikaku answered before Sasuke could ask. "Iruka's friends are here. As well as the half the University I think. That woman...Tsunade...she took a little too much pleasure in threatening some people with a bat."

"The one eyed guy was dragging her inside though." The scarred man blew out another mouthful of smoke. "People are so nosey..."

"You should be able to go home in a few days the-"

"Sell it." Sasuke said flatly. "I'm not going back there."

Tsume brushed some strands of hair from Sasuke's face, mothering him worriedly while trying to pretend not to. "I already made the arrangements. It'll be cleaned first by my people, then movers will be putting your things into storage until you've found a suitable house...hopefully closer to the city?"

"Maybe..." Sasuke looked up at Tsume, worry obviously knit into her expression. "I'll just stay in a hotel for now."

He glanced away, his brows furrowed slightly as he tried to remember anything since being loaded into the ambulance. "How long have I been here?"

The Uchiha looked back, catching the sad look Chouza had.

"About a week," the large man answered soberly. Shikaku looked over, "You've been in and out of it; apparently you're allergic to a lot of sedatives. Took the doctors a few tries to get you on the right one. Then they had to go in and stitch you up."

He snuffed out his cigarette and sat back in one of the uncomfortable chairs the room provided. "You were out of surgery relatively fast considering."

"A few tries..." Sasuke lifted a brow slightly before Shikamaru returned, knocking softly before entering.

He said nothing but had a cup in his hand. "Nurse wanted you to have this." He handed the Uchiha the cup of crushed ice. "And we're gonna be kicked out soon."

He glanced over at Tsume who was still clinging onto the bed railing. She hunkered down like a football player about to make a tackle.

"Over my dead body!" the woman snarled.

Chouza smile uneasily, "Tsume-chan, don't be so cruel, the doctors only want Sasuke-kun to get the rest he needs."

Shikaku looked over. "He's right. Besides, he doesn't need us here all the time."

"Someone can stay, they are understaffed right now, in case you need anything." Neji stated.

Sasuke stared up at him. "How long have you been here?"

The Hyuuga shook his head.

"Go home." Sasuke said.

"I'll be fine." He looked up at Tsume who was still petting him affectionately.

"I'll stay with you," she said softly, moving closer in the edge of the bed as she examined Sasuke's cast. "...someone go get me some colored markers."

"This thing is coming off as soon as the doctor comes in here." Sasuke lifted his wrist. "You have a company to run, You're going home too..."

He kept his eyes on the distracted woman for a moment as she stared at the endless white of his cast. Sasuke looked over at Chouza knowing the plump man could help him.

Chouza met the younger man's gaze before glancing at his girlfriend, "Tsume-chan, Sasuke-kun needs to rest. You want him to get better faster don't you?"

The woman ignored him, planning out where she was going to mark her name on the cast.

The large man thought for a minute, soon smiling brightly. "Tsume-chan! Maybe you can pick out some houses for him!"

The Uchiha blinked a few times and Shikamaru had the same reaction that the raven should have shown. "Unless you're looking for something gauche.... "

"How about you make sure mother's things don’t get ruined? They are in the guest room closet... and the piano." Dark eyes looked up at the mothering woman.

Tsume nodded slowly, "Of course...but don't you want someone with you? We didn't bring Sai along because...well...you know how he likes doctors."

"I'll stay." Shikamaru piped up.

Neji nodded. "I'll bring you both something from the cafeteria." The Hyuuga headed for the door.

"I'll go find you a house," Tsume said as she petted Sasuke's hair one more time. "The police are crawling all over your house, so it'll be impossible to get anything back yet."

"But don't worry!" Chouza said happily. "We'll take care of everything."

The two shared a smile before waving their goodbyes with Tsume dragging a squirming Shikamaru out behind them, leaving Shikaku alone in the room with Sasuke.

The older man stared outside lazily, watching the clouds drift by with a wistful sigh. "So...how's Iruka?"

Sasuke looked over at the elder Nara, watching as he reached for another cigarette.

"As far as I know he's in recovery." Sasuke answered looking out as the sun was slowly working its way toward the horizon.

Shikaku nodded. "Yeah. He'll be in here awhile longer than you though," he glanced over. "No one's said anything about him?"

"Neji went to check on him just before you guys got here, and that’s where Shikamaru disappeared to a while ago." The younger was silent for a few moments. "He was treated worse...”

“Itachi... " The raven sighed. "I don't think I'll be seeing Iruka for a while."

Shikaku stared back outside again. "They said he was in shock when he got here. There was a lot of blood, but it looked worse than it was. Few broken ribs...he'll have trouble walking without a cane for a couple weeks, but..."

The older man paused, rubbing his forehead. "It's the emotional trauma that will affect him the most of course. Do you plan on ending the relationship?"

"It's not up to me." Sasuke answered sliding back down so that he was lying again, having been pulled up into a sitting from the fierce embrace of the busty woman.

The young heir received an annoyed glance, Shikaku not liking to have to decipher a more complete answer from what little information the Uchiha was willing to give. There was a few minutes of silence as the Nara stared out the window lazily while he chewed on the end of his cigarette.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" he asked. "Everything? Including the things you'll leave out when the hospital psychiatrist tracks you down?"

Sasuke smirked for a second but the memories of what happened instantly flooded his brain and wiped the upturn of his lips away. "I think one look at my chart will tell you; unless you plan on staying here tonight as well." He looked away from the window deciding to stare at the black TV screen hovering over floor just past the end of his bed.

"Shikamaru is still teaching... and with all the other professor here and refusing to leave I doubt he's going to get to skip any classes," Shikaku said. "I have time."

"Give me a day." Sasuke replied rolling his head back over to look at the scarred man.

"As much time as you need," Shikaku answered before giving a sigh. "Do you want to be alone?"

"I don't care." Sasuke met the older man's gaze. "I'm sure they'll come in and drug me soon anyway..."

Shikaku gave a yawn, settling down in the uncomfortable chair again as he closed his eyes. "You're a good excuse to keep me away from my wife."

"I figured as much. You're a good excuse to keep Tsume from pawing me." Sasuke glanced around for the remote.

The door clicked open before Neji and Shikamaru came in followed by a nurse to check Sasuke's vitals. The Hyuuga handed Shikaku the foam container with food, while Shikamaru walked over to the window to check and see if the reporters were still outside. He caught a glimpse of Kakashi and Tsunade leaving, the busty blonde shouting threats at the nosy men and women.

"I guess I'm going out the back." Shikamaru sighed.

Sasuke shifted, tossing the blankets off his legs as he turned. Shikaku was asleep in a reclining chair that had been brought in for him. The TV‘s volume was on very low muffling the reporter who was talking about a hurricane that was slowly working its way toward a foreign country.

"Where are you going?" A dark brown eye opened, watching as Sasuke tied on the pair off pajama pants Neji had brought him a few days prior.

"I'm just going for a walk, don't worry." Sasuke answered as he turned the on battery for his IV machine before unplugging it.

"You want me to go with you?"

Sasuke found the slippers that had been left for him as well, and slid them on. "No, I'll be back in a few minutes." He opened the door before giving Shikaku a quick glance as the elder Nara rolled onto his side, getting comfortable to go back to sleep.


Once out in the hall way, Sasuke waited, simply watching as people passed the end of his hall, the corner of the nurse’s desk for that floor was just in his view. The raven headed toward it, limping slightly because he wasn’t used to walking again yet.

Dark eyes scanned all the faces as he made his way past the desk, stopping when Kakashi appeared in the hallway in front of Iruka's room. Sasuke was already halfway to it and the grey haired professor still had not noticed him standing in the hall until Anko appeared, followed by Tsunade.

The brunette spotted Sasuke and headed toward him, her brows set in an angry expression. "What are you doing here?" she spat when she reached him, glaring dangerously.

Sasuke stared down at her. "I wanted to see if he was awake yet... if he's alright."

He glanced over at Kakashi and Tsunade who were just now walking over to them having stopped to speak to the Doctor.

"He's fine," Anko quipped, crossing her arms. "So good job, mission accomplished, go back to your room."

Sasuke said nothing, instead he just stood, staring down the hall at Iruka's door. "I want to see for myself."

Kakashi slid up behind Anko, smiling behind his high collar in a condescending way. "Ne, Sasuke-kun, why don't you let Iruka rest? He probably doesn't want to see you right now."

"I get it." Sasuke furrowed his brows. "You can't speak for him... and I'm not asking. I just want to see with my own eyes that Iruka is alright."

Kakashi pressed forward in front of the younger man, smiling easily as he stared the other down. "I don't want you near him."

"There a problem?" a lazy voice called.

The three looked back to see Shikaku ambling closer, slouched and scratching at a scar across his brow. Tsunade stepped away from the doctor and came over to see if she could possibly aid in avoiding a serious conflict.

"No, there's not." Sasuke answered over his shoulder, his grip tightening around the metal bar of his IV stand. "One of you could come with me."

"I will," Tsunade said, interrupting the rude reply she could see on the tips of her employee's tongues. "Just let him in you two, he won't hurt him."

Anko and Kakashi refused to move, each glaring sullenly at Sasuke as he moved around them.

Tsunade walked beside Sasuke while Shikaku still stood with the professors as they all watched the two make their way to Iruka's room.

Iruka was lying propped up on many plush pillows that from their color, obviously weren't the standard hospital issue. Most likely they were brought in by Anko. There was a big red one shaped like a pair of lips under the brunette's head, his tussled hair fanning out over it as he slept.

He shifted a bit, wincing in his sleep before his expression evened out again. Like Sasuke, he was provided his own room to recover in. The drapes were pulled open so that the city lights could be seen standing out brilliantly against the black sky, making a perfect view.

A cot and some more pillows and blankets were stuffed in the corner where someone had obviously stayed.

Tsunade saw Sasuke looking and smiled softly. "Anko's been staying with him day and night, won't sleep on that though," she nodded toward the cot. "She sleeps right in bed with him once the nurses stop making rounds."

"Yeah, I figured she would." Sasuke glanced at the monitors and at the chart on the foot of the bed before sighing.

"He's alright though..." he furrowed his brows as Iruka twitched again and flinched in pain. ”Has he said anything?" Sasuke asked glancing up at Tsunade.

She nodded, staring at the smaller man. "Oh sure, he talks and acts normal enough. Won't say anything about what happened though. Hurts for him to even sit up still but he won't admit it."

The blonde stepped forward to his monitor, glancing at it before reaching over to a dial on the IV. She flicked it to a higher setting, letting more of the pain-easing drug drip down to flow into Iruka's system.

"Alright." Sasuke said softly before he turned, wincing slightly and grabbing his side as he took a few steps back. "Thank you." He looked up at Tsunade who was brushing a strand of stray hair of Iruka's face.

"You can stay with him if you want," she said quietly. "Well at least for a few minutes while I take a look at you. I swear none of the doctors here have any experience passed ten years. It's pathetic."

Sharp brows furrowed in confusion. "Why aren't you-"

He stopped speaking when Tsunade lifted up his arm and pressed her palm against his ribs causing the raven to wince. He glanced over, watching Iruka sleeping, softly sighing every few moments.

The blonde frowned slightly, pulling Sasuke's shirt up so she could trace her hands over his swollen sides. She huffed in frustration and shoved him back to sit by Iruka's legs on the bed.

"Just as I thought," she grumbled. "Everything around here is done half assed. It makes me want to come out of retirement."

Tsunade prodded the pale man a bit more, her gaze focused on what her hands were doing. "Why am I not treating you like the others are?" she finished his interrupted question for him. "It’s because I don't blame you."

Sasuke winced and shifted as Tsunade continued to inspect him, lightly bumping against Iruka's legs when she pressed on his hip.

"I get why they do though... And I won’t blame him if he doesn’t want to see me again." Sasuke looked over at Iruka, the smaller man's eye still bruised from far too many hits.

"He shouldn't have had to..." The younger’s voice just trailed off as he went back into thoughts before the blonde's prodding hit a particularly painful spot causing the raven to let out a pained groan.

Light brown eyes were gazing up strictly. "It wasn't your fault," she said. "Sometimes you can't stop things, no matter how much you want to try."

The busty woman sighed as stood straight, planting her hands on her hips as she popped her back. "There wasn't anything you could have done. No matter how many times you play the scene over in your head, you'll always get the same outcome."

"It doesn't change that he shouldn't have... that he didn't deserve it." Sasuke met the woman's gaze. "He hasn't asked about me, has he?"

Tsunade nodded, "As soon as he woke up he wanted to know if you were safe."

"Will you tell him I was here?" Sasuke shifted to his feet with a groan.

The busty blonde sighed. "Sure kid, though you can visit him when you want to. He'd probably like to see you."

"Anko isn't going to let me in here." Sasuke glanced back, looking Iruka over again. "I'll come back when he's awake." He looked over at Tsunade who had been watching the smaller man as well.

"She'll let you in," the blonde said, walking toward the door. "Just give her some time to vent."

"Alright." Sasuke gave the brunette another look over before following Tsunade out into the brighter lit hallway.

Shikaku quickly walked over to Sasuke when he saw that he was holding his side in pain. "I'll get the nurse to get you some more meds..."

Sasuke nodded before the elder man went ahead of him.

"Thank you." He looked at Anko.

The small woman glared at him before quickly darting into Iruka's room, slamming the door behind her. Kakashi stared at the Uchiha, his visible eye unreadable. Tsunade clicked her tongue in warning before the slightly taller man backed off, giving a false grin as he left.

The busty blonde sighed, rubbing her temple. "Head back to your room kid," she said. "I'll be in there later to check on you."

"Alright." Sasuke agreed and started back down the hall, Shikaku coming up behind the young billionaire letting him lean on him as they turned down the hall to his room.

Tsunade watched them leave before going back to have a chat with the younger man's doctor. Honestly, this hospital was run by morons.

Sasuke nodded as Shikaku picked up the bags that Tsume had brought, heading out the door. "I'll see you out back."

"Alright."

The brunette disappeared out the door as Sasuke pulled on his suit jacket, glancing up at the small blue stuffed penguin wearing a bowtie that he had gotten the day before for Iruka quickly debating with himself about if he should wait for the nurse to return or just let the woman come find him.

Once he had finished knotting his tie, adjusting it so that it was neatly in place around his neck. He picked up the small stuffed animal and headed out of his room and down the halls to Iruka's room, knocking softly before the door was opened for him.

Anko peered up at him, her eyes slitting instantly as her lips curled back. "What?" she hissed in a quiet whisper.

"I just wanted to come by and see him before I was discharged..." Sasuke held up the penguin. "And this."

The woman quickly switched her glare to the stuffed toy, staring at it for a few long seconds as a battle raged over her expression.

"You evil prick," she seethed, emitting a low growl. "That's the cutest fucking thing I've ever seen in my life."

"Can I come in?" Sasuke asked as he moved the present back toward him.

Anko clenched her fists, scowling before giving up with an exasperated sigh and pulled the door open. "You might as well wish him a happy birthday too, it was yesterday."

"He's awake?" Sasuke shifted past Anko, the last few times he has stopped by Iruka had been asleep. "I would have come by yesterday had I known..."

"Oops," the small woman said flatly.

Sasuke glared at her for a second before brushing past her and walking into the room which was still decorated somewhat from the previous day; a few balloons and a small banner with Happy Birthday! on it was all that was left. His eyes moved over to Iruka who was playing with a small hand held gaming console. A tall blonde man sat next to him on the bed, pointing excitedly at the screen.

"There! there! Sensei get that one!" the blue eyed man yelled. "Look! Look! There! Get health! Sensei you're about to die!"

Iruka was trying to stifle his laughter, his body quivering with the effort as he managed to keep the game from the larger male's reach while still continuing to play.

Sasuke stopped and watched them for a few seconds before stepping out of the small hall the door was tucked back in and cleared his throat.

"You're busy... I just wanted to leave this..." he held up the small stuffed toy before cautiously stepping closer to the bed.

Iruka glanced up, pausing long enough to let Naruto snatch the gaming system out of his hands. The tall blonde vaulted over the bed, instantly becoming absorbed in the device as he walked to the corner of the room and sat down on the cot.

"Sasuke..." the brunette muttered. He stared before shaking himself, adjusting his glasses. "I thought you'd already been discharged."

"Just now." Sasuke answered holding out the penguin for the professor to take. "I would have stopped by yesterday..." He glanced over at Anko who was pretending to not be paying attention.

Iruka slid his gaze to Anko who suddenly was very interested in getting some coffee and dragging Naruto out after her. He sighed lightly, rubbing the scar across his nose as he shifed into a straighter position. A wince flashed across his face, but he hid it quickly as he fluffed the pillows up behind him.

"Tsunade-sama said you came to see me, I'm sorry I was always asleep."

"No, it's alright. I'm just glad you're getting better." Sasuke glanced towards the door as it was shut behind Anko.

The smaller man shifted, looking away as his eyes instead inspected the many birthday cards he'd gotten from his students. The one from Tenten sang when opened.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

The younger set the small gift down on the bed near Iruka's knee. "Yes, I'm alright."

Iruka brought his gaze to the stuffed animal, a smile spreading across his lips. It still hurt too much to bend, so he held his hand out expectantly.

Sasuke picked a small piece of fuzz from the creature's head before handing the penguin to Iruka. "I'm sorry I missed your birthday."

The brunette stared at the stuffed toy, shaking his head. "No it's fine... this is cute."

"I thought you would like him." A faint smile crossed pale lips before it was gone again. Sasuke's gaze traveled from the toy to Iruka's face. "I'm sorry... for all of this..."

"Don't!" Iruka said sharply, his hands squeezing the stuffed animal. "...not yet. Just... don't"

"Alright." The younger replied quietly.

There were a few moments of silence between them before Iruka forced a smile. "You don't have to stay standing like that," he said, patting the bed. "Sit with me."

Sasuke moved, placing his hand gently on Iruka's calf so he wouldn't sit on it when he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I can't stay long..." he looked up at Iruka.

The brunette stared down at his present, nodding stiffly. "I understand."

"Is there anything you want?" Sasuke moved his hand off Iruka's leg, placing it on his own. "Anything you need?"

Iruka shook his head before pausing, glancing up slowly. "At...the house," he started softly, dropping his gaze. "There's a photo of my parents...do you think you could get it?"

Sasuke nodded. "I'll get it for you." He paused, hearing voices just outside the door. "Is there anything else?"

The brunette forced another smile, leaning back against the plush pillows. "No, I'm fine thank you Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke nodded. "I hoped you'd like him." He nodded at the penguin the smaller man was still holding onto. "I'll try to come back before you're released, I'm just glad you're alright."

The door opened and Anko popped in, glancing between the two men as if searching for clues as to what they had talked about. "Visiting hours are over," she said, ignoring the Uchiha for the moment. "They had to drag Naruto out."

"Technically I'm still a patient." Sasuke answered turning to look at Anko before turning back to Iruka.

The male brunette smiled at his friend as she plopped down beside him, his body instantly relaxing from the tension the other man hadn't known he'd had. Anko slid her gaze to the Uchiha lazily.

"You probably have better things to do," she said lowly. "And Iruka needs his rest."

Iruka's brows drew together in concern, "Don't be rude."

Sasuke didn't take his eyes off the other male as he slid off the edge of the bed. "I'm glad I got to talk to you." He stated, ignoring Anko for the moment.

Iruka wanted to say something, anything, but he couldn't think of single thing that would make Sasuke stay. His gaze faltered to the penguin in his lap as the younger's voice echoed in his head.

He knew... he knew those words were forced from Sasuke's mouth but he couldn't help it. He wanted to make the boy tell him he had been lying, and make him say the opposite things... even if they weren't true.

Iruka forced another smile as he looked up. "I'm glad too, thank you for the present."

Sasuke nodded. "I'll get the picture for you."

He glanced over at Anko who was still glaring at him. "Since I've overstayed my welcome..." Dark eyes moved back to Iruka. "I'll see you soon."

The male brunette nodded, "Alright, good bye Sasuke-kun."

Anko rolled her eyes, snorting rudely as she stared pointedly at the door before gazing at the taller man.

Sasuke turned and headed for the door, hearing Anko immediately start to whisper to Iruka when his back was turned. He hesitated before opening the door and stepping out into the much louder hallway.

"There you are Mr. Uchiha!" a short pudgy nurse came waddling up to Sasuke holding out his discharge papers and a pen. "I need you to sign these... and your friend already picked up your medicine."

She smiled sweetly at the much taller man as he moved over to the nearby counter to sign the stack of papers he was handed.

Sasuke was soon poked rudely in the side where his bandages were hidden under his clothing. "Hey, you," Anko said sourly, having snuck up behind the man.

Sasuke jerked away from the offending digit, wincing slightly. "Yeah?" He asked flatly, glancing over at Anko while signing another page.

The pouting woman glanced away, her nose twitching cutely in agitation. "Bring that picture to my place. He'll be released in a few days anyway. And I moved. You need my new address."

Sasuke handed the pudgy nurse back the stack of papers and the pen.

"Thank you sir." She nodded dismissing herself before starting to walk away.

"Alright." Sasuke said looking at the brunette.

Anko sighed disgustedly, quickly snatching the pen from the other woman and grabbing Sasuke's hand in hers, clenching it tightly. She wrote down her new address, another apartment complex closer to the University where she'd be rooming with Iruka. The nurse pursed her lips as the brunette shoved the pen back at her, dropping her grip from the Uchiha.

"There, but you can't stay over more than ten minutes."

Sasuke glanced at the address written almost painfully on the back of his hand. "What day?" He asked.

"He gets out Thursday," she called over her shoulder as she went back to Iruka's room.

The door closed behind Anko before Sasuke could protest and now that his papers were signed he was told to leave the floor. Once downstairs Shikaku gave him a questioning looking, arching a scarred brow upon seeing the writing on the back of the pale hand.

"I'll tell you later." Sasuke said as they headed out one of the back entrances, the elder man having had a car waiting for them.


Anko snuggled up under the thick blanket she'd brought for Iruka, sliding her arms around the small man in hopes of comforting him. He turned away, letting his steady gaze stray to the window. The busty woman wanted to do something to make her friend feel better, anything to just make him smile. But there was nothing she could do but wait.

It hurt to see Iruka like this, it was like Mizuki was back in his life and everything was being repeated. She couldn't help but hate Sasuke for exposing the taller brunette to this much pain again. And she also couldn't help but hate Iruka a little bit too for continuing to love the bastard.

A/N: Rae- Boy I like how I break up the chapters sometimes XD As always, review please ^_^ (cause we LOVE them!)