A ninja must see underneath the underneath.

Chapter 22: Being a little twisted.

Kakashi kept on running, making as much use from the military ration pill as possible. Every now and then he held a quick stop to check up on Naruto’s wounds and to give the young man some water and food. It was inconvenient that his wounds didn’t heal as quickly as usual, but Kurama had enough work on the blond’s hands alone.

After their last stop, Kakashi had travelled onwards for two full days and two nights. As he watched the sun rising on the third day, he knew his time was running out. He kept moving forward out of sheer willpower, but he knew he was pushing his limits. Naruto had been conscious for quite a while now. He had insisted on running himself instead of being carried by Kakashi, but the older shinobi had refused. He knew Naruto would be needing all his strength from the moment the ration pill would give out, and he knew, that the young man’s calf needed as much rest as possible. Luckily, Kurama had regained his vigour on that same morning. He was ready to start on Naruto’s other wounds as well.

And so it came to be, that on the third morning at 7:30, Kakashi suddenly collapsed. He looked up at the blond who had tumbled of his back. As Kakashi lay spread out on the ground, breathing heavily, as he looked up at his lover. The young man was still wearing a T-shirt two sizes too big, his pants were still ripped, his hands, leg and shoulder still bound. You could easily say that he looked shabby and tattered. But when Kakashi looked up into Naruto’s blue eyes, he saw nothing but fierce determination and self-confidence. He smiled proudly at the young man’s strength.

“N-Naruto. Listen to me.” Kakashi murmured exhausted. It was clear that he was trying to control his trembling muscles, and failing miserably at that. He pushed himself up against a tree for some more stability. “Before we got into that nasty situation, I received a message from Jiraiya-sama. I haven’t had the chance to give it to you.” He said while shakily handing over the parchment.

Naruto quickly read over the document. His lips twitched into a smile as he read the little part which was addressed to him personally.

“Kakashi, what is this talk about a bath house, in which direction do I need to take us?”

“Listen carefully Naruto.” Kakashi said clearly not in the mood to repeat himself.

“We need to head east until we reach a thick forest. Keep heading east and try to find a giant waterfall. To access the village, we need to go through an underwater cave system below the waterfall, which will be guarded. The caves will take you to a lake in the middle of Takigakure. From that point you’ll be able to see a gigantic tree. The village is built around it, so it marks the centre. When you are standing by the tree, go east again until you reach an inn. Try and sense out Jiraiya there, but be careful. We want people to think that we are innocent weary travellers. Nothing more. And there will be shinobi present. We’ll need to be convincing, and we’ll need to move fast. Jiraiya is expecting us in 28 and a half hours. Forget what he said about being ready to train. He’ll understand our current predicament and I want you to rest first. Understood?” Kakashi asked sternly.

Naruto gave a short nod.

“Kakashi… before you rest. I want to tell you something.” Naruto said as he looked to the ground. “About our fight..” He ignored Kakashi’s groan. “I was angry with you, as your boyfriend. But you were acting like my sensei, so I couldn’t yell at my boyfriend. It was confusing and frustrating and it caused me to run off. I want to apologize because I realize now that you were right to scold me as my superior. I took it badly because it’s difficult for me to switch between being your lover and being your student. I’m not used to having a conflict with either of your positions, and I didn’t know what to do. Because of that, I ran into those two Akatsuki members, Hidan and Deidara.

Kakashi heard how emotion was straining the young man’s voice. Kakashi chose not to say anything of it.

“Naruto, it’s okay. It’s understandable that our ‘special arrangement’ requires some time to get used to.” He replied seriously. “It’s hard for me as well to switch between being your lover and being your sensei. I try to be both at the same time somehow, but I can’t when I need to correct you in things.” Naruto looked at him. “I’d be too soft on you.” He added silently.

Naruto gave him a weak smile.

“It’s very likely that we will encounter such a conflict again, and in all honesty, I’d rather have you yell at me then, instead of running off. If you are yelling at me, I will know that you’re yelling at me as my  boyfriend. I know you wouldn’t disrespect your teachers on purpose… except for the occasional name calling.” He added with a wink.

Naruto’s smile grew bigger. “It’s a deal.” He said sounding relieved.

“I’m sorry our situation is causing you difficulties though Naruto.”

“It’s more than worth it Kakashi-sensei…” Naruto replied sincerely. “And besides, sometimes, it sorta has something… a little twisted… you know? That you’re my sensei? In a good way I mean…” The young man said as a blush of shame crept up his face.

“And they call me a pervert.” He replied with a smirk, humoured by the young man’s embarrassment.

“I think we’re both a little perverted, -sensei-” He said with a smile stressing the last word.

Kakashi was happy his mask covered up his blush. “Now then, as your sensei, I’m going to have to tell you to start getting a move on. So hand me the backpacks, lift me onto your sexy back, and get going!” He encouraged the young man. Naruto’s laugh was like music to his ears. 

Naruto’s leg seemed to take a little dive as he helped Kakashi onto his back, but he regained composure rather quickly. However, when Kakashi’s weight rested onto his wounded shoulder, he couldn’t push back a scowl and a groan. After thoroughly scolding Kakashi for weighting so much, Naruto was ready to continue their journey.