Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kurenai had come to find there were many unexplained things in the world. Things that no matter how hard she tried, she could not understand.

Like how she may never know why it is that boys act and think the way they do. Or why no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t do a French braid quite like her mother. Or how despite all their advances as a society, cockroaches still existed. There were just some things that she couldn’t figure out.

But out of all of them, none made her more curious (and frustrated) than the mystery that was Genma. 

Specifically Genma in relation to his supposed immunity to a certain prodigy.

It just doesn’t make sense.

Since that first occurrence when Genma helped Kakashi with his coat there had been several instances in which Genma had somehow managed to break through Kakashi's proud prickly exterior enough to actually provide him help or advice. Enough so that practically the whole class officially no longer doubted their previous claims of Genma’s fearless acts of success.(Which honestly shame on them for ever doubting them in the first place but whatever). In fairness to the rest of their class, Genma hadn’t exactly backed them up, the smug jerk. 

Anytime anyone tried to ask him about it he’d just shake his head and smile knowingly. Like an ass.

That being said, a few of their classmates had even started labeling the strange phenomenon, calling it the “Genma Effect”. The event in which Kakashi would be completely and entirely opposed to any help or suggestion right up until Genma entered the equation. 

Honestly it was kinda freaky just how differently Kakashi’s behavior would turn. One second he’d be threatening to take the head off of anyone who dared come within a hundred feet of him, then Genma would show up and suddenly he’s just your typically fussy little kid.

None of them understood it and all of them were jealous.

It just wasn’t fair Genma was able to go around making it look so effortless. Kakashi was The Baby, all of them wanted to be able to support the difficult little Hatake. They had all made a silent pack to do just that the moment they saw the actual toddler stumble into their classroom declaring he was going to be a shinobi. The kid was barely old enough to read and already in the graduating class, he needed all the support he could get whether he realized it or not.

So that being said, when Kurenai spotted the young prodigy hanging around the park outside the school, she didn’t hesitate to approach him. After all, Kakashi is her friend too. Anything Genma could do she could too.

“Rin, look” Kurenai said, gently slapping her friend's arm. They had plans to study back at her house so they had been walking together. Rin sent her a mildly annoyed look but followed her gaze to where Kakashi was sitting on the curb outside the playground. He didn’t seem to notice them.

“Oh, I thought he went home.” Rin commented, now also curiously eyeing their youngest classmate. He didn’t look to be doing anything, just staring off into space with his school bag resting by his feet. “Is…he ok?” Rin posed a fair question. Kakashi never stuck around school after the final bell. Typically his dad was already waiting by the front gates ready to swoop him onto his shoulders before their final class even let out. 

Where is his dad anyway? Kurenai thought somewhat belatedly as she only just realized she couldn’t see the man anywhere in the vicinity. 

It wasn’t like Sakumo to be late for anything involving Kakashi. Kurenai didn’t know a lot about the legendary Shinobi aside from what she’s heard from her dad, but anyone with eyes could see how much he loved his son.

“I’m gonna go talk to him.” Kurenai abruptly declared with more confidence than she felt and Rin gave her an incredulous look that was maybe deserved but still rude.

“Are you sure that’s the best idea? He might just want to be left alone.” Rin made an excellent point, Kakashi often wanted that, but Kurenai was not deterred. Genma wouldn’t have been so why should she? At least that’s what she told herself as she walked up to her younger classmate, silently praying he was unarmed just in case. 

If he noticed her approach -which he always did- he didn’t react, just continuing to stare at what she now saw was an open book in his lap. At first she thought he was reading it but when he continued not to turn the page a full minute later she amended that thought. Kakashi read slow but not that slow. Despite Rin’s protests, she still ended up following along. It seemed her concern for Kakashi outweighed her fear of him going off on them.

“Hey, Kakashi-kun,” Kurenai started and the Hatake barely glanced up at her for a second. At least she thought he looked at her. It was hard to tell since his bangs fell into his face. Can he even actually read with all that hair in his eyes? “What’re doing?” She asked, getting straight to the point. Kakashi seemed uninterested in conversation, merely giving a little huff. Another couple seconds passed before he looked back up at her, seeming annoyed to find her still there.

“I’m waiting for someone.” He replied simply, turning the page in his book. She could now see it was a textbook of some kind.

“Who are you waiting for?” Rin asked apparently over her previous apprehension of overstepping. Kakashi raised his head again and this time Kurenai noticed the way his posture seemed to droop with fatigue. Kakashi didn’t answer at first, just huffing again and lifting an absent hand to brush his bangs out of his face. Well at least that’s what he attempted to do. It was largely ineffective. It was enough however for Kurenai to see the circles that were under his eyes, prominent even with the mask. He looks exhausted. Kurenai noted, more than a little troubled.

“My dad.” Kakashi explained shortly, an answer Kurenai could have probably guessed. Kurenai opened her mouth to offer and wait with him when she was struck with a sudden memory of something she overheard her father say. Wait a second…

“Isn’t your dad out on a mission?” Kurenai questioned, suddenly remembering having overheard her father say as much the night before. Kakashi for his part just bristled slightly, his little fists tightening around his book.

“He’s coming back today and he promised he would pick me up.” Kakashi sounded much more defensive that time and Kurenai felt she had probably said the wrong thing. She quickly tried to placate him. 

“I’m sure he’s on his way.” Kurenai attempted to assure in hasty agreement. The last thing she wanted to do was suggest Sakumo was somehow a liar. But still. How long is he planning to wait here? “But wouldn’t you be more comfortable waiting for him inside or-“ Kakashi abruptly cut her off before she could suggest another more agreeable alternative. 

“I’m waiting here for him.” He spoke firmly with a finality that he would not be swayed. The fact he was obviously dead tired seemed to not matter to him in the least. “Just leave me alone.” He ordered gruffly, trying to ignore them once more as he pretended to read. Kurenai tried to share a look with Rin and ask for some help only to find her already frowning at the dark circles under Kakashi’s eyes with palpable concern.

“Kakashi, maybe you should-“ Rin started to gently suggest something only to stop short when a fourth voice interrupted, nearly giving Kurenai a heart attack.

“What’re you guys doing?”

No way. Kurenai spun around to face the voice so fast she was slightly dizzy, but sure enough, it was exactly who she thought it was. 

“ Genma ? What are you doing here?” Kurenai couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice if she tried. Genma had gone home before her. She had watched him. Yet the second they start failing at talking to Kakashi he suddenly appears? It’s like we summoned him. Genma for his part just raised an unimpressed brow at her.

“I forgot my bag and had to come back for it.” Genma explained easily and Kurenai briefly questioned if she really had somehow summoned him. His timing was just too convenient. “I saw you and Rin were still here and wondered why.” He gave yet another plausible excuse. He then finally seemed to notice the Hatake sitting on the curb still dedicatedly ignoring them all. 

“We were just talking with Kakashi.” Rin answered Genma’s previous question after a few seconds of somewhat awkward silence. ‘Talking with’ is a bit of a generous take. Kurenai thought, as it was more ‘talking at’ than anything. Genma glanced at her briefly in acknowledgment before fully focusing back on Kakashi.

Then, without so much as a hello, Genma proceeded to take a seat on the grass directly next to him, his arm brushing against Kakashi’s leg as he flopped down. Kakashi made a small grumble of protest, scooting an inch or two away but not doing much else. Had Asuma just done that same thing he likely would have been stabbed with whatever sharp object was closest. Had Kurenai herself done it, he would have gotten up and moved at best, and verbally destroyed her at worst. But from Genma it was merely silently tolerated with mild irritation.

Not. Fair.

As if to rub it in, Genma proceeded to lean around to peek at Kakashi’s book, just barely not touching him. 

“Whatcha reading?” Genma asked conversationally, as if this was all very normal and Kurenai and Rin weren’t even there. Kakashi sent him a look of annoyance but to Kurenai’s surprise did actually answer.

“‘The Laws of Chakra Nature Volume II’” Kakashi recited, voice more of a grumpy huff than anything. Genma just took the answer with a hum, carefully scanning Kakashi. She could see the moment that Genma noticed the same worrying dark eyes and tired shoulders that they had. She also saw when his face seemed to set into one distinctly more determined. Well that can’t be good. Kurenai thought as she watched Genma, concerned about what he was planning. They were still close enough to be caught in the crossfire after all.

“You know the grass is more comfortable than the curb.” Genma pointed out seemingly randomly and Kakashi didn’t so much as glance up. “I mean if you’re going to wait out here anyway.” Genma continued, that time earning a definitely annoyed grunt in acknowledgement. 

What is he talking about? Kurenai couldn’t help but feel a bit confused about what point Genma was trying to make here or how it could help Kakashi. Not that she was doing anything about it. No, at this point her and Rin had become nothing more than an audience to the bizarre phenomenon occurring, unable to look away even if they wanted to. Genma however just pressed on. 

“Really it makes more sense. The curb is cold and hard cement, the grass is clearly much better. I-”

“If I sit on the stupid grass will you leave me alone?” Kakashi snapped, slamming his book shut as he sent Genma the meanest glare he could. Genma merely smiled in response, completely unaffected.

“Absolutely.” 

At Genma’s confirmation, Kakashi gave a deep, aggravated sigh as he slid down into the grass next to Genma. Once he was re-situated, he slowly opened his book back up, sending Genma distrustful eyes all the while. Genma just smiled pleasantly at him, not saying another word. When it looked like Genma had actually meant what he said, Kakashi returned his attention fully back to the book he was pretending to read. And for a moment they were all silent. Is he actually backing off? Kurenai wondered, absently questioning just how long was too long for her and Rin to stare at them.

“So Kurenai what’re you planning to do over the weekend?” Genma asked completely out of nowhere. Kurenai understandably jumped, sending him a look that was more than a little judgey. She shared a quick look with Rin to see if she was as confused as she was. Yeah she doesn’t get it either.

“Uh, nothing really” Kurenai answered when Genma continued to stare at her expectantly. Genma accepted her answer with a nod before turning to Rin.

“What about you?” Rin didn’t respond right away, instead looking between Genma and Kakashi and back again, clearly trying to decipher the situation. 

“I was going to go hiking with some of my siblings?” Rin asked more than answered, having apparently given up on figuring it out and that seemed to be about enough for Kakashi.

“You said you would leave.” Kakashi reminded pointedly, scowling at Genma from where he was still sat next to him. Genma just smirked, a cocky mischief in the expression.

“I never said I would leave.” Genma corrected, continuing when Kakashi instantly opened his mouth to protest. “I said I would leave you alone. Which I am.” He finished, giving a loose shrug that still seemed smug somehow. Kakashi openly gaped at him for that particular answer but seemed unable to think of a comeback since Genma was technically right. Wow. I didn’t know Kakashi could be speechless. Kurenai thought as she watched Kakashi angrily give up on Genma and return to his book, but with distinctly more attitude. Genma as always was unbothered as he looked back at Kurenai. 

“Why don’t you two sit down?” He invited, patting the spot on the grass next to him. Kurenai stared at it in fascination. What is this play exactly? Because there was no mistake, there was a play at hand. The ‘go with it’ look Genma was sending her made that very clear. Kurenai just had no idea what it was. But she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t insanely curious so after only another second, she took a seat next to Genma. Besides, helping Genma help Kakashi was still helping Kakashi.

“Rin?” Genma prompted when said younger girl didn’t immediately follow. She was a bit more hesitant than Kurenai, glancing at Kakashi -who seemed to be going back to acting like they weren’t there- before slowly sitting down as well. 

“Did you two decide what to do for your history projects yet?” Genma asked and while Rin sent them both a look that said just how odd she thought this all was, she seemed just as interested in what Genma was doing as she was. So with nothing better to do, they began talking about their history homework. 

They proceeded to talk about school and weekend plans for the next ten minutes, Genma never once looking back at Kakashi. Rin and Kurenai on the other hand had a fully unobstructed view of the Hatake and watched as he grew more fatigued. He had begun repeatedly yawning and his head had started dipping down every few seconds before he would jerk up and shake his head clear as if trying to banish the sleep from his mind. 

Kurenai wanted to say or do something about it, the kid was obviously overtired, but Genma wasn’t addressing it so she held off. This went on for another few minutes before Kakashi’s body seemed to have had enough and his head ever so slowly dropped onto Genma’s shoulder. 

Somehow Genma refrained from reacting. 

Rin and Kurenai did not share that same restraint.

“Genma he-” Kurenai started to tell him Kakashi had fallen asleep only for Genma to shush her, raising a finger to his lips and giving a gentle shake of his head. 

“Just keep talking about school.” He ordered, despite the fact he had just stopped her from speaking. She scrunched her brows together, unsatisfied with Genma’s explaining skills, but still did as asked as she and Rin continued complaining about their teachers and different assignments. 

Before long, Kakashi had started leaning more and more onto Genma until he eventually slipped off altogether. At least he would have had Genma not caught his head. Seeing this, Rin promptly cut off her story about Ayumi-san, instead opting to stare as Genma expertly managed to maneuver Kakashi’s head onto his lap so he was more laying down without waking him.

“He actually fell asleep?” Rin questioned, sounding amazed which Kurenai thought was fair. She had quite literally never seen Kakashi sleep. Genma just nodded in confirmation as he picked Kakashi’s book up off the ground, saving the page before setting it to the side.

“He was exhausted.” Genma explained easily, moving a hand to rest in Kakashi’s hair. An action Kurenai would have bet her entire allowance would wake Kakashi. A bet she would have lost since Kakashi did nothing but sigh and readjust to be more comfortable. “He usually takes a nap after school.” Genma revealed, saying it as if it was common knowledge. “He must have skipped it since he wanted to wait for his dad.”

“How do you know that?” Kurenai couldn’t help but ask, keeping her voice low so she wouldn’t wake their still sleeping youngest. Genma just raised a brow at her incredulously. As if she was the odd one out in this situation.

“He’s like four, Kurenai.” He deadpanned which rude no need for the attitude. “Of course he needs a little extra rest.”

“Yeah, but I just can’t believe he actually fell asleep out here.” Rin voiced, peering around Kurenai so she could better see the Hatake. Genma didn’t give an answer for that, instead just shrugging.

“Do you think his dad is really coming?” Kurenai questioned as there was still the problem of why Kakashi didn’t want to leave in the first place.

“Don’t know.” Genma answered honestly which was not very helpful. “We’ll stick around another hour and if he’s not here we’ll just take Kakashi home ourselves.” Genma reasoned which was a good enough plan for Kurenai. She didn’t mind sticking around, she had set out to help Kakashi, regardless of how much she actually did, so she wasn’t going to quit now. Rin must have agreed because she also noticeably stayed seated. 

Thankfully they didn’t have to wait long as less than 20 minutes later, one Hatake Sakumo came running into the park. It was slightly jarring to see the legendary shinobi looking so…normal. Well like a normal parent who was very late for picking up their child. The man was breathing slightly heavy, obviously having run a while, face visibly concerned as he caught sight of Kakashi laying in the grass.

“Is he alright?” Sakumo questioned, kneeling down in front of Genma so he could gently push the hair out of his son's face. Kakashi didn’t react beyond slightly leaning into the touch.

“He’s just tired.” Genma assured when Kurenai and Rin just continued to stare, mesmerized by the sight of one of the most dangerous shinobi currently alive actually appearing sheepish. Kurenai’s mother would have scolded her for it, saying it was rude but she couldn't bring herself to stop.

“Things went later than planned.” Sakumo vaguely explained, gesturing for Genma to move his arm out of the way, which the boy did so readily. “If I had known I’d be so late, I would have told him to just wait for me at home.” He finished, gently scooping Kakashi up into his arms. That finally seemed to wake him as Kakshi slit his eyes open in confusion. The confusion disappeared quickly the moment he processed who was holding him.

“Dad…?” Kakashi asked softly, clearly still half asleep. It was freaking adorable. Sakumo just gave him a loving smile as he nodded.

“Yes. Go back to sleep, I’ll carry you home.” Sakumo both assured and instructed, readjusting his hold to one arm so Kakshi was more comfortable. Kakashi didn’t so much as grumble as he nodded and turned his face into Sakumo’s chest. So cute. Kurenai silently gushed as Genma stood to his feet.

“Here. This is his.” Genma explained, handing Kakashi’s book over. Sakumo just dipped his head in thanks as he accepted it. Kurenai flinched when he then fixed his gaze back over at them.

“Did you all wait with him?” Sakumo directed at them as a whole and Rin seemed to snap out of her previous daze to answer. 

“Y-yes Sir.” She rushed out nervously and Sakumo just gave them a small smile. 

“Thank you.” He expressed sincerely, taking them off guard. “I know how stubborn Kakashi can be, so I appreciate you all being so good to him.” He continued and Kurenai found his phrasing didn’t sit well with her. As if they were doing Kakashi a favor by being nice to him.

“He’s our friend.” She stated firmly, taking it upon herself to speak for the three of them. While she didn’t ask, she knew they felt the same.

“Yeah, we like spending time with him.” Rin added on and while Genma didn’t say anything, he still nodded his agreement. Sakumo’s expression softened slightly at that though Kurenai wasn’t exactly sure why. She wasn’t able to ask either as the man just huffed lightly.

“I have to get this one home, but it was nice to meet you all.” Sakumo dismissed and Kurenai didn’t bother pointing out none of them had actually told him their names. She had a feeling he knew what they were anyway. With that the legendary White Fang left, Kakashi gently carried in one arm and his book in the other. 

They watched the duo walk away and out of sight for another few minutes before one of them spoke again. 

“I’m hungry.” Genma abruptly announced, earning matching stares from both Kurenai and Rin. “You guys want to go get something to eat?” He offered and Kurenai resisted the urge to face palm. Of course Genma was still unphased. She aspired to one day be as completely unbothered by everything as he was. It seemed like a much more relaxing life. 

“Sure!” Rin agreed happily, standing up herself as she brushed the dust from her legs. Once she had finished, she promptly offered a hand to Kurenai, smiling brightly. Kurenai just stared at it for a second before sighing resigned.

“Yeah, ok” She agreed, taking Rin’s hand and allowing her to pull her up. Honestly as jealous as she still was, they had all gotten more or less used to seeing Genma work his witchcraft. She was just going to have to accept that life was unfair and Genma was it’s favorite.

Still… Kurenai mused as she carefully fell in step with her friends and they discussed where to go. I think I’m making progress. Asuma would have said she was delusional but she didn’t care.

She would learn Genma’s secrets and make Kakashi accept her help just as well eventually. 

But for now it seemed they’d all have to rely on Genma a while longer.

Chapter Text

This is stupid. 

That was the main thing Obito was thinking as he checked in his third bush of the day for his tiny-yet-somehow-huge-pain in the ass of a teammate. Unsurprisingly he was not there.

“I don’t think Kakashi would hide somewhere as obvious as a bush, Obito.” Genma -who was unfortunately his search buddy for the day- commented from where he had just finished checking the alley. As if that was so much more likely. 

“Why are you even here?” Obito snapped, turning to fix the older boy with a glare. “He’s not even your teammate.” 

“He’s still my comrade and my friend.” Genma argued though Obito silently disagreed. Kakashi doesn’t do friends. He barely did comrades. And that was only when Sensei made him. “Besides, Minato-Sensei asked us all to help.” The second Kakashi had disappeared from his hospital room, Minato had called just about every Genin(or in some cases Chunin) not on assignment to come search. Obito didn’t get why. It wasn’t like Kakashi was hurt. Not really anyway. It was just his tonsils. Kakashi didn’t have anything but a sore throat.

“I can’t believe him.” Obito huffed for what was not the first time in the hour they’d been searching. “He follows the rules to an annoying level with literally everything else.” Obito was aware he was ranting but he felt he had a right to considering the fact Kakashi had him out here looking for him blindly in 90+ degree temperatures. With Genma of all people. Minato practically ordered Kakashi to stay put and this is when he decides not to listen?

“You do realize this might have been easier had you not made fun of him so much last time?” Last time. Because this was in fact not the first time Kakashi had done this. In fact this wasn’t even the first time he’d done it in the last year. And I thought I didn’t like going to the doctor.  

“He’s a ninkin handler that was done in by ninkin.” Obito reminded as the first time this happened the hospital had just followed the general procedure. Which was apparently to have the ninkin in training sniff out the escapee for practice. “How is that not hilarious?” It wasn’t Obito’s fault they found him. He couldn’t help that the face Kakashi had made when he realized what had found him was the funniest thing he’d ever seen in his entire life. Genma was just allergic to humor.

“We don’t have time for this.” Genma interrupted Obito’s both verbal and silent venting. “Kakashi’s supposed to have surgery in less than two hours.” Of course, he can’t forget their ever approaching deadline. If Kakashi missed this surgery, he would have to wait until tomorrow and if that happened Minato would probably have a conniption. 

“Well where do you suggest we look then?” Obito taunted any small amount of patience he had very quickly waning. He was aware he was being a bit shorter than he normally was but he didn’t really care. He had never particularly gotten along well with the older boy. Genma was just so annoyingly nonchalant about everything. It drove him insane. For a minute Genma didn’t respond. That’s what I thought. 

“Look let’s just go back and-“ Obito started to suggest but didn’t get far before he was rudely interrupted.

“Shut up,”

“Hey, I’m not the one who-!“

“Obito,” Genma hissed, punctuating it by smacking him in the arm. “Shut up, and look.” Obito sent him a nasty glare but still followed Genma’s hand and saw he was pointing at…

“Congratulations.” Obito deadpanned, not at all impressed by what Genma had deemed important enough to cut him off. Twice. “You found a dog.” Sure enough, the older boy was pointing at a dog across the street. The dog was medium sized and a light fluffy brown. He appeared to have stopped in the middle of the road and was now staring at Genma with a small tilt of his head. It was admittedly cute but it was hardly the puppy they had been sent to find.

“First of all, it’s a ninkin.” Genma corrected, with a glare as Obito just rolled his eyes. Same difference. “And second, look at what it’s wearing.” Genma pressed, pointing again and Obito gave an annoyed huff but still looked. The dog did indeed have something on, a little blue vest to be specific. Which while dogs in clothes was funny, it wasn’t all that special.

“What does that have to do with-“

“Look at the design on the back.” Genma spoke again -though much more exasperated- before Obito could finish his complaint. Obito did as instructed and saw a tiny Henohenomoheji carefully stitched onto the back in white. I’ve seen that before. He realized and judging from Genma’s expression he had too. “Kakashi made one of those vests for each of his summons.” Now that Genma mentioned it, Obito did remember talking about something like that. Specifically he remembered laughing when Kakashi had admitted he’d made the vests himself. It had just been so uncharacteristically cute for the human personification of the Shinobi Handbook. 

“But that doesn’t look like Pakkun.” Obito pointed out as that had been the only dog Kakashi had ever brought to training. Pakkun was a grumpy little pug, something this dog was decidedly not. Genma was undeterred though as he slowly started moving towards the ninkin, though not before sending Obito a flat look.

“You do know he has more than one, right?” He phrased the question in a way that made Obito feel stupid. He was quick to defend himself.

“I know that!” He snapped but still fell into step with Genma. The dog of course noticed their approach, wagging its tail twice before slowly jogging away.

“C’mon,” Genma urged, increasing his pace as he followed after it. “If Kakashi summoned him then he’s gotta be nearby.” I guess that makes sense. Obito mentally conceded though he wasn’t going to say it out loud. He wasn’t about to give Genma the satisfaction of being right.

They proceeded to follow the ninkin for several blocks, keeping a safe distance should they be spotted. Though to be honest, Obito had the feeling the dog was leading them more than they were tracking it. Eventually, after taking them a good ways from general civilization, the dog went off the path, trotting down a hill towards what sounded like a river. We’re close to the Hatake Estate. Obito absently noted as he and Genma paused briefly to share a speaking look before quietly following. 

They carefully came around the corner and sure enough, they watched as the ninkin they’d followed jogged to join at least 6 others where they sat gathered under a tree. A quick look up allowed Obito to just barely make out the silhouette of one Hatake Kakashi through the leaves. At least he was pretty sure no other small child would be up a tree in hospital scrubs.

Obito moved to go up and tell him what exactly he thought about the impromptu nature hike he was just forced to go on only for Genma to snag him by the arm.

“Wait,” Genma spoke with a whisper, as if Kakashi could hear them from this far away, and Obito stared at him with a dirty look. “If you go over there all hot headed you’re just gonna scare him off.” Genma predicted and Obito would have protested had Kakashi not done that very thing several times before. This was the same kid who learned how to make Shadow Clones at age 4 and had readily abused that power ever since. “Let’s walk over there calmly and let me do the talking, ok?”

“What makes you think he’ll listen to you ?” Obito shot back as the only person he’s ever seen Kakashi listen to was Minato and the Hokage himself. And look how well that turned out. Sure, he had heard the rumors of Genma managing to succeed where seemingly everyone else failed but he wasn’t naive enough to actually believe that. They may have been able to convince Rin but Obito knew better. His classmates didn’t know Kakashi like he did. 

“We should just call Minato-Sensei and let him deal with it.” Minato was probably one of the only people fast enough to actually grab the kid before he could shunshin away. Obito wasn’t about to spend another hour searching in the sun for someone the size of a toddler and quieter than a cat. Genma however was not swayed as he just looked back at him with determination.

“Just trust me, alright? If it doesn’t work, then we can call Sensei.” He bargained and while Obito still didn’t see the point, he reluctantly agreed. If nothing else, when it failed he would finally have the evidence to call Asuma, Raidou, and Kurenai on their bullcrap story. 

“Fine.” He huffed and Genma seemed satisfied enough by his agreement, giving a brief half smile. “But for the record I don’t think this will work.” If this ended with Kakashi using the body flicker to go who-knows-where then he was fully prepared to place any and all blame on Genma. As far as Obito was concerned, he had done his job already. Sensei had said find Kakashi, and they found Kakashi. No other work necessary.

Despite his complaints, Obito still followed as Genma slowly walked over to the cluster of canines. A few of them lifted their heads to stare but none of them made so much as a bark as they continued to stay laying down. Not much for guard dogs huh? Obito thought as he eyed the dog with a mohawk that didn’t even bother waking up. And these were the dogs Kakashi claimed were Chunin level? Yeah, right

Even without any noise to alert him, Kakashi still spotted them when they were about six feet away from his hiding place. They did not risk coming closer than that. Just because the dogs didn’t seem bothered by their presence now didn’t mean that wouldn’t change should they get too close. Obito was admittedly satisfied that Kakashi looked surprised to see them. Any day he got one over on Kakashi was a good day. 

“How did you-“ Kakashi started but pretty much instantly broke off to direct his ire towards the fluffy brown dog they had followed. “ Traitor.” He hissed down at the dog who seemed entirely unrepentant. Obito couldn’t stop the small wince of sympathy that came to his face at just how truly awful Kakashi’s voice sounded. That has to hurt. 

Now that he was closer, he could also see that Kakashi was holding Pakkun close to his chest, bringing the ninkin count up to an even 8. I never knew he had so many. Obito thought as he stared at the Bulldog that looked big enough to eat him. As if in response to his thoughts the dog stared at him in a way he did not like…Obito subtly took a small cautionary step closer to Genma just in case.

“Hey, Kakashi-kun,” Genma greeted causally, giving a two fingered wave up at the silver haired Shinobi. He got nothing but a scathing glare in return but he didn’t seem offended by it. Obito would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious what the elders' plan for getting Kakashi down was. “You ok?” Clearly he doesn’t have one. Obito immediately decided as had he made a list of things one should not say to Kakashi, that probably would’ve been at the top. 

One does not simply ask if Kakashi is alright. As if he would ever need someone else’s help, especially someone he deemed ‘beneath him’. Predictably Kakashi only hardened his stare as he hunched further in on himself, Pakkun held protectively in front of him. 

“I’m fine.” Kakashi answered stiffly, voice crackling all the while. Obito’s throat hurt just hearing it. “So you can go now.” The statement was a blatant dismissal. Clearly Kakashi was trying to get rid of them as fast as possible. Shocker. Who could have possibly predicted such a thing? Oh wait

“Actually we can’t. We’re here to bring you back for your surgery.” Obito took back what he said before. That was the top of the list of things not to say to Kakashi. What is he doing? Obito could do nothing but stare at the side of Genma’s head in pure bafflement of his stupidity. 

“I don’t need surgery.” Kakashi denied immediately and Obito actually felt a little bad at the genuine distress that seemed to lace his voice. Is he…scared? Obito thought confused as he had just been under the impression that Kakashi simply disliked the hospital. Last he checked Kakashi ‘wasn’t scared of anything’ per his own words. “Leave me alone.” Well can’t say we didn’t try. 

“I told you it wouldn’t work.” Obito huffed in a whisper but Genma didn’t pay him any mind. “We should call Sensei.” While we can still see him. If Kakashi decided he was done with this chat they were all screwed. Sick or not, Kakashi could get away from them and all three of them knew it. And that was without having eight highly trained ninkin at his beck and call.

“Kakashi, you know that’s not true.” Genma completely ignored Obito’s very reasonable suggestion and instead continued to tempt fate. “This is the 6th time you’ve had strep in the last year. At this point, your tonsils could rupture and then you would need a hospital for even longer.” Genma attempted to reason but reason had never really worked on Kakashi. At least that’s what Obito had thought.

“…I don’t care.” Kakashi mumbled that time and Obito stared in shock at him for it. Kakashi didn’t mumble. He only ever spoke in clear full sentences, using words only a dictionary would have. Something Obito was 99% certain he only did to try and sound more mature. Genma was much less surprised as he just pressed on.

“You know Minato-Sensei isn’t gonna let anyone hurt you.” He tried to assure, continuing when Kakashi just shook his head. “You also know he’s not going to let you do so much as a D-Rank until you do this.” That finally seemed to break through Kakashi’s stubborn haze as he actually seemed to consider what was being said. Threatening Kakashi’s job as a shinobi was more effective than threatening his life. It was probably something they should address at some point.

“They want to use anesthesia.” He gave after another minute of silence. Genma took it with little more than a conceding nod.

“It’s an operation, Kakashi. They can’t exactly keep you awake.” Kakashi didn’t seem at all comforted by Genma’s logic. Genma seemed to catch on to this fact because he sighed deeply before he tried again. “Look, if you come back with us now, I can promise that we won’t leave the hospital until you're safe and sound out of surgery.” Obito wanted to be annoyed that Genma was making promises on his behalf without consulting him, but the truth of the matter was Obito had already planned on staying until after Kakashi’s surgery. He was a huge jerk but he was still his teammate. Plus as much as he didn’t act like it, Kakashi was still a little kid as well as the baby of their class. 

“They’re just going to remove your tonsils. That’s it.” Genma finished and Kakashi was silent. Obito had already resigned himself to the fact that that was probably clone-Kakashi and the real Kakashi had already run for the hills and was mocking their efforts from a safe distance. 

“…Promise?”

I’m sorry, What? 

Obito stared utterly shocked up at the Hatake as his mind completely crashed. What the fu-

“I promise.” Genma reiterated, cutting off Obito’s inner crisis at The Hatake Kakashi sounding like an actual human child. Then as if to further shatter his world view, Kakashi delicately readjusted Pakkun in his arms before expertly jumping down. He came down. Obito could not believe what his eyes were telling his brain he was seeing. He actually came down. And nobody had even had to drag him kicking and screaming. 

Kakashi still stood stiff and guarded as he gently set Pakkun onto the ground to join the others, not yet stepping out of the circle of ninkin. Kakashi’s glaring eyes still screamed his superiority at them but this time Obito was able to see what was underneath. 

Holy crap. He’s actually scared. 

Obito was pretty sure his mental stability was actively collapsing. Who was this kid? Cause it definitely wasn’t the Kakashi he knew. Genma however just smiled kindly, recklessly stepping closer to close the gap between Kakashi and himself. 

“Thank you.” Genma expressed sincerely and Kakashi just averted his eyes. Genma for his part just calmly took a visual stock of Kakashi’s wellbeing. He didn’t appear to have gained any new injuries which was good. His hospital scrubs were filthy and he’d definitely need new ones before his operation and the disposable mask he was wearing was a size too big but other than that he was fine. 

Well I guess he’s at least not stupid enough to make himself worse. Obito found his eyes landing on Kakashi’s feet and slightly amended that.

“Where are your shoes?” Obito demanded, pointing down at Kakashi's socked feet. At least they were probably socks at one point. At the moment they were just vaguely blue muddy pieces of cloth stuck to his feet. Both Genma and Kakashi looked down in sync, the latter as if only just remembering he was in fact not wearing shoes.

“Couldn’t find them.” Kakashi gave in defense, shrugging his shoulders in an act of indifference but was actually just to hide his growing discomfort. The wince he made at speaking somewhat deluded the effect. Obito personally found that answer to be bull. 

“What do you mean you couldn’t- Oh” Obito abruptly cut off his own response as he remembered what had happened shortly before Kakashi’s disappearance. After he had been admitted, Minato had had all his clothes -and shoes- put away outside of Kakashi’s room in hopes of preventing an escape. A clearly wasted effort. Kakashi for his part just looked annoyed by Obito’s unfinished thought.

“What do you mean ‘Oh’-?”

“You can’t walk back without shoes.” Genma interrupted before Kakashi could get too carried away with that train of thought. Which was probably for the best since it would likely only agitate him to know Minato had had no faith that Kakashi would follow instructions to stay put. No matter how warranted said distrust was. Genma then turned around and kneeled and as he once again did something truly insane in only so short an amount of time. 

“Here, get on.”

He offered Kakashi a piggyback ride.

As if he didn’t know what fear was, he just exposed his back to Hatake ‘known to bite’ Kakashi and told him to get on without a care in the world. 

Obito was certain this time Kakashi was going to snap and make them regret having ever known him. He always knew this would be how he died, taken out by 8-year-old fury. 

“No.” Kakashi refused point blank, looking greatly put out by the mere suggestion. A slight under reaction from what Obito was expecting to be honest. Genma just shrugged, completely indifferent.

“Ok, if you’d rather Obito do it then that’s-“

“No!”

“No!”

That particularly outrageous suggestion earned a protest from both of them, Kakashi’s being especially emphasized. An emphasis he was punished for using as it promptly sent him into an extremely painful sounding coughing fit.

“Would you stop talking already?” Obito grumbled, equal parts annoyed and concerned for his teammate. Kakashi for his part just sent him a watery eyed glare as he fought to regain control of his lungs. 

Kakashi didn’t have to worry about Obito trying something like that anyway. As if he was stupid enough to ever try that with Kakashi. He’d more or less be handing his back over for stabbing. Genma may have no self preservation but Obito liked to believe he still did. Genma however still kept that infuriatingly unbothered expression on his face. 

“Then get on my back.” Genma repeated once Kakashi had stopped attempting to hack up a lung. “Because one of us is carrying you.” Obito almost gawked at Genma’s pure nerve. He was all but ordering Kakashi around, something Kakashi didn’t take kindly to. 

“I can walk by myself.” Kakashi argued voice somehow sounding worse. By the First Kakashi, please stop talking. Genma didn’t dignify that with a verbal response, instead just wiggling his fingers from behind his back expectantly. 

For a moment Kakashi did nothing but glare at the offending hands.

And then, just when Obito was about to give up and call Sensei, Kakashi very slowly climbed onto Genma’s back. He actually did it. Obito couldn’t help but be amazed as he watched Genma calmly loop his arms beneath Kakashi’s knees and stand up. 

Then without any further discussion, Genma bounced Kakashi up once to strengthen his grip before beginning to walk back to the hospital, pausing for only a second for Kakashi to dismiss his summons. Obito lagged behind a second longer before following.

Genma is carrying Kakashi. Obito wasn’t even watching where he was walking as he unabashedly stared at Kakashi. Kakashi who was honest to kami pouting from Genma’s back. I can’t believe any of that worked. How did he- Obito broke off that particular question as he was harshly struck with another realization. 

I owe Asuma so much money.

They managed to make it back to the hospital with a little less than an hour until Kakashi was meant to go into surgery. How Obito wasn’t sure but he wasn’t about to question it. 

The moment they entered the hospital doors, there was a visible change in Kakashi’s posture. Where he had been mildly grumpy he was now noticeably antsy and very tense. Something Obito hadn’t noticed before but seemed painfully obvious now. Genma didn’t draw attention to it, instead just gently setting Kakashi onto the ground.

“Do you know where Minato-Sensei is?” Genma directed the question at Obito and he just shrugged. 

“He was looking for Kakashi.” Like the rest of us. “I radioed that we found him but-” Obito had started to say he had no idea, but it turned out not to be necessary. 

“Kakashi!” 

As if summoned by their conversation, Minato’s call sounded across the room, causing the three of them to turn towards it. Sure enough, they could see Minato quickly making his way down the hall and towards them. Upon reaching them, Minato promptly kneeled in front of Kakashi to begin forcibly checking him over. 

“Are you ok?” Minato asked stressfully, not pausing his examination as Kakashi simply stood there, resigned to letting the man do as he wished. They had all come to learn it was faster not to argue with Sensei when it came to their safety or wellbeing.

“I’m fine.” Kakashi replied simply, voice still quiet as he steadfastly refused to look at Minato. Minato winced at the sound of his still painfully scratchy sounding voice but didn’t stay distracted long.

“I specifically told you to stay put.” Minato began, tone stern and expression scolding. It made Obito want to step back despite it not being aimed at him. “What were you thinking?” He demanded and Obito cringed in sympathy. 

It took a lot to get Minato upset, and even more for him to get upset at Kakashi. While Obito had been mad at Kakashi for making them go on a wild goose chase in the heat, he still felt bad. For a while Kakashi didn’t answer and just stared at the floor. Just when Obito was about to try and say something on his behalf, if only to stop the awful silence, Kakashi finally spoke.

“...I’m sorry.” Kakashi’s voice was so soft he may as well have whispered. Obito may not have been able to see his face but he could still tell the younger was biting his lower lip. A bad habit he had since people couldn’t see it 99.9% of the time. Well a ‘bad habit’ is what Kakashi would probably say it was. Obito knew it was more of a nervous gesture than anything. Minato clearly knew that too since his face softened almost immediately. He never could stay upset long.

“Just-” Minato started to say but near immediately broke off. “Just don’t do it again, ok?” Was what he ended up settling on and while Kakashi nodded, Obito had a feeling they all knew good and well this would not be the last time Kakashi pulled a disappearing act on the hospital. But for once he kept that thought to himself. 

“Come on,” Minato said, taking hold of Kakashi’s hand. “We need to get you cleaned up before your operation.” He reminded and Kakashi looked like he wanted to do literally anything else but he still allowed Minato to lead him back down the hall, leaving Obito and Genma standing in the lobby.

They stood there awkwardly for another minute before Genma grabbed Obito by the arm and started leading him away as well.

“Hey-!” Obito started to protest the manhandling but Genma was quick to explain.

“Let’s go to the waiting room. That way we’ll know the second he’s out of surgery.” He explained and Obito promptly quieted down and let him lead the way. After all, they had made a promise. Well technically Genma had made a promise but Obito was involved in it now. Obito was going to just leave it at that when he was hit with a far more entertaining idea.

“....Can we get him one of those bears with the bad puns first?” Obito asked, pointing to the gift shop where they could very clearly see a stuffed bear wearing a shirt saying ‘feel better beary soon’ in the window. 

“ Why ?” Genma questioned, stopping his stride to give him a genuinely confused look. Obito supposed that was fair seeing as how he and Kakashi didn’t exactly have the kind of friendship where they would give each other presents. But Obito thought in this case his motive would have been obvious.

“Because it’ll be hilarious?” Kakashi may have only been eight, but they both knew how much he hated being treated like a kid. There was absolutely no doubt that whatever reaction he had to such a gift would be nothing but immensely entertaining and as a bonus they would get brownie points for ‘trying to make him feel better’. He saw as Genma considered it.

“....Fine.” 

It seemed Genma wasn’t completely allergic to humor after all. 

Chapter Text

Asuma really hadn’t expected his day to go this way.

Or more accurately it wasn’t supposed to have gone this way. 

“Kakashi, you have a fever of 102.” Asuma deadpanned, already feeling done with this entire day. “Get off of the ceiling.” He ordered the absolute goblin of a child but was unsurprisingly completely ignored as Kakashi remained where he was sitting on the ceiling, glaring down at him. 

Asuma’s day had taken a turn for the worst about 2 hours ago when he had had the unfortunate luck of stumbling upon a pale and panting Kakashi laying starfish in the middle of training field 3. He wasn’t exactly panicked at first. He just assumed Kakashi had overworked his Sharingan again for the 100th time. Still, he couldn’t exactly walk off without at least checking on the kid so he had still walked over to ask him if he was alright or if he wanted him to call Mianto to come pick him up.

It was when he did this that Asuma saw just how bad of a state he was actually in. He was breathing way too heavy, his chest aggressively heaving in air like he couldn’t get enough, and while his face was horribly pale, his cheeks were red. Which of course was when he noticed the most concerning thing of all.

Kakashi had pulled his mask down.

This was the same kid that tied a towel around his face when going to the baths. The fact he had pulled it down at all was way more concerning than any other symptoms. After that Asuma had immediately dragged Kakashi back to his house ignoring any and all protests the younger tried to make. It was only upon actually getting him there that he realized Kakashi was legitimately sick and feverish.

He would have just taken him to Minato-Sensei directly but Asuma’s house was much closer and Kakashi fought him hard enough just going that far. 

Which was what led him to his current situation. 

“No.”

The situation of course being that Kakashi was using chakra to cling to the ceiling and refusing to come down.

“Kakashi, I’m serious.” Asuma said, quickly running out of patience. Kakashi just scoffed at him completely unaffected. “Don’t make me come up there.” He warned, fully aware that if he did it would likely just end badly for him. Kakashi clearly knew that as well if the doubtful brow he sent him was any indication.

“I’d like to see you try.” As tempting as that challenge was, -and he means, so, so tempting- Asuma reluctantly determined it would do more harm than good. No, instead he calmly closed his eyes and counted to ten before trying again.

“Kakashi, you are sick and have a fever.” Asuma started, being careful not to sound too frustrated. He was, he just didn’t want it to sound like it. “I brought you some tea, so would you please come down?” He was aware he probably sounded desperate. That was because he very much was. Trying to get someone to drink the same cup of tea for 20 minutes straight did that to a person. It would have gone cold by now had Asuma not used a fire jutsu to reheat it.

For a second Asuma was convinced his plea would go just as ignored as the others before it. But it seemed Kakashi had finally decided to show some mercy, because he suddenly dropped from the ceiling and onto the bed. Well it was either mercy or Kakashi’s body finally giving up. Regardless, Asuma was thankful. 

“Here,” Asuma quickly shoved the cup of tea into Kakashi’s hands and let go so Kakashi was forced to either take it or wear it. Kakashi took it but not without a truly dramatic huff. He then proceeded to eye the cup with what Asuma felt was an unwarranted amount of suspicion. He brought the cup up to his face but it was not to drink. 

No, instead Kakashi just lifted it under his nose and took a deep inhale.

“You put something in this.” Kakashi said it like it was a plan fact. Which to be fair, it was, but he didn’t actually know that. “I’m not drinking this.” Kakashi punctuated his statement by pointedly holding the cup back towards Asuma. 

“I just put a little cough syrup in.” Asuma reluctantly confessed, not taking the tea back. “You won’t even taste it and it’ll make you feel better.” He tried to reason but Kakashi just proceeded to drop the cup, forcing Asuma to practically dive to catch it before it stained the carpet. 

“Hey, watch it!” Asuma scolded, just barely managing to keep all the tea within the cup. His dad may not have been home, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t absolutely kill him if he came back and saw Asuma had damaged the carpets he had just had put in. Kakashi was entirely unapologetic and just turned his head and huffed at him.

“I don’t know why you even brought me here. I was just taking a break, I’m fine.” Kakashi repeated for what had to be the 10th time tonight. The fact his words came out funny due to his obvious congestion seemed to be completely irrelevant. How Kakashi could still rationalize all but blacking out in the middle of a field as ‘taking a break’ Asuma couldn’t understand. 

“Kakashi, you’re clearly sick and were on the brink of chakra exhaustion when I found you.” Asuma sighed, his patience slipping the longer the conversation continued. “If you would just let me-” Asuma didn’t even get to finish that time before Kakashi interrupted.

“I don’t need your help.” He snapped, shoving Asuma’s hand away when he tried to extend the tea back, finally causing it to drop to the floor. Asuma just stared at the fallen porcelain as tea slowly seeped into the rug. 

“That’s it! I’m done.” Asuma exclaimed, officially losing his cool and uncaring of this fact. He had tried to be nice. He had tried for 2 and ½ hours. But now it was late, he was tired, and all he wanted was to go to bed for the foreseeable future. 

“I’m taking you to Minato-Sensei and he can deal with you.” Asuma all but hissed at the younger boy, no longer feeling bad about bothering the Hokage. He reached forward to do exactly that only for Kakashi to kick his foot out at him. Asuma had been expecting it though and easily caught his ankle.

“I don’t need his help either!” Kakashi shouted, trying and failing to tear his foot free of Asuma’s grip. “Just leave me alone!” Kakashi finally managed to break free, turning as though he was going to try to go back up the wall and Asuma jumped on him to stop him. He was not about to go through that again. Kakashi yelled and thrashed as Asuma attempted to grab his hands to stop him from shushining away and using more chakra he didn’t have. 

“I’m trying to help you!” Asuma repeated as Kakashi managed to flip around onto his back. His face was turning beet red from what was either exertion or fever as he continued to squirm from under him while Asuma held his wrists. Asuma was willing to bet it was a bit of both. 

Maybe we should both calm down. Asuma thought as he felt his frustration go down as he looked at his clearly unwell friend. He looks awful. Kakashi’s foul mood was likely largely just because he felt sick, Asuma should give him some grace. 

“Look, Kakashi, I’m sorry,” Asuma apologized sincerely, already regretting having been quite so short tempered. Kakashi just sent him a fiery glare from where he was still trapped beneath him. “I shouldn’t have yelled.”

“Let me up.” Kakashi demanded rather than acknowledge Asuma’s attempt at a truce.

“If I do, are you actually going to rest or just go back to training?” Asuma asked instead of complying and Kakashi’s silence was very telling. That’s what I thought. Asuma heaved a deep sigh before he tried a different approach. 

“Listen, if you will just-” Asuma started to suggest a compromise, only to once again be interrupted, but not from a shout. No, this time Kakashi decided to use a more direct approach.

“OW! Did you just bite me?!” 

Asuma yelped, yanking his hand back in pain. His hand was slightly bleeding, a perfect indent of Kakashi’s teeth already forming. He actually bit me. Kakashi was quick to take advantage of Asuma’s shock as he promptly pulled his other hand free and pushed Asuma right off the bed.

Asuma hit the floor with a hard thud and he knew without looking that Kakashi was probably already back on the ceiling. I’m gonna kill him. Asuma reasonably decided, springing up and clutching his aching hand to his chest. Kakashi was his friend and he loved him, but he was going to kill him.

“Kakashi, I swear to the First I’m-”

“What’s going on?” 

Asuma’s threat was left hanging in the air as he nearly jumped out of his skin and snapped his neck back towards the new voice, preparing to defend himself and Kakashi if needed. He was greeted with a very unimpressed raised brow for his efforts.

“Genma,” Asuma sighed, equal parts relieved he wasn’t a threat and annoyed that he had startled him. “What are you doing?” 

“You called me here, remember?” Genma reminded, voice more than a little judging. No I do not. Was what Asuma did not say. 

He had completely forgotten about the desperate call for help he had made to Genma sometime after the 45 minute mark had passed and Kakashi still refused to come down. Unlike Kurenai, who was determined to get Kakashi to someday willingly accept their help, Asuma was perfectly comfortable just hoisting him off to Genma who he for some reason already accepted whenever the kid got too difficult.

“That was over 30 minutes ago.” Asuma said, unable to keep the annoyance from his tone. “What took so long?” Asuma knew for a fact Genma’s house was only about a 10 minute walk from his own. Genma just gave a loose shrug as he stepped into the room, keeping a hand on his bag strap as he carefully avoided the still overturned tea.

“I got held up.” He explained without actually explaining and Asuma resisted the urge to smack him. Genma paused as he looked around Asuma’s bedroom, eyes quickly finding Kakashi. “Huh. You weren’t kidding about him being on the ceiling.” Ya think? 

“What’d you call him for?” Kakashi asked roughly, glaring daggers down at them. Asuma felt his eye twitch, but Genma just paid him no mind as he calmly observed the situation. Eventually his eyes made his way back to Asuma and his gaze locked onto his injured hand.

“Kakashi,” Genma started carefully, looking back up at where the Hatake still sat. “Did you bite Asuma?” From Genma’s tone it was obvious he knew the answer. Still, Genma just continued to stare at the Hatake expectantly until he quietly answered.

“...Maybe”

“ Maybe-?!” Asuma sputtered, but didn’t actually get to voice a protest at the absurd answer before Genma held up a quieting hand.

“I thought we were passed that.” Genma began, crossing his arms as he forcibly maintained eye contact. “You’re not a dog. You can use your words.” He chided and Asuma had to stop himself from openly gapping when Kakashi actually looked away. 

Did…that just work? Asuma thought amazed as he watched Genma actually scold Hatake Kakashi and not die. Something previously only Minato had ever successfully done. It was an entirely different level from anything Asuma had seen Genma get away with before.

“I tried that!” Kakashi quickly defended himself. “He wouldn’t leave me alone.” He argued petulantly and Genma just cocked his head to the side.

“Really?” Genma’s voice was doubtful as he looked at Kakashi with mock curiosity. “Was that all that happened? Or did Asuma actually have a reason?” He pressed knowingly and Kakashi didn’t respond and instead elected to glare at the wall. 

Genma then directed his gaze back to him and Asuma realized he actually wanted him to talk again.

“He was trying to go back to the training field.” Asuma heartlessly sold him out and felt more than a little satisfied when Kakashi’s scowl deepened. “I was just about to take him to Minato when you finally showed up.” 

“Don’t. We shouldn’t bother him, he’s busy.” Kakashi instantly objected and Genma simply hummed thoughtfully.

“So then you’ll let us help?” He questioned and Kakashi scowled at him. Genma didn’t let it phase him as he continued. “Because if not, then I think we’re gonna have to.” For a minute they all just stared at each other as if in a silent battle of wills. 

Then against all odds, the impossible occurred. 

Kakashi dropped from the ceiling.

For a minute Asuma was worried that his chakra had given out, but then Kakashi immediately sat up on the bed to glare at them both properly. Clearly he was fine. 

Now that Kakashi was no longer hanging above them, Genma promptly walked over to gently lay his hand against his forehead. Kakashi of course instantly leaned away but it was too late.

“You’re burning up.” Genma stated the obvious as anyone who looked at the kid could see he was horribly sick. “Have you taken anything?”

“Yeah, I tried that. Didn’t work out so well.” Asuma answered before Kakashi could spout another half-truth response. Genma just nodded before, digging around in his bag and pulling out a bottle of pills. Kakashi instantly glared at it as if it had personally offended him.

“Can you get him something to drink?” Genma directed at Asuma as he opened the bottle and shook two pills out. Asuma had no idea how exactly Genma intended to get Kakashi to take them but he still nodded and quickly made his way to the kitchen. 

While there he quickly took a minute to wash off and wrap his hand with the med kit they kept there for cooking mishaps. Once he finished, he grabbed a glass of water and came back just in time to see the tail end of whatever conversation the two ANBU had been having. He hadn’t been able to hear what was said but whatever it was made Kakashi willingly accept the glass of water and swallow the cold medicine without complaint. 

“That should hopefully bring your fever down.” Genma explained as he put the bottle back away before addressing Asuma again. “Do you have any spare clothes he can wear instead of his training gear?” He asked and Asuma was slightly taken off guard. He hadn’t even considered that Kakashi might be uncomfortable in the sweat soaked bulky armor. Something that was probably blatantly obvious to anyone with common sense now that he thought about it.

“M’fine like this.” Kakashi denied, rubbing his eye with his fist as he obviously fought off a yawn. 

“Sure, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable in something else?” Genma prompted and while Kakashi didn’t agree, he also didn’t disagree. And not disagreeing was basically Kakashi speak for agreeing. Yeah that made sense. 

Asuma didn’t wait to be asked again before he walked over to his dresser and quickly pulled out an old T-shirt and some sweatpants. The clothes would definitely be too big but they would work well enough.

“Here,” Asuma handed the clothes over to Kakashi and he took them with only a minimal amount of fuss. Asuma counted it as a win. 

Asuma decided to go back to the kitchen and get something to clean up the tea while Kakashi changed to give him some privacy. Genma had a similar idea as he just turned his back. Honestly Kakashi probably didn’t care seeing as how the only thing he was shy about was his face and his mask was long since removed. 

When Asuma returned for the second time, Kakashi was fully changed and Genma was in the process of carefully flooding up his training gear. While Kakashi would never admit it, he already looked more relaxed in the fresh clothes. 

Asuma wisely didn’t comment and got to work on carefully cleaning the carpet.

By the time he had finished and put everything back up, Kakashi had evidently fallen asleep in his bed.

“He actually out?” Asuma asked as he rounded the side of the bed opposite to where Genma was sitting, eyeing Kakashi’s relaxed face. He actually looks kinda cute when he’s not conscious to ruin it. Asuma thought fondly, sitting down on the edge of the bed as Kakashi subconsciously shoved his face further into the pillows. Asuma could have just gone to one of the guest rooms to lay down but this was his room and his bed. He wasn’t about to leave. If Kakashi didn’t want to share, that was just too bad.

“He was exhausted.” Genma reasoned with an easy shrug, reaching a hand over to pull the blanket over Kakashi’s shoulder from where it had slipped down. “Sort of like you clearly are.” Genma added on and Asuma froze from where he was settling next to Kakashi to blink at him confused.

“Huh?” 

“Your squad came back from a mission today didn’t you?” Genma asked knowingly and Asuma was shocked for all of 3 seconds before he remembered Genma was in fact also a member of ANBU. Of course he knows about that. “I got things from here if you want to rest for a bit.” He offered and Asuma was so very tempted. 

“You sure?” Asuma checked, already starting to doze off sitting up. Genma must have seen as much because he huffed a light laugh.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Get some rest.” Asuma needed no more encouragement as he promptly passed out.

When he woke up the next day, it was to a very stressed Minato frantically fussing over a half awake Kakashi while Genma caught him up to speed. He took one look at the situation before deciding Genma had it handled and going back to sleep before anyone noticed he was conscious. 

Chapter Text

Why. 

Was the first thought Raidou had as he took in his squad captain's appearance. Quickly followed by How.

He had been in one of the ANBU locker rooms cleaning some of his old gear with Genma when Kakashi had suddenly bursted in completely covered in blood. 

Kakashi had been assigned to some solo mission the past three days and was only just coming back but that didn’t explain why there was so much actual blood splattered across his wooden Hound mask and mission clothes. 

The second they caught sight of him, Raidou and Genma both shot to their feet in shocked concern. Kakashi must have noticed their distress as he quickly raised a single hand to stop them in place.

“S’not mine.” He mumbled tiredly as if that made the situation completely fine. It did not. Largely because the words had sounded almost slurred. 

Before either of them could move, Kakashi lazily stumbled over to his locker and leaned against it. This in itself was cause for concern even without the blood. Kakashi didn’t lean. He thought it was a sign of weakness. Genma didn’t hesitate to rush over to him, laying a hand on his shoulder furrowing his brows in stress. 

“What happened?” Genma demanded and Kakashi just huffed annoyed, weakly trying to shove his hand off his arm. It was not very effective.

“Nothing.” Kakashi brushed off and Genma actually scoffed at that, before pulling Kakashi’s wooden mask right off his face. Apparently his mask wasn’t the only blood spattered thing as it had somehow gotten on his headband and face. 

His face masks torn. Raidou noticed with more than a little shock. It was barely still clinging to Kakashi’s face with only his chin really having any coverage. To get it that torn up someone would have had to have been slashing at his face and already succeeded in getting his first mask off. It did not sit well with him that they had actually succeeded in getting knives that close to his friend's face. 

“Hey-!” Kakashi immediately protested, showing any kind of energy for the first time since entering the room as he reached for the mask back. He must be exhausted. Raidou thought concerned as he eyed his teammate. The dark circles beneath his eyes only solidified this fact.

“‘Nothing’ usually doesn’t leave this much blood.” Genma shot back, avoiding Kakashi’s hands as he ran his fingers over the blood stains on the wooden mask to try and rub them off. They didn’t even smudge. Genma frowned before apparently deciding to just deal with it later and hooking it on the back of his belt. 

He then roughly took Kakashi’s chin into his hand to examine his face, ignoring the younger's protests. There was blood smeared diagonally across his face and it was difficult to tell if it was his own or not due to the sheer amount. Genma apparently came to the same conclusion as he momentarily released Kakashi to snag a handkerchief out of his pocket, wetting it with his canteen before grabbing Kakashi’s face again. 

“Genma, let go .” Kakashi practically growled as he braced his hands against Genma’s forearms, preparing to forcefully shove him off. Genma ignored the order and then because he feared nothing, started to scrub the wet cloth over Kakashi’s actual face. Kakashi was so stunned by the action’s pure audacity that he actually froze.

Over the years Genma had gotten more and more bold and more and more obvious in his weird paternal habits and had been officially dubbed the mother hen in their friend group. He was also still the only one who got away with doing such things to Kakashi. Still… Raidou winced as he felt the killing intent wave off Kakashi as Genma carefully whipped the blood from his face. He’s pushing his luck. 

Looking at them right now, Genma gently wiping his face clean while the other attempted murder with his eyes, one would never guess Kakashi was actually his superior. With the blood mostly cleared, they could now actually see the tiny cut across his right cheek that had already scabbed over. 

With Kakashi covering 90% of his face 100% of the time, it was hard to remember he was only 14. His face being exposed made him seem so much younger. Absently Raidou thought they were lucky no one else had been in the locker room otherwise Kakashi may have finally stabbed Genma.

“What were you doing?” Raidou asked, confused as to what opponent could have possibly gotten so close to Kakashi to be able to actually cut his face. A solo mission at that, supposedly the mission should be easier than any team assignment he would have otherwise been given. Kakashi didn’t verbally answer but did successfully smack Genma’s hand from his face and send them both a withering glare.

“Classified.” Kakashi ground out through his teeth and Genma rolled his eyes largely unimpressed. Raidou felt similarly. Kakashi claimed ‘classified’ about anything he didn’t want to talk about. Which was most things. It got real old real fast. 

“Is it ‘classified’ to know what other blood actually came from your own body?” Genma asked as he didn’t reach for Kakashi’s face again but did start to prod his hands over his bloodied vest. 

Kakashi likely would’ve pulled away but was trapped by the row of lockers at his back and couldn’t even take a single step back. He was more or less pinned. Kakashi didn’t let it continue long as one place Genma’s hand pressed caused him to take a sharp breath in pain. Instantly Kakashi’s hand shot forward to grip Genma’s wrist to stop him from touching it again.

“Genma, quit it. ” Kakashi hissed and Raidou briefly worried he would need to get involved if only to save his friend and teammate from imminent death. Or at the very least imminent threat of getting bit. 

Does he not realize Kakashi has no mask? Raidou thought as he eyed Kakashi’s currently very exposed fangs. Kakashi was a biter with a mask, Genma was just asking for it at this point. Genma was either unaware of what he was clearly setting himself up for or simply didn’t care. He was going with the latter if the way Genma glared right back was any indication.

“You know medical checks post mission is required for ANBU ops.” Genma stated calmly, though they were all well aware of the rule. “If you don’t want one of the assigned medics on hand to help you, then I suggest you let me see.” It was a threat. Pure and simple. Raidou saw the way Kakashi psychically stiffened, glaring the older shinobi down as he determined whether it was a bluff or not. He must have come to the conclusion it wasn’t because he very slowly released his hold on Genma’s wrist.

“…I already treated it.” Kakashi eventually mumbled, allowing Genma to very gently take his vest off and toss it to Raidou. Raidou caught it easily, setting it to the side as Genma guided Kakashi to sit down on one of the benches. 

Once Kakashi was seated, Genma made quick work of taking off his sleeves and arm guards. He set them down to the side before sitting down next to Kakashi and very carefully grabbing the hem of his tank top and slowly pulling it up so as not to cause him further pain.

It was upon doing so that they were able to see the real damage. 

“Kakashi.” Genma said only his name and yet it still somehow sounded like a trap. 

“...yes?” Kakashi prompted hesitantly after a second and Genma raised his gaze away from the poorly bandaged wound to look him in the eyes.

“You’re an idiot.” 

Genma's voice was dry as he stated it like a fact. Raidou was inclined to think it was one as he eyed the bandages that had been poorly tied around Kakashi’s waist. He was sure they were probably white once upon a time, not that one would ever know that as they were. Kakashi for his part didn’t dignify it with a response, electing instead to just huff and look off to the side.

“I’ll get the med kit.” Raidou announced without being asked as Genma started unwrapping the blood and mud covered bandages, Kakashi not making a sound but his face contorting into a wince every so often. There was a genuinely impressive amount of dirt. Did he bandage it while rolling on the ground? Raidou thought incredulously as he retrieved the necessary item. When he returned, Genma had already finished removing the filthy bandages and had started delicately trying to clean the area. 

Raidou quickly opened up the med kit and passed Genma the rubbing alcohol. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that Kakashi had actually stitched it at least. It was just the worst stitch job he had ever seen. 

It was also concerningly aggravated. 

“You call this ‘treating’ it?” Genma questioned in disbelief, gesturing for Raidou to take over holding Kakashi’s shirt up so he could use both hands. Something Kakashi could do but refused to because he was a difficult little brat like that. Raidou complied, moving to sit by Kakashi’s uninjured side.

“It is-” Kakashi started to defend but wasn’t given a real chance before Genma promptly dumped a considerable amount of rubbing alcohol over the wound causing Kakashi to break off with a pained gasp.

“Sorry,” Genma spared him a quick apology but didn’t stop in his task as he set the bottle down and began preparing a needle to repair Kakashi’s torn stitches. Kakashi didn’t bother answering beyond a glare, too busy trying to get control of his breathing. 

“Are you hurt anywhere else?” Raidou asked to try and distract Kakashi from the needle Genma was expertly threading into his skin. It wouldn’t take long if Kakashi held still, it only needed two or three stitches at most. Kakashi didn’t answer right away, grunting as Genma made contact.

“..J-just some bruises.” He eventually grounded out, grinding his teeth together as he kept his gaze steady on the wall rather than on what Genma was doing. Probably for the best. Raidou thought as most of them knew watching tended to make Kakashi more worked up. He could take a kunai to the gut without flinching, but come at him with a needle and it’s a completely different story.

“Really? So if I called Kurenai here and she checked, that's all there would be?” Raidou asked, tone appropriately portraying his suspicion and Kakashi hesitated.

“...Yes.” Well that was convincing. 

“You do realize I am fully willing to actually go get her, right?” Raidou deadpanned and Kakashi’s glare turned distinctly more pouty as Genma finished up.

“I may have twisted my ankle a little.” Kakashi reluctantly confessed, but was clearly very unhappy about it. “But that’s all, it’s not a big deal. Don’t bother her.”

“She wouldn’t think it was a bother to come help you, Kakashi.” Raidou corrected which was completely true. It was late, and Kurenai was an absolute demon when her rest was interrupted, but Raidou still had no doubt whatsoever that if it was for Kakashi, Kurenai would be here in minutes with a smile on her face. 

Just more unfair privileges of being The Baby. Raidou thought with no real bitterness. He was just as guilty as the rest of them of giving Kakashi special treatment. They couldn’t help it. They had known him since he was 4 and he had been adorable. A total menace, but adorable nonetheless. No matter how old he got or how much he outranked them, he was still their fussy younger classmate as far as they were concerned. Raidou was smart enough not to actually say any of that though as Genma finished wrapping fresh bandages back around Kakashi’s abdomen and he could finally drop his shirt.

“You shouldn’t move around too much until you get that seen by an actual mednin.” Genma advised in a way that sounded more like a warning than advice. Kakashi to his credit nodded, but Raidou still had doubts he would do any such thing. At least not without some serious fight.

“Which foot?” Genma questioned, already reaching for Kakashi’s shoes. Kakashi tried half-heartedly to move them out of reach but Genma easily caught his ankles. Instantly Kakashi let out a hiss when Genma unintentionally squeezed his swollen ankle. 

“Right one then.” Genma mumbled to himself as he carefully took off Kakashi’s right sandal. It was half a size bigger than it should have been but it thankfully didn’t look broken.

“You seriously ran back like that?” Raidou asked equal parts upset, concerned, and reluctantly impressed. Kakashi didn’t answer verbally, just giving a guilty looking shrug. “Kakashi-”

“I didn’t really have a choice.” Kakashi cut him off, voice sounding so much more tired than it had a second ago. Raidou couldn’t really argue with that so he simply didn’t. Kakashi was right, he had to get home somehow, injured or not.

“Done.” Genma announced, saving Raidou from responding as he stood up. Kakashi immediately tried to follow, but Raidou grabbed his arm before he could.

“Slow down would you? You’re gonna undo all our hard work.” Raidou chided and Kakashi sent him a dirty look as he huffed, shrugging Raidou’s hand off but obediently staying seated.

“Work you blackmailed me into letting you do.” He said petulantly and Raidou refrained from rolling his eyes. 

“We wouldn’t have to if you would just let us help you.” Genma quipped back, not bothering to hold back like Raidou had as he rolled his eyes in exasperation. 

“I don’t need-”

“If you finish that sentence I swear I’m ratting you out to Lord Third.” Raidou dared, fully prepared to do just that should Kakashi actually try to suggest he was fine one more time. Kakashi must have known he meant it because he did in fact not finish that sentence. 

“Alright, settle down you two.” Genma ordered when the two of them kept glaring at each in silent challenge. “Kakashi still actually needs to go get some rest.” He reminded pointedly and Raidou easily conceded. Kakashi was, of course, not nearly as complainant.

“I know. That’s why I was trying to go home.” Kakashi said as if either of them really believed for one second he was actually going to rest, even if he had been on his way home. If he hadn’t planned on training his body, then he would have just spent all night reading scrolls and files until he passed out. He had been stuck in an endless cycle of training and missions ever since Minato had died 4 months ago.

“I think you know that’s not happening.” Genma spoke dryly and just like that Kakashi’s glare returned. They had all done this song and dance enough to know where this was headed.

“I am not-”

“You are.”

“Genma.” Kakashi growled, putting as much warning as possible into the single word.

“Kakashi.” Genma parroted right back and Raidou could practically hear Kakashi’s blood pressure rise.

“I’m still the Captain of this squad.” Kakashi snipped, resorting to pulling rank when Genma still didn’t budge. A common turn of events for the pair. “I don’t have to listen to either of you.”

“That’s true,” Genma surrendered with an acknowledging tilt of his head. “But you do have to listen to the Hokage. And I don’t think he would appreciate finding out that one of his shinobi has been repeatedly neglecting protocol.” Ooo low blow. Raidou mentally winced as he saw Kakashi’s eye widen slightly in surprise. He hadn’t expected for Genma to go there either if Raidou had to guess.

“Skipping a few unnecessary med checks is-” Kakashi argued, snapping out of his temporary shock enough to take a sharp turn to rage. One thing Kakashi absolutely couldn’t take was anyone suggesting he wasn’t a proper shinobi. Which was likely the very thing Genma was counting on.

“ Still breaking the rules.” Genma cut off and Kakashi just silently seethed. Genma didn’t let up, simply raising a single brow. “Well?” He prompted and Kakashi lasted a full two minutes before he broke.

“....Fine.” He all but spat the word but Genma just took it with a grain of salt.

“Me or Raidou?” Genma didn’t specify what he meant but he didn’t have too. As previously mentioned, they had done this routine before.

“I don’t care.” Kakashi sighed, sounding resigned to his fate. Genma gave a speaking look to Raidou and he didn’t waste time before he moved to kneel in front of Kakashi’s seat, his back to him. 

Without speaking, Kakashi slowly moved to hold onto his shoulders and Raidou responded in kind by looping his arms under his legs as he carefully stood up, Kakashi securely on his back. Genma gathered all their things for them and they were about to walk out when Kakashi protested.

“Wait!” Kakashi shouted directly into Raidou’s ear and he winced. For someone with such sensitive ears, Raidou would think he'd be a bit more considerate with his volume.

“What is it?” Genma asked both impatient and suspicious. 

“I need a mask.” Oh right. Raidou had almost forgotten Kakashi’s face was still presently uncovered. Genma had spaced on this fact also if the sudden understanding look on his face was any indicator. Genma promptly walked back towards his own locker, opening it and pulling out a black face mask. 

It wasn’t as nice as Kakashi’s usual ones, being the more basic kind that just hooks around your ears but it would do. Most of them carried at least one kind of face covering on them in case of emergency. While none of them quite got why Kakashi hated anyone seeing his face, or seeing it himself for that matter, they knew that he did and that was all they needed to.

“Here,” Genma said as he made his way back to Kakashi before carefully putting the mask on him. Kakashi allowed it without complaint, resting his chin down on Raidou’s shoulder the moment he finished. 

That handled, the three of them walked out of ANBU headquarters and started the journey back to… Actually where are we going right now? Raidou broke off as he realized they hadn’t actually covered whose house Kakashi would be recovering at.

“Uh, Genma-”

“We can all crash at my place tonight.” Genma answered before Raidou even finished the question and it briefly had him wondering if perhaps they all knew each other a little too well. 

“Sounds good.” Raidou easily agreed and politely didn’t mention it when Kakashi sank further into his hold. Lack of sleep is finally catching up. Raidou accurately deduced and didn’t miss the amused look Genma directed at the lump of a Hatake. It seemed with his fight gone all that was left was a bone dead exhaustion.

They walked in comfortable silence for another few minutes until Kakashi finally fell asleep.

“...Can you get Kurenai to-?” Genma started to ask softly but Raidou was two steps ahead of him.

“I’ll have her stop by first thing in the morning to look him over.” He assured, because it seemed neither of them actually expected their youngest teammate to get proper care as he promised. He’d feel bad about doubting his friend if it wasn’t for the fact it had happened many times before.

Now what to tell Kurenai without her blaming us…

Chapter Text

Gai was worried about Kakashi.

This wasn’t exactly uncommon, Gai worried about Kakashi a lot these days, there was often a lot to be worried over, but today he was especially concerned. 

Because today Kakashi had abruptly passed out cold in the middle of a friendly spar for no apparent reason.

“Kakashi!” Gai shouted, resisting the urge to start shaking his companion by the shoulders in his stress. Even in his panic he knew that was a bad plan when he didn’t know what the problem was. Gai nearly cried in relief when the other gave a groan in response. Groans were good. Groans meant he was breathing. “Kakashi, can you hear me?” 

“Ugh”  Was Kakashi’s eloquent response. 

Thankfully, it was followed up by Kakashi very slowly opening his eyes. Well his eye. Gai had pulled his headband back over his Sharingan the moment he fell to try and stop him from using more chakra.

“Are you alright?” Gai asked, squeezing Kakashi’s shoulders slightly as he rapidly looked him over for injury. Kakashi didn’t answer and instead immediately tried to sit up. Gai was quick to stop him and gently pushed him back down. “Maybe you should rest for a moment.” Gai suggested carefully, but Kakashi simply waved his hands away as he tried to push himself up again.

“M’fine,” Kakashi mumbled, managing to rise into a sitting position, heavily resting his weight on the arm that was still braced against the grass. “Just got dizzy a second.” He reasoned which Gai might have believed if it wasn’t for the fact their spar hadn’t even truly started before he passed out. Neither of them had even made contact let alone landed a hit. 

“Are you sure? Because we hadn’t even-” Gai started to point out said lack of contact but Kakashi just decided to end the conversation by standing up. Instantly he stumbled but thankfully did not fall as he re-steadied himself without help. Gai was quick to rise too, holding his hands out should his friend lose his balance.

“I’m good,” Kakashi reiterated, bracing a hand against his head as he shook it clear. “We can go again.” It took Gai a second to realize what Kakashi was suggesting. Once he did he quickly shook his head.

“No, no, that’s alright. We can postpone this challenge for a different day.” Gai denied, not about to actually try and fight Kakashi after having just witnessed him suddenly death drop to the ground not 5 minutes ago. He was starting to think he should have just stuck to rock-paper-scissors. Kakashi frowned at his refusal for a few moments before just shrugging.

“Suit yourself,” He dismissed and then moved to just walk out of the training field. As if nothing remotely out of the ordinary had happened. Gai didn’t hesitate to rush after him.

“My friend, I think you may be unwell.” Gai tried again, reaching forward to clasp Kakashi’s forearm to stop him from leaving. He couldn’t help but instantly notice the fact that his hand so easily fully wrapped around the appendage. Has he…lost weight? Gai wondered, eyeing Kakashi up and down once more but this time for a different reason.

His clothes hung off him in certain parts of his uniform, his vest having been tightened as far as it would go. Which was strange since Gai would have sworn his uniform had been perfectly fitted before. Kakashi didn’t seem to be bothered, merely tugging his hand free.

“I told you already, I was just a little dizzy.” Kakashi once again brushed off his very legitimate concerns. “I’m fine now.” Kakashi’s firm statement was undermined by the way he swayed slightly with his next step. 

“Wait!” Gai rushed out when it looked like Kakashi was going to shunshin away. To his slight surprise Kakashi did actually wait, looking at him expectantly but not lowering his hand from his sign. Gotta think of something fast. Gai mentally panicked, not having anticipated getting this far.

“Um, I was thinking that even if we don’t do a challenge that perhaps we could eat together?” Gai offered, silently applauding his quick thinking. While they hadn’t actually gotten to spar, Gai knew for a fact Kakashi had been at ANBU headquarters for the past 4 hours before he had found him and he never took his mask off there so he had to be hungry. Unfortunately it seemed to be a wasted effort as Kakashi just shook his head.

“I can’t,” He refused and Gai felt his heart sink. “I’m meeting someone else for lunch.” Kakashi quickly added when Gai went to argue. 

“Oh?” Gai perked back up, tilting his head in genuine curiosity. “With who?” Kakashi didn’t really willingly associate with anyone Gai didn’t know. But none of the others mentioned having plans with Kakashi today. Gai thought as he had just seen the majority of his companions earlier that day at the Jonin lounge. 

Typically they would mention such things to one another as it helped to put them all at ease to know Kakashi was socializing with at least one of them. They were all too aware of how easy it would be for Kakashi to isolate himself if they let him. Kakashi seemed to hesitate before answering which was just another concerning sign to add to the ever growing list.

“...Asuma.” 

Asuma? Last Gai had checked, Asuma was only meeting up for meals with Kakashi about once a month. An annual arrangement the Sarutobi had forced Kakashi into agreeing with to get him off his back. Huh, I thought they met already this month. 

“I see,” Gai said after another second of thinking. I must have misunderstood Asuma earlier. Gai reasoned as he forced his smile to return to his face. “Then I shall treat you next time!” He proposed and Kakashi looked almost relieved. Well relieved and exhausted. He’s having trouble sleeping again. Gai absently noted as he tried not to let his anxiety show too much. Kakashi didn’t take kindly to needless fussing.

“Yeah, sure,” Kakashi agreed uncharacteristically easily before promptly disappearing in a puff of smoke. 

At least he’s keeping in touch. Gai self assured, trying not to feel too disappointed. Even still something about the interaction didn’t sit right. Kakashi had been acting strange. 

No, there’s no reason to worry. Gai pushed the uneasy thoughts from his mind as he began walking back home to do some solo training. Asuma will notice if something is wrong. Asuma was very observant, not quite Kakashi observant but certainly far above average. 

Unless Kakashi isn't actually with Asuma. Gai stopped in his tracks at the abrupt thought, looking back at where Kakashi had disappeared from. Kakashi said he was going to eat with Asuma. He wouldn’t lie. He shook his head to try and dismiss the doubts from his mind as he started walking again. 

…would he?

Gai’s anxiety remained all the way until the next day and he decided that perhaps he should go check on Kakashi again. Not because he didn’t trust him of course. No, just to be extra safe.

I’m worried for nothing. Gai repeated what he had been telling himself the past 12 hours as he finally came across someone who could help him.

“My friends!” Gai called, jogging to catch up to where Asuma and Genma had been talking. They were standing just outside the dango shop Anko loved to frequent though Gai hadn’t been able to catch what they were discussing.

“Hey, Gai,” Asuma greeted back politely and while Genma didn’t say anything, he did still nod his head in acknowledgement. “What’s up?”

“I was wondering if either of you had seen Kakashi recently? Or better yet know where he might be now?” Gai asked, getting straight to the point as he tried not to show his increasing stress. He didn’t wish to trouble his friends when he didn’t know if there was even truly a reason to worry. He wasn’t sure he succeeded since near immediately they both frowned at him in concern.

“Why? Something wrong with the Puppy?” Asuma asked, already looking like he was preparing to search through the village to try and find him. It wouldn’t have been the first time.

“Oh, no!” Gai denied, rapidly waving his hands to try and deescalate the situation. I should have probably phrased that better. “I’m just wishing to check on him since he was acting a bit strange yesterday.” Gai explained carefully and Asuma’s posture relaxed marginally. 

“Strange how?” Genma prompted immediately, brows pinching together in concern as he moved his senbon to the other side of his mouth. A nervous tell he had had since they were children. 

“Ah, well,” Gai struggled to find words that weren’t ‘he passed out abruptly and then ran off’. He had a feeling Kakashi would not appreciate him sharing such things.

“What happened, Gai?” Genma demanded more firmly and Gai found his mouth moving on its own. He blamed the muscle memory from years of being on the same team as Genma that had him responding to the tone.

“He may have blacked out for a moment during our spar.”

“He what?!” Asuma immediately shouted and Gai felt instant regret. Sorry, Kakashi. 

“That came out wrong.” Gai tried to correct but the damage was done. 

“So it’s not what happened?” Genma asked and Gai cringed. It was in fact exactly what happened, it just wasn’t what Gai had meant to say.

“He didn’t seem to be feeling well so I just wanted to check on him.” Gai reiterated without answering and he watched as Asuma and Genma shared a loud look. After a second they both broke off with a sigh which Gai wasn’t sure how to take.

“No, I haven’t seen him.” Genma answered his original question and Asuma followed with a nod.

“Me either.” This is unfortunate. I’m not sure where he- “I haven’t seen him all week.” 

What. 

“All week?” Gai repeated confused, a pit already forming in his stomach. No. That can’t possibly be right. He saw Kakashi yesterday. Asuma clearly didn’t know that though as he just nodded.

“Yeah. He’s been avoiding me since I told him off for not taking care of himself last Friday. He was going on his third mission in a row and I told him he was gonna burn out.” Asuma explained and Gai felt as the pit quickly turned into a full grown tree. 

“You- Are you sure you are not confused?” Oh please just be confused. Gai attempted to will it into existence with only his thoughts but Asuma just shook his head.

“No. I haven’t seen him at all since then.”

“Why does that matter, Gai?” Genma questioned, always quick to catch onto these kinds of things. 

“Kakashi told me he was having lunch with you yesterday when I expressed concern for his health.” Gai revealed and hated the way his friends' faces shifted. Kakashi lied to me. Gai couldn’t really reasonably deny it anymore. But why would he lie about something like that? Did he want me to leave him alone that badly? Kakashi was a lot of things but a liar wasn’t generally one of them.

“We need to go talk to him.” Genma declared, determined and Gai was quick to agree.

“Does anyone know what he’s supposed to be doing today?” Asuma once again reminded them of the main problem that none of them actually knew where Kakashi even was.

“No, but I know he doesn’t have a mission so he should be in the village.” Genma said which Gai supposed was better than the alternative. Still leaves a lot of places to look. Asuma must have thought the same since he sighed a second later, dragging a hand down his face.

“I’ll call Kurenai and Raidou, you guys start looking for him.” Asuma ordered and Gai thought it sounded like an excellent idea. Genma nodded his agreement as well, but not before saying one last thing.

“Sounds good, hopefully he was just in a bad mood but if he’s actually hurt we’ll handle it from there.” Genma planned and Asuma nodded before promptly disappearing to go retrieve his teammates. Gai really hoped Kakashi was only in a bad mood. Bad moods were much easier to fix than broken bones or flesh wounds.

“Come on,” Genma urged, nudging Gai’s arm as he walked past. “We should start at the training grounds.” Gai didn’t hesitate to quickly follow after him, all the while praying they were all being dramatic. 

He’s probably fine. He could have simply felt like eating alone and didn’t want to say it. Not that Kakashi had ever hesitated in saying so before… No.

Kakashi’s fine.

After a full 3 hours of searching, they finally found Kakashi at The 12th Training Ground sitting on the ground and leaning against the large stone wall that surrounded the area. 

It was one of the smaller training areas so it was rare that anyone ever used it. Gai belatedly realized this was likely the very reason Kakashi chose it. He looked tired, soaked with sweat and panting for breath as he leaned his head back against the wall, his eyes closed.

“Kakashi!” Gai called, kicking his walk into a jog as he ran towards where his friend was sitting, Genma following behind at a more casual pace. Upon hearing his voice, Kakashi’s head instantly snapped up to look at him. 

“Gai,” Kakashi greeted as Gai stopped just in front of him. Immediately he had straightened up from his slouch as he looked at them both with suspicious curiosity. “Are you wanting to resume our challenge?” He reasonably guessed as in most situations that would probably be why Gai was here. But not this time.

“I wanted to see if you were feeling better after what happened yesterday.” Gai answered honestly and while it took a second for Kakashi to understand what he was referring to, the moment he did his face dropped into a scowl.

“When I got lightheaded for like two seconds? Gai, ” Kakashi sighed deeply in annoyance, throwing his head back dramatically so it connected with the wall behind him with a light thud. “I told you I was fine. You shouldn’t have-”

“What? Shouldn’t have told us?” Genma cut him off and Kakashi lifted his head if only to glare at him. The dark circles under his eyes somehow seemed worse than yesterday, something Gai hadn’t realized was even possible.

“I was going to say, you shouldn’t have worried the others over nothing.” Kakashi corrected pointedly and Gai couldn’t help but protest.

“But Kakashi, we are worried about you.” We have been for months. Gai thought but didn’t say knowing it would only serve in upsetting him. “You’ve been away on missions near constantly and when you are home you just train until you can go on another mission. It’s not healthy.” Gai knew he was pushing the boundaries of just how much Kakashi would tolerate but it had to be said. Kakashi was working himself into the ground and fast. 

“Like you’re one to talk.” Kakashi scoffed, dismissing his worry with ease. “You train just as much as me if not more.” Another fair point under normal circumstances. “I watched you scale Lord First’s face with your bare hands blindfolded just last week.”

“Yes,” Gai agreed as he had in fact done that as a training exercise. “And then I got to the top and slept for six hours straight to rest.” Now the fact that hadn’t been a conscious choice and more his body giving out on him was a fact Gai kept to himself. 

“I take breaks when I need to.” Kakashi argued weakly and he earned some well deserved looks of doubt for his effort. “What? I do!” He was much more defensive that time and Gai couldn’t help but cringe as Genma’s brows met his hairline.

“ Really?” It was genuinely impressive just how much skepticism Genma managed to inject into the single word. “Because I’d be willing to bet that this is probably the first time you’ve sat down all day and you look terrible.” He truly did too. Kakashi looked exhausted, his hair that usually stuck up at odd angles, sagging downward from sweat and slick with grease. Gai would be willing to bet the other hadn’t bothered washing it for a while. Kakashi however seemed to be done with the conversation.

“Look, what I do with my time isn’t any of your business.” Kakashi dismissed, standing up and moving to physically exit the discussion. His escape was cut short when he immediately swayed and fell forward.

Instantly both Gai and Genma dove to catch him before his knees buckled from under him. Kakashi just let it happen, his lone eye rapidly blinking as if to clear it as he hung limp in their arms.

“Kakashi, are you ok?” Genma asked worriedly, eyes frantically looking him up and down. Kakashi, despite his current position of using the two of them to hold himself up, simply nodded.

“Yeah, just stood up too fast.” Kakashi mumbled, regaining his footing enough that his own legs were once again supporting him. At least they probably would have supported him, Gai and Genma weren’t about to let go and test it. 

“That’s all you got?” Genma scoffed in disbelief at Kakashi’s sorry excuse. Kakashi didn’t do much beyond send them both another dirty look. It was then Genma actually took a proper look at the arm he still held. Gai could see the exact moment he saw the same worrying signs as he had the day prior.

“Kakashi…” Genma started carefully and already Gai didn’t like it. “When was the last time you ate something? Or slept for that matter?” Immediately Gai could see the way Kakashi tensed.

“This morning and last night.” Kakashi answered without pause but he refused to actually look either of them in the eyes.

“What did you eat?” Genma pressed and Kakashi was quick to shift his unease to irritation.

“Rice. What does it matter?”

“Because I don’t believe you.” Gai winced at Genma’s harsh words. Kakashi’s lone eye widened slightly in surprise but it didn’t stay long as anger took its place.

“Fine then, don’t. I don’t have to explain myself.” Kakashi snipped, once again trying to tear his arms free but Genma held fast.

“You lied to Gai.” Kakashi’s aggression faltered at that, but only for a second.

“I- No, I didn’t” Kakashi denied a touch too fast and Gai found his frown deepening.

“You told me you were having lunch with Asuma. I talked with Asuma this morning, he said he never saw you.” He couldn’t help the hurt that came through his tone. Kakashi stiffened at the revelation, looking for all the world like a child caught in a lie. 

“Kakashi, what’s going on?” Genma asked slightly gentler, concern obvious. “Why aren’t you-”

“I am!” Kakashi interrupted more than a little defensive. “I am, I just…haven’t had a lot time lately.” Kakashi mumbled the end but Genma didn’t let up.

“Then you make time.” Genma’s voice wasn’t exactly angry but it was firm and left no room for argument. “Sleep and food isn’t the kind of thing you can just push off and not expect it to have consequences. Your body isn’t built to run off nothing. No wonder you’ve been blacking out .” Kakashi didn’t respond to that, instead just looking down at the grass. “Kakashi, what were you thinking?” 

“...It’s not like I was trying to.” Kakashi eventually said softly, still not looking at them. “It’s hard when I’m away on assignment and then when I get back I have to train and I just-” He broke off with a truly exhausted sounding huff and it made Gai’s heart hurt. “I’ve just been busy, alright?”

“No.” Both Gai and Kakashi looked at Genma in surprise for the sharp refusal. “It’s not alright.” Gai winced, opening his mouth to try and get Genma to maybe lighten up a bit but wasn’t given a chance. “But it will be.” He continued and Kakashi blinked at him confused as Genma proceeded to maneuver Kakashi’s arm over his shoulder. Gai quickly did the same so that the two of them were supporting the majority of Kakashi’s weight.

“What are you-?”

“ We are going to go back to my place.” Genma announced, cutting off Kakashi’s question. “And once we get there I am going to make you some dinner and you are going to actually eat it.” The way he said it made it clear these were not merely friendly suggestions. 

“Genma, I-”

“No. This isn’t continuing further.” Genma stated firmly much to Kakashi's continued frustration. “You’re going to cause permanent damage to your body, Kakashi.” It appeared Kakashi didn’t have much of an argument to that. “You’re going to eat and then you’re going to sleep and then after you’ve had a decent amount of rest, you and I are going to have an actual discussion about this.” 

“Genma” Kakashi groaned in blatant irritation at being continually cut off. “I can take care of myself, I’m not a child.” 

“But you are my friend.” Genma corrected and Kakashi’s fire dimmed. “And I’m not going to let one of my friends suffer alone.”

“We only wish for you to be well, Kakashi.” Gai added on and he saw as Kakashi’s remaining resolve collapsed. “Please come with us?” Kakashi didn’t say anything for several minutes.

“...Just for tonight.” He eventually mumbled and Gai grinned in response. It wasn’t ideal but it was as good as they were going to get from him right now. “I have a mission tomorrow.” Kakashi added as the three of them finally began walking, the older two still supporting Kakashi between them. Kakashi probably could have walked by himself, but he looked dead on his feet and none of them particularly felt like pushing it.

“We’ll see.” Genma hummed, obviously only placating him but Kakashi didn’t comment instead just sighing as he leaned further onto Gai.

“Hey, Gai?” Kakashi’s voice was quiet to the point Gai had to strain to hear him.

“Yes, Kakashi?”

“Next time I’m choosing the challenge.” Gai grinned as Kakashi gave him a very tiny smile. He took the statement for the attempted reassurance that it was. 

“I look forward to it!” Gai declared perhaps a bit loud but Kakashi didn’t look bothered and just allowed for the two of them to continue leading him.

That night the three of them ate dinner and Kakashi fell asleep on Genma’s couch. The next morning, Kakashi looked much better and Genma was able to get him to agree to having lunch with at least one of them every other week.

Gai didn’t hesitate to claim first dibs.

Chapter Text

Genma was perfectly aware of the reputation he had developed amongst his friends.

The ‘Mom Friend’ is what they most often called him and it was a title he was not ashamed of. 

He couldn't help himself, when he cared about someone he became concerned with how they cared for themselves. So he would do what he could to help when he felt it was needed. 

It wasn’t as if he was the only one that did so. Rin used to do the same, debatably to a bigger extent. And even Kurenai and Asuma had their moments of protectiveness, but Genma was the only one they teased mercilessly about it. He didn’t let it bother him too much. He knew part of the reason they gave him such a hard time was simply because they were jealous. 

Honestly, Genma did not and has not ever understood them. For years they had all acted as if what he did was some extraordinary feat, when in reality he was merely helping his friend.

It just so happened that Kakashi was one of his friends that needed help the most. 

Genma really had never thought it was a big deal. He would help Kakashi whenever he felt it was necessary. He would do the same for any of his friends. 

This was often where the others would make their mistake. They always assumed Kakashi got angry with them because he was simply opposed to any kind of help, which while a small portion of the reason was not the main problem. No, the reason Kakashi would get quite so annoyed was because they treated him differently. 

Genma had realized very early on in their relationship that one thing Kakashi hated above anything else was feeling underestimated. He couldn’t stand for someone to question his abilities. When they treated him differently than they would each other, Kakashi more often than not took it to mean they were looking down on him.

Genma couldn’t really fault the others for their actions. Kakashi had been the youngest shinobi in Konoha history, it was only natural they all saw him as the baby amongst them and felt the need to try and protect him. Genma felt the same. They just went about it the wrong way. 

Overtime, his friends stopped being quite so obvious with their desires and with that Kakashi slowly became more open to their help. Once he realized they did in fact see him as an equal, things became much easier. It didn’t hurt that they all also learned that Kakashi responded better to help in moderation. Genma would be lying if he said he wasn’t proud at how far Kakashi had come. 

Nowadays, Genma was basically never called in for ‘Kakashi wrangling’ as they often called it(though they were all wise enough to never say as much where he could hear). If Kakashi needed help, one of the others would readily provide it, now only taking a little bit of peer pressure before Kakashi accepted. It was a stark difference from the little ankle chomper of a goblin Kakashi had used to be. 

That being said, Genma was surprised when he had been woken up in the middle of the night with a call from Kakashi himself asking him to please meet him at the Golden Dragon, one of their frequented bars. 

Reasonably, Genma was more than a little worried as he quickly ran across the village to do just that. Hundreds of ideas of what could possibly have happened flooded his mind as he threw open the door.

The fact that he knew Kakashi hadn’t been doing particularly well lately only made him move faster. Kakashi’s mental health had been plummeting greatly ever since Sasuke had left the village nearly two weeks ago. 

It was understandable, Sasuke was his student and more than that the last surviving Uchiha from Itachi’s massacre, a clan that Kakashi had felt partially responsible for sense Obito’s passing, of course he was worried about him. But Kakashi’s worry had never been known to express itself in a healthy way so they had all been doing their best to check in with him whenever they could. Unsurprisingly he had been brushing them all off with easy smiles and false assurances he was perfectly fine.

None of them believed him but there was little they could do. Tsunade had more less been constantly sending all the Jonin out on any assignment that came across her desk to try and raise back up the Leaf’s funds from the Sand attack so they rarely even had the time to try.

After only a few seconds of desperate searching, Genma’s eyes found a mop of messy silver hair slouched over at the bar. Genma didn’t hesitate to cross the room and take the empty stool beside him.

“Hey,” Genma said in way of greeting, his eyes looking Kakashi over for visible injury. There wasn’t any as far as he could tell. There was a glass in front of him and while Genma didn’t recognize what kind of alcohol it was, he still felt concerned as he eyed the mostly empty bottle that stood beside it. Clearly, Kakashi had already been here a while.

“What’s going on?” He didn’t bother trying to make small talk before skipping straight to the point. Kakashi hated beating around the bush, at least when anyone other than himself did it. 

Kakashi didn’t react whatsoever to his presence for several minutes -long enough for Genma to get legitimately worried- before he slowly lifted his eye to look at him. It granted Genma a full view of the dark circles beneath his very bloodshot eyes. He looks like he hasn’t slept in days. Genma thought, not entirely sure that wasn’t the case.

“I-” Kakashi started to speak but broke off near immediately. His brows pinched together like they always did when he was trying to sort something out before he tried again. There was also a real chance his thinking was just being inhibited from all the alcohol. He’s definitely going to be hating life tomorrow. 

“I failed my students and I don’t know how to fix it.” 

Genma had been fearing the worst but even still the abrupt statement took him off guard. He supposed he should have seen that coming. Kakashi had always been a bit of a pro when it came to blaming himself. So of course he had already managed to twist this into somehow being his fault.

“No, you didn’t.” Genma corrected automatically, feeling he should address that first. “Sasuke left on his own, there was nothing you or anyone else could have done to change his mind.” An unfortunate truth but a truth nonetheless. Right now, Sasuke only cared about one thing: Getting stronger than Itachi. Nothing Kakashi could have said or done would have changed that mindset. Kakashi however just shook his head.

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Kakashi denied and Genma cocked an eyebrow in curiosity. If this isn’t about Sasuke then I have no idea what the problem is. “I’m not talking about him leaving.”

“Then what are you talking about?” Genma pressed when Kakashi paused for just a touch too long, hand still holding his glass and swirling what little remained in it. 

“...I barely missed him.” Kakashi eventually answered, voice soft to the point Genma had to strain to hear him. Huh? Genma was left confused for all of a second before Kakashi kept going. “If I had just been a few minutes faster, I would’ve-”

“Would’ve what?” Genma cut off firmly but not cruelly once he understood what Kakashi was getting at. “Knocked him out and dragged him back here until he found a way to leave again?” Genma had been going for reason but it was clear Kakashi didn’t see it that way

“Yes.” Kakashi confirmed without hesitation and Genma sighed. “It at least would have bought me time to think of a different solution.” Kakashi defended, looking away and taking a sudden interest to the table, his hand subconsciously tightening around his drink. “Anything is better than him being with that man.” He finished and Genma didn’t really have a rebuttal for that. 

“You did everything you could. You were away on mission, you couldn’t have-” Genma attempted a different approach but Kakashi wasn’t having it.

“I shouldn’t have left.” He said it as if he had simply up and decided to run off on his kids in their time of need. Not to mention Kakashi had completely ignored an entirely different mission order the moment he had found out in order to try and find them.

“You had orders.” 

“Doesn’t matter.” Kakashi once again shot down Genma’s logic. “I knew Sasuke was vulnerable and I left him anyway.” This guys impossible. Genma thought, heaving another deep sigh. It seemed Kakashi was determined to just ignore any argument Genma made, regardless of how sound. 

“Why did you call me here?” Genma asked, not unkindly. Assurance obviously wasn’t it, so that meant Kakashi wanted him here for a different reason. For a minute Kakashi didn’t answer him.

“Did you know Naruto and Sakura snuck out of the village to try and find him?” Alright, I guess we’re talking about this now. 

“No.” Genma responded honestly as he had only just gotten out of the hospital himself so he hadn’t exactly been brought up to date on the latest Team 7 drama. Those stupid Sound Ninja packed a punch.

“Jiraya-sama had to rescue them. Naruto was badly hurt. He’s in the hospital again.” Kakashi continued, voice almost unnervingly casual. Genma still didn’t know what he wanted from him.

“Kakashi, I-”

“What am I supposed to tell them?” Kakashi asked, sounding genuinely unsure for the first time in years. “To give up on their teammate? To let it go?” Genma felt his frown deepen as Kakashi finally turned back to look him in the eyes. His expression looked stricken with despair and it made Genma’s heart hurt for his friend. “I can’t do that.”

“No one is expecting you three to give up on Sasuke.” Genma assured, fully aware there were likely several higher ups expecting that very thing. They weren’t who were important anyway. “And you still have three years before Sasuke’s in any immediate danger.” He reminded as that was how long Orochimaru had to wait in order to take a new body. There was no way Orochimaru would let something happen to Sasuke before then. Not something he couldn’t fix anyway.

“You wanna know what to tell them? Tell them that it’s not over.” Kakashi blinked at him in surprise for that answer but Genma just gave him a small smile. Genma may not have had much emotional investment in Sasuke, but he still wanted to see the kid come home. “All they need from you right now is reassurance that the situation isn’t hopeless. If you don’t give up then neither will they.” Genma watched as his words sunk in and he swore he could actually hear as Kakashi mulled it over. “It’s gonna be ok.” Maybe not right now. And probably not for a while. But it will be.

For a long time, neither of them said anything. Then, just when Genma was starting to think he hadn’t gotten through, Kakashi’s soft voice broke the silence.

“Genma?” 

“Yeah?”

“…Thank you.”

The words were quiet but Genma still heard them loud and clear. A grin promptly broke out across his face as he wrapped a friendly arm around his friend's shoulders.

“Anytime, Kakashi.”

Yeah. 

He’s gonna be fine.