Log : Kakashi and Shizune (Part 2)

[wandererkakashi]

Characters: Kakashi, Shizune
Setting: Tea country; December 23, 17 AR
Rating: PG
Warnings: Blood and references to dirty humor :D
Summary: While Tsunade is away, Shizune comes across an injured and unconscious Kakashi. She begins to treat him and he soon wakes up... (This is part 2. Read part 1 here.)


Shizune's eyes fluttered open. Certain she had been in the middle of something very important, she felt confused, but training told her to assess the situation before giving away her state of consciousness, so she glanced quickly around before attempting to move. The forest, picking herbs, the wounded man... ! Was he gone? She felt heat and heard quiet breathing to one side, and looked over. He was still there ...and he was actually resting. Shizune was very pleased. And she stayed very still, and very quiet, and she kept watch. She needed a rest, too, but she could do it awake now - and get up more slowly next time so she didn't pass out. And then she blinked, and realized her shawl was now under her head as a pillow, and yet again she wondered what his story was.

A sharp pain in his left eye jolted Kakashi from his sleep; with a low exclamation he rolled partly onto his back, hand pressed against the socket and mind working rapidly to remember where he was and why. By the time it did, he had noticed the lack of sensation below his stomach and tried to move his legs. Failed.

Damn. Everything from his waist down was paralyzed--it had happened after all.

Fortunately, the repercussions seemed to be influencing only about half of his body. A few spots along his arms and back prickled as if asleep, but he could still move them, which was more than what he was usually given. Combining this with the knowledge that he had been careful to restrict his use of the source, Kakashi guessed that the duration of the effects would be brief--several hours at the most. Even if he had sufficient treatment and rest, walking would be difficult, if at all possible.

With Shizune on his left, he couldn't see her without moving, and neither did he hear the heavy breathing that signified sleep, but any interest in her was lost as another agonizing bolt worked its way through his skull. Slipping two of his fingers beneath the bandana covering his eye, he massaged the area right above it, trying to work away some of the throbbing that pounded at his forehead.

Shizune rolled to her knees and moved close the moment the tired knight swore, her light hands touched on his head and chest, not pressing him down, but ready to help him sit up if he needed it.

She had been drifting, but aware; trying to rest up enough to give him the help she had promised without pushing herself too far. Princess Tsunade would be able to tell if she had reached beyond her abilities, and ask a lot of questions. When Sir Kakashi woke in what looked like literally blinding pain, though, she was very afraid she had done something very wrong.

"What's wrong? What is it?" She slid one hand under his back quickly, lightly, double checking the shoulder wound, while she closed her eyes and started to see within, keeping one hand over his heart, moving the other to his forehead - where he was trying to massage the pain away.

"Sir Kakashi, can you tell me what is wrong?"

Once some of the aching subsided along with the buzzing in his ears, Kakashi ceased his fruitless endeavor and wrapped his hand around hers, pulling it away from where it rested on his brow. He didn't want her pushing herself any further.

"Don't," he ordered. Although his voice was tense, he had kept it free of his discomfort. "It's fine--" As if to contradict his statement, the space behind his eyes pounded and he momentarily saw red. "...It'll be over after a while. I just need to rest." He released her, eye closing to the bright sky but his vision still imprinted with multicolored shapes. "You've done enough. The best thing you can do now is rest yourself."

He was right, in that she needed more rest to be effective, but Shizune was not convinced it was 'fine', nor that it would be 'over in a little while'. But mostly, it just hurt to see someone in that much pain. When he released her hand, she carefully took the other off of his chest - absently tugging his shirt back into place across it - and sat still for a moment, thinking.

In the few seconds she had been seeing, she had felt two things wrong, but was distracted enough by the first not to be able to understand the second. This knight was also a wizard. A dangerously tired wizard who needed rest very badly. Princess Tsunade might accept a helpless visitor if she helped him move to the camp (and the wards they routinely placed around any site they stayed at for more than a day would be very helpful to his situation if he were being hunted), but she wouldn't appreciate it. ...but she would accept it.

"Sir Kakashi," she said carefully, "Our camp isn't far, and my Lady will likely be away for a little longer. It would be a safe place to rest for a day. Or as long as you need," Shizune needed something to do with her hands, so she made sure his water-skin was to hand, then reached for the blanket, watching her own fingers twist the hem slightly as she held it in her lap.

In spite of himself and the situation, her suggestion made Kakashi smile--only because he knew she hadn't meant for her offer to sound as it had--and he caught her eye again, his own containing a glint of mischief. "As flattered as I am by the gesture, that would not be a very...proper manner of showing my gratitude." His tone was light, letting her know that he was teasing.

All jokes aside, he exhaled heavily, more serious. He needed rest, yes, but he couldn't ask so much of her. Some called him a scrounger, and that might have been true in some cases, but he wasn't about to take advantage of a kind young woman who could well have a family waiting around the corner.

"...You must trust me to some degree, having stayed with me this long," said Kakashi after a moment. Talking made his temples sting. "So trust me a little more when I say that I have been in situations much more dire than this. Do not feel obligated to stay by my side." He added, gentler, not wanting to sound ungrateful, "I greatly appreciate what you've done for me, but now I feel I've simply become a hindrance to you. That's hardly a way to thank you."

It had been too long since Kakashi had been required to use real manners--and he considered "real manners" to be those that he exhibited for more than a few minutes, used primarily and occasionally to get information out of a stranger; any of the rebels could and would argue that he didn't have them in the first place. But he had always had a way with words, and having meant what he said, he hoped that Shizune would agree with him and be on her way soon. Of course, women weren't the easiest to persuade, let alone one whom he was not flippantly courting, so his attempt could go either way.

"I will be fine from here on out," he assured her, and without batting an eye half-lied, "As I said, this won't last long. I'll be up soon enough and able to go on my way."

Red to her ear-tips, and mostly to Shizune's own surprise, she swatted the knight on his nearest shoulder with a small, sputtered exclamation. "Y-you! .... " She let it go, still a bit flustered, apologized, and sighed and nodded. She was very used to this brand of humor whenever the princess stayed out a bit late, but she wasn't used to being on the receiving end of it.

More quietly, she simply said, "I'm not thrilled to hear you've been in situations worse than this. It makes me think my hard work is going to be wasted too quickly." She glanced over with a small smile to take the bite out of her words, and added, "but I feel obligated to any stra... er, patient I help. I know life is dangerous, but I want to see them all off safely. It's the least I can do. I can't leave you here alone. ... just as you didn't leave me."

"Let me stay. As you said, I still need rest, too. And if you won't let me help you to my camp," her fading pink came back a shade, "at least let's get you more comfortable here." She reached under his shoulders to help him sit up, get the blanket she had brought under him as well as over him. "This can be a little padding, at least, and I am worried about you cooling down too quickly. We need to keep you warm till you dry out, or you could get very ill."

She was already set on staying, he could tell, and whatever he said didn't seem to have much consequence, anyway. She just wanted to see him off well--he owed her that much. So he didn't object.

Unable to feel anything under his torso, Kakashi could only try and steady himself on his hands, but even that only raised him about halfway.

"I suppose now is a good time to tell you about another side effect..." Relying partly on her support once again, he gazed down at the lower half of his body. "I won't be able to move much for the time being. More specifically, I won't be able to walk."

Shizune did the reasonable thing - she checked his legs using her sensing talents. How she could have missed that more than his knee was out of order was a mystery, but then... oh. Oh, this was different. This was new. She poked him hard in the thigh - retaliation for lack of full disclosure to his physician, but knew he couldn't feel it. Many responses went through her head, but the one that came out before she could think to stop it was, "What I fail to understand, Sir Kakashi, is how you could hope to be improper while you are in this condition."

She bit back a grin as she wrapped the blanket closer, working gently to get it where it could warm him, but not hinder him. She continued in good humor, "If you're going to be here long, you're going to need something warm to eat, and since I can't carry you off, which I'm sure is a relief to you, you'll get a little more alone time..."

Shizune suddenly realized, with a painful jolt of guilt, that perhaps she had overstayed her usefulness. Or at least her welcome. He had tried to shoo her off several times now, and she had ignored his wishes, hoping to better his physical health. Perhaps she was doing more harm than good, or getting in the way, or stopping friends from coming to his aid. Friends that could help him better than she could; or at least he'd be happy to see. But he was paralyzed. She couldn't just leave him here now, could she? Maybe before, but not now, surely.

Leaving off after the blanket would do him some good, she rocked back and away from him, giving him breathing room. Turning more serious and quiet, she simply said, "I'm sorry if I've been a bother or in the way. I didn't mean to ignore your wishes, Sir Kakashi. Thank you for accepting my help."

She could add she had no duties until the princess came back to assure him it was no trouble for her. She could offer to go find a healer he knew and trusted instead. She could retreat and make him something warm, and leave again on some pretext to give him time to recover and leave on his own, as he kept saying he wanted to. She was recovering a little, but might not even be able to put a pain block in place before he wanted to go. Or finally ignored her mothering tendancy and left anyway. Smothering tendancy. She sighed, just a little. She should let him go. He wasn't a stray puppy or kitten that needed her help. He was an adult and a warrior with a gift for magic, and he really could take care of himself.

There were several things he could have said in response to her first comment, but he let it go. Her tone of voice made him stop, and as he listened to her words, he felt a small wave of realization amid the pain hammering at his head.

Up until now, Kakashi had been thinking only of himself; he didn't want to intrude, he wanted to be on his way as soon as possible. He was so accustomed to dealing with healers and working to run them off as quick as he could that he hadn't brought the current circumstances into consideration.

She was a traveler, evidently under some Lady that she served, and now Kakashi was beginning to suspect that perhaps those two women were the only ones in their party. That suspicion became stronger when he recalled how she had spoken of Konoha--there was a chance that her loyalty, or service, or whatever it was, held her to her Lady before anything else. Neither had she spoken of a third person, and when addressing the issue of his intrusion, she had referred to her Lady as the only other member of her camp.

In short, Shizune was most likely on her own at the present, although he would not have been very surprised to learn that this was a recurring process. There was just a coyness in her, as if she wasn't used to socializing too often. Then again, he wasn't exactly the easiest person to deal with.

But she was lonely. He could tell that much from looking at her, having slowed down to actually do so.

Kakashi did not feel guilty, per se, but the way she spoke and the look in her eyes had him thinking twice again. The fact of the matter was that he did need rest, and could use someone to watch his back as he recovered. With her also recuperating, she was in the same predicament. She obviously was not dense, so she wouldn't allow her treatment of him to interfere with any other duties she might have had. There was nothing to lose, and as he had acknowledged before, he owed her.

"No, don't apologize." That she had thanked him for allowing her to save his life was funny in a way, but it also made him feel like the lowest kind of ingrate. "If you have anything to be sorry about, it should be for spoiling me. I doubt I'll ever find another healer with half as much talent as you've shown...at least, none so pleasing both to the eye and in speech." A subtle comeback. He smiled. "If you can spare the time, I would like for you to stay." She might have been planning on it already, but it wouldn't hurt to repay her kindness with a little warmth.

Shizune relaxed, not realizing how tense she had just been, and smiled. She'd be able to help a little more, like she wanted to. That was a relief. Not knowing how to respond to another compliment, Shizune decided not to, but her lowered eyes and pink ears were enough of an answer. But she had to set him straight about her talent.

"I have been taught well, but I still have much to learn," she coughed lightly, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. "I have time. I'm still feeling a bit dizzy and probably shouldn't move much right now, either."

She smoothed her shawl around her shoulders and made sure the knight was comfortable. "You should probably rest more." She restrained herself from brushing his hair back and attempting a pain block. "I hope the pain won't keep you awake. I can watch and rest for now."

Kakashi didn't reply to that, but decided to go along with her suggestion and relax. Sleeping through the pain wouldn't be too hard now that the worst of it was nearly over--the headaches never lasted that long.

Although her offer of a warm meal was starting to sound more appealing, his current position and impending fatigue would have him waiting a while. Feeling the most at ease since first waking up under her hands, Kakashi soon drifted off to a dreamless sleep, temporarily free of his discomfort and the fact that safe moments like these were so very rare to come by.

It was quiet in the clearing for awhile as they both rested, Kakashi sleeping, and Shizune going into light meditation to recoup her own strength. The stream was pleasant, distant music, and the birdsong, while also music, would let her know if anyone was coming. He would shift uncomfortably at first, but finally ended up getting some real rest. She used a light hand and a thread of concentration to keep an inner eye on his state, not taking his pain away, but smoothing a few rough edges, and helping his body repair itself a little faster, a little better. While meditating, it took very little energy to do such a small thing.

Shizune had warm stew, cheese and day-old bread when he woke up, and they spoke for a little while of unimportant things. It was nice to make small talk; to be polite but interested in a new acquaintance. She offered to help him shift so he could rest again without causing his muscles stiffness or strain, and went back to the undercurrent of support, still monitoring in her light trance as he slept again. He was getting better. It was getting later in the day, but she could feel the energy start to move back into his legs. He would wake up soon, and when he did, Shizune had taken her hand off his arm and folded it back in her lap.

"How do you feel?"

Kakashi took his time in answering, gathering his thoughts--now a much easier process than before--before exhaling and turning onto his side to face Shizune. Except for his sore frame and the lingering traces of pain in his eye, he couldn't complain, although the new movement did prompt a low groan.

"Wonderful." There was a hint of humor in that as he rubbed and rotated his neck, trying to work out the kinks. He sat up, pleased to find he could do so without support, and absently flexed his sore hand as he brought one leg up to his chest, testing its ability. The movement was sluggish, but its improvement was a large one. He could also feel the very basics of his magic returning, and while it wouldn't make a difference in terms of allowing for some potent spell-casting, it would be one less source of physical strain.

Reaching behind his head, Kakashi tugged at the knot holding the cloth over his left eye, loosened it, and then pulled the bandana down and away. He made no effort to conceal what the action revealed, but neither did he wait to give significant time for much to be seen. After wiping away the cold sweat that had collected along his cheek and the inside of his eye, he ran a hand through his hair and hung his head.

"And you?"

Shizune nodded by way of answer as she wet down a soft, clean cloth with water and handed it to him. It smelled faintly of mint. "I'm feeling much better." She kept her movements slow and graceful to mask her fatigue, but it was just normal fatigue. She'd be recovering from it for a few days after that over-extention. the princess was going to ask her questions about that. She sighed.

"Let me know when you want to start moving again." She paused, then added, "I can show you how to do the pain block yourself, if you like. Once you're a little better, it may be useful... if you don't already know the skill." Mentally she winced. A warrior-mage likely already knew that sort of thing. How silly to offer. Ah well, it was too late to think clearly about it now.

"It's getting late. I know you want to be on your way and get to your destination, but I do hope you take it easy on yourself for a little while. And I know you'll be careful of bandits and such..." it was her way of saying goodbye. Usually they left a town on the run, no time for goodbyes and no one really to say them to. If she moved slowly, she could stand up without trouble and point out the direction to Konoha. He was close. He'd be alright.

He took the cloth and dabbed at the upper half of his face with it, shaking his head at her offer. "No, I'm afraid I don't know it." Kakashi hesitated, in thought more than doubt. "A comrade of mine was specialized in healing, so I never took the time to learn much about the art." Rin had tried to teach him a small thing here and there, but he had never stopped to listen. Now, having witnessed Shizune's skills, he was beginning to wish he had.

He climbed into a crouch, trying his muscles, and then after a few seconds went to stand. Once on his feet, more of the feeling returned, but he leaned back against the tree for support just to be safe. When his legs didn't collapse under his weight, Kakashi retied the bandana over his eye and buttoned up his shirt, looking down at her once he had finished.

He had never been very good at farewells, perhaps because he hadn't had to say very many; when he did, he usually cut them short or just avoided them if possible. "Don't worry," he assured her with a tilt of his head, closing his eye in another smile. "I'll make sure your work wasn't in vain."

Shizune also rose, taking almost as much care as the wanderer. "That's good," she smiled up at him, "Because then I would have to hunt you down and scold you." She pointed through the woods, "The best path to Konoha is there. If you head in that direction for a mile or two, you'll come across it. You may want to stay off the main roads till day. I ... don't know by experience, but I hear the Akatsuki, while hard on criminals in Konoha itself, are not so strict about what goes on outside their territory."

She smiled again, collecting her things. "If you'll please hold still, I'll show you the block. It's not hard to do once you get the knack." Feeling she should clarify, she added quickly, "It's not the same one I used earlier. It won't transfer anything over to you if you use it on someone else, it will only dampen the messages your body is sending to your mind." Sighing, she admitted, "Your body is going to be sending those messages to you for some days yet."

Taking his hands, she pressed one against his side, and the other across his chest. "Now close your eyes and envision the energy currents. All you have to do, is build a wall here - or rather, more like a stained glass window. You can still see through it if you need to, but it changes the harsh view so it doesn't become a distraction." She built the 'window' slowly, so he could feel it coming together, see the currents she used. When she was done, she had to let go and lean against the tree he had just been using for support.

"Well then... Do take care."

Her explanation wasn't difficult to follow. Most spells required some sort of visual, at least at first, and while Kakashi wasn't familiar with this one, he still understood. Like everything, it would take practice to perfect, but he had the foundation laid out for now.

He raised his hands as she finished, prepared to steady her if she should falter, and then seeing that she was fine dropped them again.

"I will. You do the same." Looking in the direction she had indicated, he tried to do a quick calculation and guess how long the journey would take. Average speed, plus he was injured and aching...it might just take him the full five days. Almost.

"You're probably weary of this by now, but thank you once again." He turned to her. "For everything." For trusting him. Caring for him. All the unnecessary, appreciated things in between that hadn't even been asked of her.

In a quick but careful motion, Kakashi caught her fingers between his own and bowed his head low, mask slipping down long enough for him to place a brief kiss on the back of her hand. "Lady Shizune." It was a final, firm, departing acknowledgement. He stole a last glance at her face as he released her, turning away before he could see her complete reaction. Without a word after that, he started off, aware that her eyes were following him until the trees concealed him from view.

Shizune meant to pick up her things and leave when he did, but that last little courtesy left her blushing and speechless and staring until he disappeared. When he was lost in the leaves, she picked up her things and walked back to her camp, a subtle, unsure smile playing around one corner of her mouth.