The Dream Devourer (Kakashi X OC)

Reality Sets In

Chiisai had spent the better part of her morning attempting to put on airs- that she was alright, and there was no need to worry, and she definitely had the energy to go against the great Kakashi Hatake.

But now, being home, and having Farm Boy beside her, she finally realized just how complicated this was, and how injured she was. She hadn't even made the walk back to her apartment in one go, she had to stop a block from the hospital. Her legs had been shaky, and Kakashi had scooped her up like a child and brought her home through her balcony window.

She hadn't had the energy to fight him.

And now that she was home, she realized her apartment didn't look right- everything was neatly tucked away, and Kakashi Hatake was here, and her head felt empty and numb.

But questioning reality wasn't something she could afford to do, no matter how crazy this situation seemed.

She wanted to shower, to wash off the smell of sickness and disinfectants and the dried mud on her legs. But she also wanted to collapse in bed and sleep for a day. But then there was also the fact that her seal was breaking, which also meant she was scared to sleep.

Kakashi walked back into the room, he placed a steaming mug of coffee down in front of her. The cushion sank under his weight, and her body tilted to him.

Chiisai glanced to the window. The rain had stopped, and gray clouds covered the sky.

Tori strolled in and hopped on the couch between them. Chiisai scratched between his ears. She reached for her coffee and took a sip. The cup felt impossibly heavy in her hand, and she struggled to keep it level.

Kakashi watched her for a moment. After she set the cup down, he said, "You're book shelf is impressive."

She dropped her legs, and her toes didn't touch the floor. She wrapped the blanket tighter around herself and replied, "Thanks."

An awkward silence stretched between them. Finally, she said, "Well, you know where my journals are." She shakily stood and added, "Feel free to eat whatever you find in the fridge."

Before he could respond, pain split across the back of her head. Images blurred behind her eyes, of a sunny Konoha afternoon, and she struggled for breath.

Her stomach turned, and her eyes widened as she struggled to stand. But she was too late, and she found herself bent over and dry-heaving all over the rug. Hot pain seared her throat and she coughed, hurling again.

Kakashi crouched beside her and pulled her hair back.

She coughed, and groaned, and struggled to right herself. "I am...so sorry," she said as stars crossed her vision.

His tone was light as he said, "Up you go." He gently grabbed hold of her and gathered her in his arms. "Let's get you to bed."

Her arms and legs wriggled against his grip, but nausea set in once more, and she stopped. She didn't want to be near him, to have to rely on help she didn't want. Especially since the only reason he was here was to get information.

Her mind was in a thick fog, and her vision blurred, but she still managed to say, "Stop helping me."

Kakashi replied, "I'm your medical aid. It's sort of my job." He stepped into her room with Tori at his heels. "Fighting me will only make things worse, you know."

He sat her down, and she asked, "You're...not gonna kill me or something?"

It had crossed her mind more than once today.

His voice was lighthearted as he replied, "No, I don't plan on killing you. Yet."

Her eyes widened, but Kakashi smiled and waved his hand. "Joking, joking," he said. He opened his eye and added, "The contract I signed with the hospital was real."