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Tenzou sighed with relief as he checked Kakashi’s pulse. The man was sitting in a chair, wrists and ankles restrained, hitae-ate forced up his hair, both of his eyes were closed. He looked pale, even more so than usual, so Tenzou prioritized checking if he was alive before doing anything else. Now that he was sure Kakashi wasn’t killed, he could finally focus on the task at hand: taking the man out of there.

The need for a rescue mission had caught them by surprise. Tenzou and Team Kakashi were just coming back to Konoha after a mission, stopping by a small village to rest and buy a few much needed provisions. However, Kakashi suddenly disappeared, and understandably, Naruto and Sakura were worried. Tenzou shared the feeling; something must have happened for him not to come back. Fortunately, Kakashi had swallowed one of his tracking seeds recently, so Tenzou was able to track him. Hours later, they finally found him.

They found Kakashi inside of an abandoned building in a forest away from the small village, the captors escaping as soon as they felt their approach, but the room where Tenzou found Kakashi was clearly prepared to capture someone. There were a lot of tools and, worryingly, empty syringes. Tenzou’s senses weren’t as sharp as Kakashi’s, but he didn’t smell any blood. Those syringes, though… Maybe they had given Kakashi something to make him unconscious.

Tenzou caught one of the syringes and put it in his pocket, and then freed Kakashi, who remained passed out. He carried his senpai in his arms, and he couldn’t sense any unknown chakra in his surroundings. Trusting their students—honestly, mostly Sai—to investigate the place, and with a strong need to take Kakashi away from that creepy torture room, Tenzou ran and took him to their meeting place.

“Senpai? Do you hear me?” Tenzou called, laying Kakashi gently on the ground.

The silver eyelashes fluttered, filling Tenzou with hope that he would be awake soon. He started to look for any signs of injuries, and his stomach churned when he noticed one of Kakashi’s arms had small, round wounds that suggested needles had been pressed into his skin multiple times. What the hell had they done to him?

“Tenzou?”

He looked up immediately, surprised that Kakashi was awake. Both his eyes were open, blinking rapidly.

“Senpai.” Tenzou couldn’t help the relief in his voice. “I’m sorry it took me so long to find you. How are you feeling?”

“Hmm.” Kakashi blinked a few times, as if he was assessing the situation. “I feel fine. What happened?”

“You don’t remember? You were captured.”

“Hm.” Kakashi frowned, then shrugged. “My mind is a bit fuzzy.”

Tenzou wondered what sort of poison was working in Kakashi’s system, if he was willing to admit that he wasn’t perfectly fine. He got up with a sigh, noticing Kakashi’s eyes seemed not to stray from Tenzou’s face. He was starting to feel self-conscious. 

“Where are the kids?” Kakashi asked, looking around for them.

“They’re investigating the building where we found you. They’ll be here soon.”

Kakashi hummed and reached out for Tenzou. Worried, but ready to catch Kakashi if he staggered, Tenzou took his hand and helped him get up. He expected the older man to let go of his hand immediately, as he usually did, but to his surprise, Kakashi intertwined their fingers. Looking at Kakashi's face for an explanation, he was surprised to see his face. Tenzou had seen him maskless before, but at that moment, he was completely caught by surprise. Why would Kakashi take off his mask?

Before Tenzou could say anything, Kakashi's lips were suddenly on his, and Tenzou's mind short-circuited. Kakashi, the man he admired and had been in love with most of his life, was kissing him. His heart skipped a beat, and Tenzou froze on the spot. He wasn't expecting this. Kakashi had never shown any sort of interest in him, something Tenzou was painfully aware of.

Mind slowly getting clearer as the confusion settled in, Tenzou frowned. Kakashi wasn't interested. His lips were weirdly warm, and the kiss was clumsy, as if Kakashi had never kissed anyone before… Or as if he was drunk. Tenzou put his hands on Kakashi's shoulders, pushing him away. It was probably the hardest thing he had ever done, but his worry about Kakashi surpassed his desire to be kissed by him.

“Senpai, something is wrong.”

“I agree. You pushing me away is very wrong,” Kakashi mumbled, his flushed face getting closer again, and Tenzou had to grip his chin to keep him from moving.

“Kakashi, you eyes…” Tenzou frowned. Kakashi's eyes were weirdly cloudy. He surely wasn't in his right mind. “What did they…”

“What the hell?”

Tenzou froze, horrified as Naruto, Sai and Sakura joined them at the meadow. Sakura covered her mouth with her hands, eyes widened, and Naruto stared at them like he was seeing the most unbelievable thing in the world. Sai only nodded.

“I didn't know you and Kakashi-senpai had this kind of relationship, Captain,” Sai said. “I suppose we shouldn't be intruding.”

“Well, they shouldn't be doing this kind of thing where we can find them,” Sakura mumbled.

“Ew, Kakashi-sensei is a pervert and… Wait, does this mean you saw his face?” Naruto yelled.

Tenzou looked back at Kakashi. Poisoned or drunk, it didn't matter; the mask was back on his face as soon as his students approached. Now he was resting his face on Tenzou's shoulder, hands slowly resting around his waist while he sighed contently.

“It's not what you think! Sakura, I think he's been poisoned. He's not acting like himself,” Tenzou pleaded.

“What do you mean?” Sakura asked, brows furrowing.

“I found him unconscious, but when he woke up, he started to…” Tenzou blushed, looking at Kakashi, who was tightening the grip on his waist. “Act like that.”

“So you're not involved?” Sai seemed disappointed.

“Hah, you're lying! You're just embarrassed that we caught you two!” Naruto accused.

“Come on. Do you think he would look so relaxed if you guys really caught him with a lover?” Tenzou huffed, and when he felt Kakashi's breath against his neck, even with the mask, he gasped. “Sakura, please!”

Thankfully, Sakura stepped towards them, quickly examining Kakashi, who still didn't want to let go of Tenzou. Somehow, he was able to convince Kakashi to roll up his sleeve and show her the needle wounds. Sakura seemed worried.

“He's telling the truth. It seems like Kakashi-sensei is intoxicated. He's feverish and his chakra paths are disturbed.”

“I took one of the syringes, but it's empty.” Tenzou passed her the object. Sakura examined the syringe and inhaled the scent.

“It's not a substance I know of,” Sakura admitted.

“Is it some sort of aphrodisiac?" Sai asked. Naruto still seemed doubtful.

“Well.” Sakura blushed. “He doesn't seem aroused.”

“He seems very relaxed,” Naruto said. “Is creeping me out.”

“Well, what could it be?” Tenzou was getting more and more worried. Especially with Kakashi's hands being so comfortable around his body. He was unnaturally warm.

“I think… I've only heard about it in theory. But I think it could be some sort of love potion,” Sakura said thoughtfully.

“This sort of thing really exist?” Naruto's eyes widened. “Where do you think we can find some?”

“It's interesting,” Sai agreed. “A substance that would be able to make someone like you.”

“You two, stop with the creepy thoughts!” Tenzou snapped. “Look at how Kakashi is acting. He's not himself. Do you think someone can consent like this?”

Naruto had the decency to look ashamed. Sai seemed confused.

“I feel fine,” Kakashi said suddenly, but his eyes were still very unfocused.

“It's not really a love potion,” Sakura corrected. “It's more like… a substance to make someone relax and trust the first person they see. Maybe they intended to interrogate him, or…” Sakura gasped suddenly. “Maybe it was someone that loves Kakashi and wants to marry him!”

“Unlikely, with all those torture tools,” Sai said. “If he was targeted with a love potion, they probably meant to use his body to procreate and make more powerful shinobi like him.”

“Ow, that's awful,” Naruto said.

“Yes, and it's not particularly a bright idea,” Said explained. “He doesn't have kekkei genkai. So there's no guarantee that his offspring would be as powerful as him.”

“Enough with the speculation," Tenzou said. “Sakura, is there something we could do?”

“Well. Since I don't know the substance, I’m not sure I’ll be able to treat it properly,” Sakura said slowly. “I have some activated charcoal pills that are usually used to help detoxify the body, but I’m not sure it will be enough against a strong toxin.”

“We'll try anyway. I think we'll need to camp here for tonight. Hopefully he will be better by the morning,” Tenzou said. There was no way they would be able to travel with Kakashi in that state. And he had the feeling the pills wouldn't be enough, considering the many empty syringes he saw in that room.

“Sensei, you need to take this.” Sakura offered Kakashi a bottle of water and three pills. He looked at her hands as if he didn't understand a single word she said. Sakura seemed unsure, but tried to smile. “Is medicine. You'll be okay soon.”

“Thank you, Sakura, you're very cute,” Kakashi said, finally letting go of Tenzou long enough to take the medicine and pat Sakura on the head.

“Oi, is he into Sakura now?” Naruto seemed alarmed, approaching as if he was ready to punch Kakashi, who huffed.

“I only have eyes for Tenzou.”

Tenzou blushed, turning to face Kakashi. “Speaking of which…” He put down Kakashi's hitae-ate, covering his Sharingan. “Better be safe than sorry.”

“You take such good care of me,” Kakashi said, his right eye crinkling in a smile. By his side, Sakura bit her lip as if to contain a laugh.

“It's kind of cute,” she said.

“It's not.” Tenzou huffed. He's never been more stressed in his life. “I'll make us a shelter. Please keep him occupied.”

Sakura nodded and called the boys to help, because as Tenzou walked away, Kakashi tried to follow him. Is this how I’m going to die?, Tenzou wondered. By a potion making Kakashi act as if he loves me? He gave a heavy sigh. Nothing prepared you for your long lasting unrequited love suddenly returning your feelings, only for it to not even be real. Kakashi would probably be horrified when the effect wears off. But Tenzou would remember the feel of that kiss for the rest of his life.

Tenzou shook his head, as usual pushing his feelings away to deal with later, and focused on the task at hand. He didn't put much effort on making the small wooden house with his mokuton, too stressed to be thinking about architecture, but as he finished, he heard Kakashi clapping.

“Amazing, Tenzou!” Kakashi was clearly smiling. 

“Why does he call you Tenzou, Captain?” Naruto seemed puzzled.

“Long story. So I suppose we should keep watch… The kidnappers might show up.”

The students agreed on him having the first watch, and they spent a long time convincing Kakashi to enter the house without Tenzou. He almost smiled at it, knowing Kakashi enough to know that he was pouting under the mask. If only he truly felt like this…

Tenzou sighed and emptied his mind, focusing on keeping watch.

___________

Tenzou was the unluckiest man on earth. It's the only explanation he can think of for Kakashi being awake in the extra room where Tenzou intended to sleep. To make matters worse, he had taken off his mask, so Tenzou could see very clearly the soft smile on his face as he beckoned Tenzou to join him on the bedroll.

“Shouldn't you be resting?” Tenzou asked with a whisper, not wanting to wake Sakura in the other room. Both Naruto and Sai were currently on watch.

“I did sleep a little. Are you coming or what?”

“You know I can't do this, Kakashi.” Tenzou sighed.

“Why not?” Kakashi frowned. He almost sounded like himself, but his lips were still pale, and his eyes were still cloudy.

“For starters, the students outside of this room.”

“Is that your only objection?” Kakashi smiled. Why does he have to be so handsome? That's just cruel.

“You know you were poisoned,” Tenzou said slowly. He wasn't sure if Kakashi was actually paying attention when they discussed it earlier. If he was capable of understanding it. “You don't actually want this.”

“Poisoned or not, I still am me. I know what I want.” Kakashi sounded impatient.

Tenzou had to remind himself that there was no point in arguing. Kakashi was intoxicated, his reaction and way of thinking couldn't be trusted. Stating the obvious—that Kakashi had never attempted to do anything of the sort when he was in his right mind—would be just a waste of his saliva.

“I'm not going to touch you,” Tenzou said firmly, hoping that his tone ended the discussion. Kakashi closed his eyes with a deep sigh.

“You're breaking my heart, you know.” 

The words almost seemed like the normal Kakashi, who would tease and joke, but his voice trembled, and his face was sad. The combination was overkill for Tenzou, who was already prone to do everything Kakashi asked of him. His heart clenched.

“Is there something I can do?”

“You don't have to.” Kakashi turned on the bedroll, turning his back to Tenzou. He sounded very heartbroken, which was probably why Tenzou had the worst idea ever.

“I can hug you to sleep.” What the hell am I doing? Tenzou added quickly. “If you promise to behave.”

Kakashi was quiet for a moment. Then he sighed. “Fine, I’ll behave.”

Tenzou lay down by his side carefully. This was a terrible idea, he shouldn't be humoring Kakashi like that, but seeing his relaxed face, Tenzou couldn't bring himself to regret it. If there was one good thing about this love potion, it was the way Kakashi seemed so calm and even happy. It wouldn't do any good to disturb him in that state, Tenzou told himself.

And here comes the hug. Tenzou wrapped his arm around Kakashi, wondering if he would remember that. He will probably be pissed with Tenzou. He could explain himself, say that it was just an excuse to restrain Kakashi and stop him from giving him more trouble. Tenzou was trying really hard to ignore the fact that he always wanted to do this. Kakashi was always patting others in the head or the shoulder, but he wasn't as receptive to others touching him. Tenzou never got to hug him before.

The feeling was… better than he anticipated. Kakashi was taller and more powerful than him, but he was thinner, while Tenzou was broader, so he felt a bit small on Tenzou's arms. Kakashi was very warm, and he sighed and relaxed against Tenzou's chest. That was probably the best part. Kakashi seeming so happy and relaxed with him was like a dream coming true.

A lie, his mind cruelly remembered, but there was no point in dwelling on this now. Tenzou rested his face against the back of Kakashi's shoulder and pulled him closer, deciding that if he had to do this, he might as well enjoy it.

“Okay?” He asked, still too much of himself not to check his well-being.

“Perfect,” Kakashi said, already drifting to sleep.

Tenzou smiled softly and followed suit.

__________

Tenzou woke up with something brushing his cheek. Wait, not something… Soft lips were kissing his cheek. He opened his eyes with a start, catching Kakashi in the act of trying to kiss his lips. Tenzou had no idea how he had the strength to dodge, receiving a kiss on his chin instead.

“Senpai! You said you were going to behave,” Tenzou scolded, heart beating fast on his chest.

“That was last night. Today is a new day.” Kakashi smiled.

“So I see you're still poisoned.” Tenzou sat down with a huff, ignoring Kakashi's protest. Their bodies were still very tangled together before he sat up. “How are you feeling?”

“I told you, I’m fine.” Kakashi sighed, laying on his back. Tenzou touched his forehead.

“Well, you're not feverish. I guess that's a good sign.”

“You're so cute when you wake up,” Kakashi said. “With your hair messy like that.”

Tenzou blushed. “Your eyes seem more focused, too. Do you think you can use your chakra?”

“Hm.” Kakashi focused for a moment. “I think so.”

“Great. Now we can go back to Konoha…” Tenzou sighed with relief. They would finally be able to treat him. “I'll ask Sakura to take a look at you.”

“Tenzou.” Kakashi gripped his wrist. Indeed, he had more strength than the previous day. “I want to kiss you.”

Hearing that when Kakashi looked healthy and sober was like a punch, but Tenzou knew he wasn't all right yet. Tenzou forced himself to smile.

“Later, okay?”

“Later when?”

“When we're back to Konoha.”

Kakashi pouted. “I won't forget.”

I hope you do, Tenzou thought, getting up to call for Sakura. The young kunoichi examined Kakashi again, and she seemed relieved.

“He’s way better. I think the detox is working well, but he probably took way too many shots of the potion. So it might take a while until he’s okay.”

“Do you think we’re okay to go? Or should we wait for him to get better?” Tenzou asked.

“It’s better if we go. Tsunade will probably want to examine him, since it’s a substance we never heard about.”

Going back to Konoha wasn’t as difficult as Tenzou expected. Kakashi’s mind still seemed a bit fuzzy, and he was saying weird things to anyone who got too close, but running in the forest was something he was used to, so he did it without any trouble. Tenzou stayed behind, watching Kakashi’s back and ready to intervene in case he started to show any symptoms again.

The journey was uneventful, but as they got closer, Tenzou noticed Kakashi was starting to sweat. He had another fever, and he was panting. Tenzou got closer, motioning for him to stop.

“Kakashi, are you okay?”

“I…” Kakashi leaned against the trunk of a tree. It seemed like he was gritting his teeth. “...No.”

“Do you think you’ll be able to keep going on your own?” Tenzou asked, surprised by his honesty. Kakashi’s body was tense, as if he was fighting something, but he sighed.

“I’m not sure, but I don’t think so.”

Tenzou nodded. “Excuse me.”

He caught Kakashi in his arms again. They were close to Konoha, so it wouldn't be a big deal. Kakashi tried to say something, mouth opening and closing many times, but he choked every time he tried to talk. Tenzou smiled sadly; apparently, Kakashi was starting to regain enough of his conscience to try to fight the potion’s effects. That was a good sign.

They managed to reach Konoha without trouble, and Tenzou took Kakashi straight to the hospital; he finally had quieted down on his arms, even though his body was still tense. Sakura stayed with him in the room to wait for Tsunade, and Tenzou left the room with a sigh.

“I guess you two can go rest,” Tenzou said. “I’ll deal with the report.”

“Okay, Captain!” Naruto said with a yawn. Sai simply nodded.

“Naruto.” Tenzou waited for the boy to turn around to give him his most scary smile. “I better not see you making fun of your sensei because of what happened. That same goes for you, Sai.”

Naruto shivered. “Fine! Fine! I wasn’t going to say anything…” He mumbled as he ran away.

“Yes, Captain.” Sai nodded once again before leaving.

Tenzou stayed in the hospital until Tsunade came, so he reported what he could of the situation. She seemed very thoughtful.

“Very interesting substance… Very dangerous, too. Well, you better go rest, Yamato. I’ll take care of things now.”

Tenzou felt reluctant to let Kakashi alone in the hospital, but he had to remind himself Kakashi was in Tsunade’s capable hands. And now he had some time alone to regain control of his feelings.

_________

After a full night of sleep, a good bath and a complete breakfast, Tenzou felt ready to face the world again. So he went straight to the hospital to see how Kakashi was doing. He could hear the voices inside the room, and he knocked. When he walked in, he was surprised to see Kakashi jumping out of the window, while Tsunade laughed loudly.

“Hm. Did you just let him run away from the hospital?” Tenzou asked.

“The brat is fine now. I was going to discharge him anyway.” Tsunade shook her head, still smiling.

“Oh. So the potion is gone?” Tenzou was relieved. “No complications?”

“No.” Tsunade went serious with the question, thoughtful. Then she sighed. “Look, I wasn’t supposed to tell you that, but this is getting ridiculous.”

“What?” Tenzou frowned.

“Kakashi remembered what happened. The enemy nin were trying to interrogate him on Konoha’s secrets,” Tsunade explained.

“Oh. So why the love potion…? To make him trust them?”

“It wasn’t a love potion, Yamato.” Tsunade shook her head, a small smile on her face. “It was a truth serum.”

“...I don’t understand.”

“They injected the truth serum, believing it would be enough to get Kakashi to talk, but he resisted. So they kept injecting more and more, believing he just had resistance to poisons. Which he does,” Tsunade admitted. “But it was more a matter of will than anything else.”

“B-But he was acting so weirdly…” Tenzou’s voice sounded weak even to his ears.

“Yeah, I think he gave his all to resist the serum, but as soon as you found him and he relaxed, the effects started to kick in. That’s why he wasn’t exactly acting like himself,” Tsunade explained. “There was too much serum on his body. He wasn’t able to resist his impulses anymore.”

Tenzou frowned, thinking back. He remembered being weirded out by how honest Kakashi was when asked about his health. How he was struggling when they reached Konoha, clearly trying to lie that he was fine, but unable to do so. How he called Sakura cute when she gave him the medicine.

Above all… Tenzou’s face felt warmer, his blush so deep that was spreading to his neck. Kakashi wanted to kiss him. He was genuinely sad when Tenzou said he wasn’t going to touch him while poisoned. He said he only had eyes for Tenzou… Was that all true? Tenzou looked at Tsunade, who watched him with amusement.

“Why… why did you tell me that?”

“Because if it depends on the brat, he’ll die alone without ever opening up about his feelings.” Tsunade rolled her eyes. “So please, stop dancing around each other already, you two.”

“But… Godaime-sama…”

“Dismissed, Yamato.”

Tenzou sighed, but nodded and left the hospital, not knowing what to think.

__________

Tenzou knocked on the door nervously. He could sense Kakashi inside, but it took so long for him to get up that Tenzou was sure the man was never opening that door. When he did, they stared at each other in silence.

“I brought dinner,” Tenzou said, breaking the silence.

“Oh, I forgot to buy food. Come in.”

Tenzou complied. “You didn’t eat anything today?”

“Food pills.” Kakashi shrugged.

Tenzou hummed and put the food on the table, and they both sat down in silence. He figured it would be like this. Kakashi jumping out of the window of the hospital as soon as he felt Tenzou approaching probably meant he wasn't ready to talk about what happened yet. 

“Senpai. Do you remember—”

“Yes.” Kakashi cut in. “I remember everything. Sorry for sexually harassing you, by the way.”

“It’s okay. It wasn't your fault.”

Kakashi mumbled something before nodding. He hesitated before pulling his mask down, as he usually did when they were eating in a private place. Usually Tenzou didn't stare at him, just focused on his own food and respecting his privacy, but this time he looked. There was an adorable blush on the usual pale face. So Kakashi was embarrassed? Well, as the private person he always had been, it made sense. He didn't want his feelings exposed like this.

His feelings. Tenzou spent the whole day lying on his bed, thinking about what Tsunade said. She had no reason to lie to him, and thinking back, it made more sense that they used a truth serum than a love potion. Tenzou just… Couldn't wrap his head around this. That Kakashi had feelings for him, enough to want to kiss him and be content with Tenzou holding him to sleep, and Tenzou had no clue. Since when…?

“You’re quite the actor,” Tenzou said. Kakashi raised an eyebrow. “I never noticed how you feel.”

“So Tsunade told you the truth about the substance.” Kakashi seemed resigned, but the blush was back on his cheeks. “Well. I guess I'm just very used to keeping things to myself.”

“You didn't deny it.” Tenzou's eyes widened.

“It would be pointless. You already know the truth.” Kakashi shrugged.

“I didn't think you'd actually like me.”

Kakashi frowned. “Why not? You're wonderful.”

“...You really think so?”

“Now you're fishing for compliments.” Kakashi huffed, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. “Though I supposed I should indulge you, since you took care of me so well when I was drugged.”

“No, you would have done the same for me. Please, don't act like you owe me or something.”

“Fine.” Kakashi shrugged.

“Weren’t you… going to say anything?” Tenzou asked quietly. “About how you feel?”

“I don’t think so,” Kakashi admitted. “Is, huh, hard for me…”

“Being honest?”

“Yeah. It’s not that easy to change habits, you know.” Kakashi sighed. “Well, can we forget what happened?”

“No.” Tenzou smiled. He found it hard to believe that Kakashi really liked him, but the man just confirmed it. And called him wonderful. Tenzou wasn't going to waste his chance. “I made you a promise, after all.”

“You did?”

“I promised I would kiss you when we got back to Konoha,” Tenzou said. “Don’t tell me you forgot about that.”

Kakashi blushed. “I didn't.”

“Let's finish the food,” Tenzou suggested.

“Are you really that hungry?”

Tenzou looked at the food and then looked at Kakashi's face. There was something making him hungry there, and it wasn't the miso soup he brought.

“The food can wait,” he decided.