#bull.

Norwegian flag with centered cross and American flag in the canton. The flag belonged to violinist Ole Bull. The US flag has 30 stars (1848-1851)

Kakashi had commandeered his bed again--The small boon this time being that he hadn’t bled all over Yasu’s sheets but honestly dealing with head trauma almost made him wish it had been a simple stab wound. It was amazing at times, the wounds that had never truly occurred to him as being terribly serious back in Konoha could be utterly devastating without hospital grade technology. If Kakashi had gotten to him any later...well, Yasu did his best not to think too hard on what-ifs about Kakashi, he had enough on his plate as is in that regard.

He sighed as he leaned against said bed because he couldn’t just leave Kakashi, the young man needed at least three more hours of observation before he was completely out of the woods. He’d been camped out on the floor for the past hour, once he was sure Kakashi was as good as he’d ever be Yasu could finally get some rest. Whether he’d simply yank a quilt from his closet or actually get up and make his way to the guest bedroom to sleep depended entirely on how exhausting dealing with a semi-conscious missing-nin ended up being--Yasu wasn’t making any bets on the guest bed.

“Boss, hey Boss, eyes open.”

The yip and shuffle of sheets reminded Yasu of his other guests. Barely able to wedge the lot up with Kakashi lay his dogs in a protective cocoon. Bull sat forlornly on the ground, too big to fit with the rest of his pack but rested his head on the bed next to Kakashi’s hand. Pakkun had taken charge, as always, and was placing a gentle but firm paw on Kakashi’s cheek to rouse him from his momentary lapse into dreamland.

Yasu took that as his cue to push himself up and fumble around in his pockets for his penlight before leaning over the pile of dogs so he could get a better look at the man beneath them. “Okay, check-up time, I’ll take it from here, Pakkun. Thank you.” The little pug grumbled but carefully fit himself into the crook of Kakashi’s neck who grumbled unintelligible something himself.

“Alright, Hatake, I’m going to need you to open your eye--No, right eye first, that sharingan reacts no matter what ridiculous condition the rest of your head is in.” That had been a startling discovery a few weeks back, wonder of the sharingan and whatnot, he supposed. As he examined Kakashi for the third time that evening he quietly narrated all of his movement and tasks. It had always put ninja more at ease, to know exactly what, why, and how everything was done to them. He’d picked it up from his grandmother, of all people, a pediatric surgeon and a civilian one at that. Ninja were a bit skittish like nervous children, he supposed, and Kakashi was practically a child in Yasu’s eyes despite the fact he was an adult in the eyes of ninja and civilian law.

“Alright, you’re definitely looking better, so that’s good progress. Do you have any questions? Need water? I can’t have you eating yet, but as soon as I think you’ll be able to hold down food I’ll fix up something simple for you.” Yasu rambled a bit, hands delicately carding through Kakashi’s hair--It was to double check his bandage, Yasu told himself as he seamlessly transitioned the motion into gently replacing the cold compress on his forehead.

Kakashi groused for a moment, squinting between Pakkun and Yasu, as if unsure who his question was directed towards. “C’n I sleep?”

Yasu huffed a small laugh as every dog capable of speech simultaneously gave a firm but quiet “No.” Even Bull released a light whuff and gave Kakashi’s hand a warning nip. Not enough to break skin, or likely even hurt but certainly enough to stave off drowsiness.

“Well, they make a compelling argument, Kakashi so I’m afraid you’ll have to stay awake for a little bit longer, alright?” Yasu patted the little bit of dogless space on Kakashi that wasn’t injured, an elbow looped around Shiba’s neck. With a light yawn, he slid back down the side of the bed, back to his vigil. He could feel himself nodding off and frowned, that wouldn’t do at all. Then, as if summoned by the medic’s thoughts Yasu felt a heavy weight against his side jarring him out of his daze. Yasu had to muffle another laugh, if it was too loud he could overstimulate Kakashi’s already sensitive ears when Bull layed both paws and his head across Yasu’s lap.