"You get philosophical at the weirdest moments," Kakashi said tightly, focusing on finding his balance and keeping it. Ryouma might have lost more than his fair share of weight in the last week--enough to make his ribs feel like a set of knuckles against Kakashi's spine--but he still outweighed the copy-nin by at least ten pounds, and ten pounds was a lot when it was all lying heavily on red raw flesh.

But Ryouma had done something; a sensation almost like a cool hand sheathed in metal glided down Kakashi's back, soothing painful scrapes. He shivered at the electric tingle of unmolded chakra working its way over his skin, doing the job of a much-appreciated icepack.

"Thanks," he grunted, impressed despite himself--where had Ryouma gotten the energy to do that? Especially now that the other man was on his back, Kakashi could feel him shaking. He forced himself to stop paying attention and get moving; there were twelve steps to a flight, and only three flights down. Thirty-six steps. He could do that in his sleep.

Do them in fours, he told himself, and tightened his grip beneath Ryouma's knees, holding the older man firmly on. Then he stepped off.

Eight steps later, he was half-ready to go back to that hair dragging option. He yanked up some willpower and made himself keep going. The possessive fury from a moment ago helped now; Ryouma was his, dammit, which meant Kakashi had to do this right.

"Family's for civilians and clans," he rasped, speaking to keep them both distracted. "You an' me, we don't need it. Better off without it..."

He made it to the first landing and turned unsteadily, catching his hip against the banister. Sweat stung between his shoulders. He could feel Ryouma's heartbeat thudding against his left scapula.

"Except for my dogs," he added, staggering down the next set of four. He paused to catch his breath, ribcage shuddering. "I like my dogs. They make better family. We should get you a puppy, I think."