Warlord

Chapter Thirty-Two

Asuma interrupted them to show off his new daughter. “Isn’t she beautiful.” he crooned as he nervously held out the small bundle for them to peruse.

“She’s perfect.” Iruka proclaimed, “You should be very proud general.”

“I am . . . and Kurenai was amazing.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it.” the warlord drawled, “I wish my men were that strong.” He chuckled at the sight of the tiny bundle in Asuma’s arms “Hi little one.” he said as he gently stroked her tiny cheek with his thumb, gasping in surprise at the strength of her grip when she latched onto his index finger. “You know you get to spend the rest of your life chasing the boys away.” He smirked at the shocked look on the general’s face.

“Just for that you two get to be her godparents . . . you can help me beat the boys off.” Asuma replied with a chuckle.

Iruka smiled at the picture the two made, the mighty warlord and his powerful general turned into piles of goo by a newborn baby. “You should go out and show your other guests the baby.” he said with a smile, “I think a number of them stuck around to make sure everything was alright.”

The scribe moved over to the bed, smiling widely at the woman laying there. “She’s beautiful Kurenai.”

“Thank you for everything Iruka.” she said with a smile, “I’m so glad you were here. I don’t know how to repay you.”

“Right now, you need to rest. Come Monday you and that little darling can come stay with me while our men head north.” The scribe smiled brightly, “It will be wonderful to have your company.”

“Come on ‘ruka.” the warlord husked, wrapping an arm around the scribe from behind and resting his chin on a strong shoulder, “Let me walk you home. ‘Night Kurenai, you were amazing. Sleep well, I’ll come visit before we leave.”

With that the warlord skillfully maneuvered the man in his arms through the main room, waving to the general as they exited the tent, stopping to breathe deeply of the cool night air. “So ‘ruka, where to?” he drawled, wrapping an arm around the smaller man’s waist and drawing him close.

“Uhhhh.” the scribe stammered, “I don’t know, the manor I guess . . . although I hate to show up in the middle of the night looking like this.” he gestured to his stained and rumpled clothing.

“Well,” Kakashi practically purred, “you could stay with me tonight. You could take a bath and then we could sleep together like we used to. I promise not to touch you . . . but I miss you in my bed ‘ruka.” he said in a heart-wrenchingly sad voice.

Iruka looked into haggard mismatched eyes, really seeing how worn the warlord appeared. “Alright,” he said softly, “I’ve missed you too.”

Kakashi’s lips turned up in a small sincere smile. “Thank you ‘ruka.” he said softly, placing a gentle kiss on the top of his head before turning toward his tent, his heart racing giddily at the thought of spending the night with his love in his arms.

In just a few minutes they were at their destination, Iruka’s mind whirling at the prospect of sharing a bed with the warlord. “You go get cleaned up,” Kakashi said when he felt the scribe tense, “I’ll find some things for you to put on.”

Iruka relaxed into the deep tub, slowly letting the tension seep out of his tired frame. It was mind boggling all that had occurred since he had woken that morning. He smiled when he thought of Kurenai’s beautiful little girl. The smile softened further when he thought of the kiss he had shared with the warlord after the birth.

He was startled out of his dreamy contemplation when the man in question appeared with some clothes in hand. “They’ll probably be a little big,” Kakashi stated hesitantly, “But they’re clean and dry.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine ‘kashi.” the scribe answered absently, not seeing the way the warlord’s face lit up at the use of his nickname. “I’ll be out in a few minutes . . . why don’t you make us a cup of tea while I finish up?”

“Alright ‘ruka.” the tall man said, bending down to brush his lips against Iruka’s cheek, “I’ll see you when you’re done.” He stood and headed to the kitchen, mind lost in memories of the scribe’s face contorted in pleasure in that same tub.

When Iruka emerged a short while later he found the warlord stretched out in bed with a mug in his hand. “Join me.” he entreated, patting the bed next to him, “Your tea’s on the table there.” he pointed to the night stand.

“This reminds me of the first night I spent with you.” the scribe said with a smile. “You patted the bed just like that to get me to lay down.”

“It worked,” Kakashi said with a shrug and a rakish lopsided grin, “why mess with success. Besides,” he continued with a chuckle, “I love that look you get, caught between scandalized and longing . . . you look beautiful like that.” he said sincerely.

“‘kashi,” the scribe said in a shocked tone of voice, waving his hand in dismissal, “I am not beautiful.”

“I disagree.” a low voice husked in his ear, “Right now, like this, you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Now come get in bed, I want to feel you in my arms as I fall asleep.” He tugged the blushing man into the bed, reaching over and pulling the covers up before handing him his mug of tea.

Kakashi nuzzled satiny chocolate strands, breathing deeply. “I love the way you smell.” he murmured before leaning in and capturing the scribe’s lips in a gentle kiss. He tentatively slid his tongue along the seam of Iruka’s lips, tempting him to open so a questing tongue could dip inside, smoothing carefully over plump lips before delving deeper, unable to get enough of the addicting flavor of his lover.

“Mmmmmm, you taste divine.” the warlord mumbled when they broke apart for air, nibbling along the line of Iruka’s scar before stealing another passionate kiss. “I could do this all day.”

“What happened to sleep?” the scribe asked with a smile.

“Changed my mind . . . I need kisses more.” Kakashi said with a deep chuckle, “After all, I can sleep out in the field . . . but I won’t be able to get any of your kisses.”

When they broke apart again the warlord noticed how Iruka’s eyes fluttered in exhaustion. He twisted them until they were spooned together, Kakashi’s long body curled protectively around the scribe, muscular arms tenderly cradling him as he once again buried his nose in soft strands, nuzzling a bronze neck.

“Sleep my love.” the warlord whispered as he watched Iruka’s eyes flutter shut, “I’ll keep you safe.” He tucked his head into his lover’s neck and shut his eyes, drifting into the first restful sleep he’d had in days.