Warlord

A/N- I want to thank everyone for reading (and continuing to read) . . . your interest and comments keep me inspired!!

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Raidou studied the man in front of him critically. “Iruka you need to eat, you’ve lost a lot of weight.”

“I can’t leave him . . . what if something happens?” the scribe said worriedly, “Besides, I’m really not hungry.”

“You’re never hungry. You haven’t been sleeping either . . . you won’t be any help to Kakashi if you get sick.” the general prodded, “It’s been two weeks, and you need a break. Come on, Genma’s cooking . . . we’ll have you back in an hour.” Raidou turned a deaf ear on the scribe’s protests and towed him across camp to his tent, calling out to his lover as they entered.

“I’m back Gen, and I brought Iruka.” he said with triumph.

“Wonderful.” the courier called from the kitchen, “Sit down I’ll be right in with food.” A few moments later he appeared, plates in hand, and moved to deposit them on the table. “Iruka, I’m so glad you could join us.” he said sincerely, “I hope you like tempura.”

“That sounds wonderful Genma.” the scribe replied, smiling for the first time in weeks. “Thank you so much for having me.”

“You’re always welcome Iruka.” Raidou replied, “I just wish I had dragged you away before this.”

“I know I need to take better care of myself,” the scribe said softly, “but I’m so afraid something will happen the moment I leave. I’ve never been very good at waiting.” he admitted wryly.

“Well, just sit down and try to enjoy at least one meal.” Genma said kindly, “The medic will come get you if anything changes.”

The trio sat down to eat, the scribe appreciating the effort they were exerting to lift his spirits. He studied Raidou intently. It can’t be easy for the general, he thought, ‘kashi is important to him too. “General,” he said hesitantly, “you know you’re welcome to come visit whenever you like. I’ll take a break and give you some privacy if that’s the problem.”

“That’s very kind of you Iruka.” he replied easily, “And I’d love to come visit . . . but I won’t need any privacy.” he reached out and squeezed Genma’s hand reassuringly.

They soon finished eating and the scribe excused himself, hurrying back to the warlord’s side. He dismissed the obviously bored medic and settled in for his nighttime vigil, softly recounting the evening’s events. “Night ‘kashi-love . . . come back to me soon.” he said sadly as he bent to kiss a pale cheek before settling into his usual chair, Kakashi’s hand firmly clasped in his as he hummed a lilting melody, letting his thoughts wander freely.

At some point the scribe’s eyes slipped shut and his breathing slowed as he lost his battle to stay awake, his head falling onto the bed next to their clasped hands. He jumped when a husky whisper of his name broke the silence, his head snapping upright to see mismatched eyes fluttering as the warlord struggled to open them.

“‘ruka.” he rasped, “What happened?”

“You were caught in a rock slide with General Sarutobi. He’s been sent home to recover with Kurenai and the baby. You . . .” tears slid down Iruka’s face as he struggled to continue, “you were much more badly injured, you’ve been unconscious for over two weeks. I was afraid you’d never wake up . . . I’m so, so sorry ‘kashi. I hurt you so much, but believe me when I say I didn’t mean to. I swear I’ll never leave you again.”

“Love you.” the warlord mumbled, “Get up?”

“No, don’t try to get up.” the scribe laughed through his tears, “Let me go fetch a medic.” He started to pull away but Kakashi grabbed his hand and held it tightly.

“Tomorrow?” he whispered hopefully, turning mismatched eyes on Iruka, “Please?”

“I don’t know,” the scribe said slowly, “I think you need to be checked out now that you’re finally conscious . . . but I guess it can wait until morning.”

The warlord broke out in a broad smile, patting the bed beside him “Come on.” he said, “Get in.”

“I haven’t been sleeping with you because of your injuries . . . I wouldn’t want to cause you more pain.”

“Need you ‘ruka . . . please.” Kakashi pleaded, throwing in his best puppy dog eyes.

“Alright . . .” he agreed after much hesitation, “but you have to let me know if anything hurts.”

“You won’t hurt me.” the warlord replied confidently, closing his eyes in bliss as Iruka slid under the covers. He winced slightly when the bed dipped, but quickly hid it, relaxing when the scribe was finally settled, gently nestled up against his side with an arm draped lightly across his chest.

Iruka lifted his head and placed a soft kiss on pale lips, startled when Kakashi’s hand snaked into chocolate strands, pinning him in place and deepening the kiss. The warlord groaned when their tongues clashed, desperate to never let this moment end even as he felt sleep pulling heavily at him. “Mmmmmmm,” he hummed when the kiss gentled, “Don’t leave me.” he panted when they broke apart, “Please.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” the scribe replied with a brilliant smile, “At least, not until I go fetch the medic in the morning. Now, you need to rest . . . you’re still healing.”

“Yes ‘ruka,” the warlord slurred sleepily, “love you.” he finished with a mighty yawn before dropping into a deep restful sleep.

Iruka sent up a silent prayer of thanks as he gingerly snuggled into the sleeping form, almost immediately falling into the first real sleep he’d had in weeks.

“Asuma.” Kurenai called from down the hall.

“Yes dear,” the general answered dutifully, “what is it.”

“Why haven’t we heard anything about how Kakashi’s doing?” the dark haired woman asked petulantly, “I understand Iruka’s too busy to write . . . but you’re a general for god’s sake, you’d think they’d keep you informed.”

“They’re on the border sweetheart.” he replied with a smirk, “They have more to worry about than keeping an injured man miles from the front up to speed.”

“Well, I’m worried.” Kurenai proclaimed decisively, “How can we find out?”

“If it will make you feel better why don’t I go get some news for us?” Asuma suggested.

“Why, is there someone in town you can ask?” his wife asked, wrinkling her nose in puzzlement.

“No, I thought I could ride back to camp and check in . . .” he trailed off at the deadly look she sent him, “I mean . . . I can’t walk but I can ride. Raidou would probably welcome someone to talk things over with.”

“You are injured.” Kurenai said slowly, “You are on medical leave. They sent you AWAY from the front . . . remember?”

“So I could recuperate . . . and I am. I have a broken leg, it’s not life threatening, and I’ll be back in less than a week.” he told her firmly.

“You better be.” Kurenai said, shaking her head, still not convinced this was a good idea.