Warlord

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Raidou stumbled into his tent dirty and exhausted, only to stop dead at the sight of a naked Kakashi sprawled out in his bed. He dropped to his knees next to the bed and grasped a pale hand in his, “Kakashi.” he called softly as he stroked a hand through soft silver strands, “Kakashi, wake up.”

“Hey ‘ruka, come to bed.” the warlord husked sleepily as he tugged on the hand holding his, “I’m lonely.”

Raidou didn’t stop for a second thought about what he was doing . . . hell, truth be told he didn’t give it a first thought. He slid into the bed, molding himself smoothly up against the warlord’s side and wrapping a burly arm around him before drifting into sleep.

Genma wasn’t in the mess, so the scribe reluctantly headed for Aoshi’s tent. “Hey Genma,” he called from outside, “it’s Iruka, I need to talk to you.” When there was no answer he hesitantly stuck his head through the flap, gasping in shock when his eyes were met by the sight of the courier wantonly thrusting into his tall friend as they kissed passionately. “Sorry.” he finally stuttered when he regained his composure and turned away.

“Iruka?” he heard the courier’s voice call as he dropped the flap.

“I’m so sorry Genma . . . I just needed to talk to you, I didn’t mean to intrude.” the scribe replied with a violent blush, “Never mind.”

“No, that’s okay.” the honey haired man replied, “Just hang on a minute.” Iruka could hear soft whispers from inside the tent and sounds of fabric rustling before the flap pulled back and Genma ushered him inside.

“I’m so sorry to bother you,” the scribe began, embarrassment obvious on his face, “But I didn’t know who else to talk to . . .’kashi’s asleep, he needs all the rest he can get.”

“Of course, any time.” the courier replied easily. “Would you like a drink?”

“No, I‘ll make it quick and get out of your way . . . I’m really sorry for disturbing you Aoshi.” the scribe said, dropping his gaze in embarrassment.

“You can disturb me anytime Iruka.” the tall man said with a leer, “You’re always welcome . . . right Gen?” He stroked long fingers up the scribe’s chest before settling on his shoulder and squeezing firmly. “You’re downright edible.” he purred, continuing to stroke and knead the tense shoulders, hoping to soothe the panic he seemed to have induced.

“Stop it Aoshi.” the courier said firmly, pulling his friend’s hands off the shocked scribe, “Iruka is Hatake’s. Period. No touching, unless you fancy losing one of your hands.”

The tall man pouted, eyes never leaving the scribe’s face. “Fine . . . I’m going back to bed then.” he finally said with a yawn, leaning over and capturing Genma’s mouth in a deep hard kiss. He broke away, pulling back slightly before turning and placing a tender kiss on Iruka’s lips, taking advantage of his shock to slip his tongue inside, pulling the startled man close and wrapping him in strong arms.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” the courier demanded angrily as he wrenched Aoshi away from Iruka, “Hell, what the fuck is wrong with me . . . why does every man I get involved with have the hots for someone else?” he wondered aloud as he steered the scribe out of the tent, deftly avoiding the tall man’s attempts to embrace him.

“Gen, wait . . . I didn’t mean it that way.” Aoshi implored, “Give me a chance to explain at least.”

“I don’t think so.” the courier replied slowly, “I seem to keep making the same mistakes . . . and it’s time for a change. I’ll come see you in a few days.” He shuffled dejectedly outside before turning to a worried Iruka, “What did you need to talk about?”

“Are you okay?” the scribe asked hesitantly, “I didn’t mean for this to happen Genma . . . I’m so sorry, I just didn’t know anyone else to go to.”

“It’s fine Iruka . . . I can’t blame you because I wasn’t what he really wanted.” the honey haired man said sadly, “Apparently I’m everyone’s favorite substitute . . . first Rai, now Aoshi . . . I wish I knew what I was doing wrong.”

“You aren’t doing anything wrong.” Iruka said soothingly, “I don’t know about Aoshi, but I know that General Namiashi cares about you . . . even if he does act like an idiot at times. I know he was worried about how he left the other day.” He then quickly filled the courier in on his encounter with Kabuto. When he finished he pinned Genma with worried eyes, “What should I do?” he fretted.

“You need to tell Hatake.” the courier insisted firmly, “I’ll go with you.” The two headed toward Raidou’s tent, hoping the information might improve Kakashi’s position.

When they reached the tent they didn’t bother knocking, lifting the flap and slipping inside quietly. Iruka hurried to the bed, intent on waking the warlord, only to stop short at the sight of his peacefully slumbering lover cradled in the general’s arms. “‘kashi?” he said uncertainly, fighting back the tears that were threatening to overflow.

“‘ruka?” he husked sleepily, rolling to face the man embracing him, “Is it morning already?” he asked with a yawn, cracking open his eyes only to stare in horror at the man in his bed. “What the hell are you doing here?” he bellowed, waking the slumbering general.

“Hey Kakashi.” he said sleepily, “I can explain . . .”

“There is no explanation for your being in my bed.” the warlord said grimly.

“It’s MY bed.” Raidou said nastily, “Why are YOU in it?”

“Because I had to come here and fix YOUR mistake.” Kakashi replied just as nastily, wrapping both hands around the general’s throat and squeezing hard. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“‘kashi stop.” Iruka cried in horror, rushing forward to pry pale hands from Raidou’s throat. “He’s your friend.”

“No . . . not anymore.” the warlord replied petulantly, “This was the last straw. Get the fuck out of my sight and stay there Namiashi. I don’t want you within ten feet of me.”

“I’m sorry.” the general wailed, “I didn’t DO anything . . . I was tired and you pulled me into the bed.”

“I most certainly DID NOT.” Kakashi roared, “I would NEVER do that.” he turned imploring eyes on the tearful scribe, “‘ruka I would never do that . . . I never want to hurt you, you have to believe me.”

“You don’t need me here anymore Iruka.” Genma interjected in a tight voice, “I’m gonna go home and get some sleep.”

“Gen, wait.” Raidou began, reaching out to snag the courier’s arm, “I’m sorry for the way I left.”

“Sure . . .” he replied bitterly, “Seems like you spend a lot of your time being sorry. See ya around Rai.” He turned and strode out into the night, leaving the general gaping after him.

“I have news for you.” Iruka said softly as he perched on the edge of the bed and stroked the warlord’s arm, comforting them both with the touch. “I ran into Kabuto . . . he’s involved with Itachi.” Before he could continue the tent flap was thrown back and Asuma came storming in.

“Thanks for waiting for me dick head.” he hissed to Raidou before addressing the warlord. “I came to offer my support.” he said simply, bowing his head and waiting for Kakashi’s response.

“No thank you.” the lanky man replied, “Go home to your wife Sarutobi, I have everything under control.”

“‘kashi . . .” Iruka began, but he was cut off.

“No ‘ruka . . . I will handle this.” with that he turned his back on them all and pretended to go back to sleep, refusing to extend what was, to him, a pointless argument.

Iruka quickly hustled the generals out of the tent. “I’m sorry Raidou.” he said apologetically, “I wasn’t expecting you back . . . I feel terrible turning you out of you tent.”

“It’s okay . . . it’s not your fault.” the general replied dejectedly. The scribe hurriedly filled them in on what he had learned from Jiraiya and Kabuto.

“So . . . you’ll be there in the morning?” he asked worriedly.

“Whatever he may believe, we are loyal to Hatake.” Asuma replied seriously, “We’ll be there.”

“Thank you . . . he doesn’t seem to realize how weak he really is.” Iruka said, worry apparent in his face.

“Everything will be fine.” Asuma soothed, “We’ll see you in the morning.”