Kakashi looked up when he heard the soft cough; one of the guards on Iruka's door had stepped back outside, his expression carefully blank. "He's awake and he wants to see you."
Kakashi let out a soft sigh and rose. The last week had been hell; Iruka had been in and out of consciousness, and Ibiki had allowed the news to leak from the hospital that Iruka was dead. He'd remained at the hospital; they'd given him a room and he'd slept there, waiting for Iruka to come back. Too many people knew he and Iruka were hooked up. Too many people would be looking for him, to comfort, to question, to fulfill their own sick and shrill curiosity. It was better for him to stay here.
Kabuto was still loose. They'd lost him. The mere thought of him being out there, patiently waiting until he could get Iruka back, made Kakashi physically ill. He wouldn't let Iruka go again. He would protect him this time.
I swear…
Kakashi slid into the room hesitantly, his fingers nervously plucking at his scarf. Iruka was lying in bed, his normally tanned face pale and drawn. His eyes…god, his eyes. They were dull and empty, distant. Not Iruka's eyes. Feeling himself close to crying, Kakashi stumbled the rest of the way across the room and threw his arms around Iruka. He felt Iruka stiffen and hesitated, unsure, but Iruka's arms came up weakly to stop him from moving.
"Kashi…" Iruka whispered, and Kakashi broke, sobbing, climbing into the bed to curl around the younger man. They cried together; Iruka hadn't allowed himself to cry, yet. When it was over, they were both sore and tired, but something had healed in them. Smiling gently, Kakashi kissed Iruka and then cuddled his head into the younger man's chest, enjoying the slow, steady beating of Iruka's heart.
He must have fallen asleep; he was woken, gently, by the doctor, who was giving him a sympathetic smile. "I need to check on Iruka." He said softly.
Kakashi slid off Iruka gently. The tanned boy was asleep; Kakashi resisted the urge to gently brush his hand across Iruka's forehead and slumped into a chair, watching the doctor move slowly around and check some of Iruka's vitals on the machines. Kakashi caught a glimpse of the man's nametag. 'Dr. Orochimaru'.
"Iruka's doing very well." The man said, smiling. Something about his smile was starting to make Kakashi feel uneasy; it was too big, or too slick. He chalked it up to his normal dislike of doctors and tried to concentrate on the man's words. "He's responding well to treatment. He'll probably be ready to leave here in about a week."
Kakashi nodded, clearing his throat. "Thank you." he said hoarsely. The doctor paused, glancing at him, and raised his eyebrows.
"Do you need something? Something to help you sleep, maybe?" The doctor asked, moving to touch Kakashi's shoulder. Kakashi recoiled; he didn't know why, but he didn't want to be touched by the doctor. The man didn't seem to notice his reaction, or if he did, he made no response, simply staring at Kakashi.
Kakashi shook his head. "I'm fine." He said, a little insincerely. He hadn't been sleeping well, but…now that he knew Iruka was going to be alright, he would be fine.
The doctor nodded, and then walked out. Kakashi sighed and climbed back into the bed, carefully curling around Iruka's still-sleeping form. We'll figure this all out when we have to, Iruka. But I know…I'm not letting him get you again.
…
Orochimaru tapped his finger thoughtfully on his clipboard. So that's Iruka and Kakashi…
Kabuto was still at his apartment; Orochimaru had stabilized him and stitched his wounds, then drug the whole story out of his young lover. The parts about his activities hadn't bothered him; he'd taught Kabuto all he needed to know about that. But the part about Kabuto getting soft and telling Kakashi where Iruka was had surprised him. He wasn't sure he liked his Kabuto having a soft spot; he'd been sure there had been something going on. He'd been all set to 'accidentally' allow Iruka to die on the operating room table…
However…
Now that he'd seen Iruka, and seen the extent of his previous injuries, as well as received the full report from the police, he was starting to understand. Nothing going on, just…weakness, and everyone had a little of that in them.
Kabuto is mine, Orochimaru thought with a sigh.
So now he had to decide what to do all over again. Talking to the police was out of the question; not only would it put Kabuto in danger, it would put him in danger. And no matter what Iruka had been through, Orochimaru wasn't prepared to do that for anyone. Even Kabuto.
I can, however, put a trace on Mizuki. Orochimaru's eyes narrowed and he smiled. His money, combined with his contacts in the underbelly of society, would probably yield more results than the cop's search, even with Morino Ibiki in charge of the investigation.
And then I can slip them the information, clean and anonymously. It will be amusing to see Mizuki twist. And if they fuck it up, or if it threatens to get messy, then I can have the problem taken care of my way. But I should at least give them one more chance…
He smiled again and nodded. Problem solved
…
Genma sighed and punched Raidou in the arm. Not for any particular reason, just for the hell of it. Raidou grunted and gave him an irritated glare, then growled under his breath.
Genma laughed. He loved getting Rai all riled up. It usually led to more interesting activities…
There was a knock at the door, and Gen, grumbling, rose to answer it. To his surprise, the man standing on his stoop was none other than Hatake Kakashi. Feeling his eyebrows crawling up into his hairline, Genma silently stepped aside to allow the other man inside.
"Genma…" Kakashi hesitated when he saw Raidou, but sighed. "Look. I know we hardly know each other; we were on the same team, but…"
"Hey." Genma said, frowning. "It's ok. What's wrong?" The fact that something was wrong was clear; Kakashi's body was whip-cord taunt and his voice was brittle. Rai had caught it too, sitting up.
"Is this about…Iruka?" Rai asked suddenly, and Genma mentally kicked himself. Shit! That piece of gossip had been all over the campus; the star athlete and the nerdy frosh. But wasn't Iruka…
Oh. Shit.
"I need a place to crash." Kakashi said tersely. "Me and…fuck." He sighed. "Listen. I need you two to promise me that no matter what, this doesn't go beyond these walls."
"I promise." Genma said instantly, his curiosity peaking. As well as his conscious; Kakashi looked like shit, and although Genma really hardly knew him, he knew that he was a good guy. Just…private.
"Iruka's alive." Kakashi said. Genma gaped, Rai made a low, surprised sound. "He got tangled up in some bad shit, and his ex-boyfriend kidnapped, raped and drugged him. He got shot during the police raid; he's in the hospital. They're going to let him out, but we can't go back to either of our houses. He's still out there; the police missed him, and we think he'll come back for Iruka. It's dangerous, but…I need someplace. Can we crash here, at least for a couple of weeks, while Morino tries to arrange someplace better?"
"Of course you can stay." Raidou said, overriding Gen's indignant "Hell yes!"
Kakashi seemed a bit overwhelmed by their responses; his shoulders tightened. "This could be very dangerous…if Mi…if that bastard figures out where we're hiding…"
"Don't worry about us." Raidou said, standing. He looked suddenly dangerous. "My father was a Marine and my mother was a professional bodyguard; I know how to protect myself." Rai said, offering Kakashi a brief, cool smile. "And Gen's a monster in a fight; he's been through quite a bit. We can take care of ourselves."
"When will you be coming?" Genma asked, smiling at his lover. "I'll need to get some more food. You two can borrow clothes from me and Rai." He said firmly. "No sense in advertising that you're around by going home for stuff."
"Day after tomorrow." Kakashi said, his voice slow and hesitant. "I…"
"Don't." Genma sighed. "Shit. This is a horrible situation, and…hell. Kakashi, we're not really friends, but…you need help, and Iruka needs help, and we can provide. Don't thank us; if the situation is ever reversed, just remember this, ok?"
"Ok." Kakashi said, smiling now. "I'll see you in two days."
…
Iruka sat, his legs curled up under him, sipping tea and trying not to look as uncomfortable as he felt. Kakashi was gone; he and Raidou had gone upstairs to get the room ready. Genma was sprawled on the other couch, reading, his hand playing idly though his honey-blonde hair.
Iruka knew that Kakashi knew these people; he'd never met either of them in his life. He was wearing a borrowed pair of loose sweatpants and a t-shirt; he had nothing of his own here. It was disconcerting, to say the least. And the fact that, just by being here, he was putting them all into danger…
"Stop." The voice startled him; he glanced up from his tea to find Genma had turned on his side and was smiling at him. "I can tell you're brooding; it's clear from the way you're sitting. Don't. Just relax. We're fine. No one knows you're here. You're safe, and everything's going to be alright. Just make yourself at home. Rai and I are glad to have you here."
Iruka blushed; he couldn't help it. "But…" he protested softly, his eyes worried and tired.
"I said…don't." Genma slid off the couch. Iruka tried not to flinch as the man came close; he forced himself to hold still as Genma carefully brushed his fingers through Iruka's hair, and then placed a chaste kiss on his forehead. "Don't. We'll take care of you. Just relax."
"Why?" Iruka whispered his voice miserable. "you don't even know me…"
"Mah." Genma said, his voice and face suddenly grim. "Why shouldn't we? Iruka…I don't know the whole story, but what I've heard, and what Kakashi's let slip, makes me aware that you've been through some horrible things. A normal human being, someone who cares about their fellows, would help you. It's a normal reaction; the fact that you're sweet and kind and utterly adorable only helps." Iruka felt his blush deepening and Genma chuckled. "But I didn't mean to embarrass you. It's fine. Just calm down and accept it, ok?"
Iruka nodded and Genma pressed another kiss to his head, then rose. "C'mon. We should check on the boys…not that I distrust my Rai, but your Kakashi is incredibly good-looking; I believe in not dangling too much temptation in front of a person."
Iruka found himself giggling; rising, he sat his cup down and followed Genma up the stairs. Halfway there, they met Raidou, his lips compressed in laughter, heading down quickly. Giving Iruka a look, he grabbed Genma and pressed him against the wall.
"Your boyfriend is a pervert, Iruka." Raidou said calmly. "I think you should go punish him."
Iruka blushed hard, but slipped past the couple and headed to the top of the stairs. Kakashi was waiting, laughing, his face for once clear of worry or fear. "What…?" Iruka asked, but was forestalled by Kakashi's grab.
Flipping Iruka around, Kakashi eased them into bed, crawling up Iruka's body. "Raidou is a priss." Kakashi said, his voice filled with laughter. "One little perverted joke and he was running out of here like a blushing virgin…"
"Rai said I should…ah…" Iruka gasped as Kakashi's lips found a sensitive spot on his neck. "Should punish….mmm…punish you." Iruka squeaked.
"Ah." Kakashi grinned, then tilted his head up to give Iruka a wicked grin. "Punish away, oh sensei…."
Iruka froze for a moment, then suddenly smiled. He'd expected this to be…difficult. But Kakashi was not Mizuki, and Kakashi's touches didn't bring the sick, soul-deep loathing that Mizuki's touches had endangered. All he felt was the earnest desire to touch and be touched, to kiss and be kissed…
Grinning, he rolled them, trapping Kakashi beneath his body. "Behave, you bad boy." He growled. Kakashi gave him a startled look that quickly melted into appreciation….
…
The man beneath Kabuto's knife whimpered, but…
It wasn't the same whimper…
He growled and swiped the blade again, causing a splash of blood. But…
It wasn't the same blood…
He grew tired of playing and finally took the man, but…
It wasn't the same body…
It didn't smelltastesound like him….
It wasn't his Iruka…
When he was done, he finished the boy, then rose, wiping away the blood from his hands. Since he'd lost his Iruka, he'd tried to fill the aching void in his soul with pathetic substitutes. But none of them were Iruka. He was beginning to realize, too late, how much he'd grown accustomed to Iruka's body, his noises, his smell, the looks on his face, the feel of his passage around his cock…
I want my Iruka back…
He had no idea where the bastards had taken him. He'd thought, for a time, that he'd lost him entirely, but Ibiki had underestimated his contacts in the police force. So he knew that his Ruka was alive. But he didn't know where he was.
Kakashi had evidentially taken him somewhere. They'd disappeared entirely; Iruka had failed all his classes at the academy from lack of participation. No one had seen him forever. Kabuto was still alive; Mizuki had tried to pay him a visit, but he'd been protected, and Mizuki had backed off.
Bastard…
He sighed; this wasn't getting him anywhere. And the money was running out; he had expensive tastes, and he needed more money to continue to fill them. Not drugs; he wasn't that stupid. He refused to get hooked on the substance that made him rich. No, he craved expensive foods, wines, whores…
He turned away from the dead boy and got dressed. It was time to come out of hiding.
I'll find you, Iruka…
